Double Jeopardy is the first book in Alan Bayles’ Mirror Wars series and this science fiction thriller is one book you’re not going to want to miss. What if your reflection was watching you? What if it was plotting to take life as you know it away from you? What would you do? Would you fight? This thrilling novel asks these very questions and digs deeper as the characters find themselves plagued with a danger that threatens everything they know.

Double Jeopardy is the first book that I have read by this author, and I am already eager for book two. I have to know what happens next! This book is written in the third person and doesn’t focus on just one character. You get a nice variety of characters who guide you through the story and keep you on the edge of your seat. Take note that this book is written in British English, so there will be noticeable differences in wordage usage and spelling.

The prologue is set in the past and is quick to grab my attention and hold me riveted to the story. Setting the stage with intrigue, mystery, and danger. The author plucks some familiar names from that particular time period to amplify the dangers of the situation being painted upon the pages. The specific time period focused on, the faked death of a character, and the secrecy surrounding everything transpiring is gripping. At the end of this first chapter, I literally had tears in my eyes. The prologue honestly promises to grab you by the eyeballs and drag you into the book. Once you start you’re not going to want to put it down.

As this book shifts forward to the present day it seems to move forward innocently enough. Do not believe it. Don’t be lulled into the false sense of security and calm the author wants to lure you into! Don’t do it! I fell for that trick and by the end of the chapter my jaw was literally on the floor, my eyes were bugging out of my head, and I was in pure shock. If you’re guessing that I immediately dove right back in to find out what exactly is going on, you’d be 100% correct!

While this book is packed with mystery, danger, and other dark elements, I appreciate that the author sprinkles in humor to lighten the mood a little. Don’t worry. It’s not lightened too much, but just enough to keep the story from sinking into impenetrable darkness where no light can ever penetrate.

Page by page the author builds scenes of calm and then moves in to smack you in the face with danger and drama. The twists keep you on edge as you just don’t know what is going to happen next.

When I first started reading this book and Inspector Barnes was introduced I was so sure that the story was going to focus on him. So, you can imagine my surprise when the author takes a different tract. I was literally thinking “Wait! Where are we going?? Barnes is over there…” I can imagine the author shushing me and telling me simply “Just pay attention. You’re not going to want to miss this upcoming twist.” Inspector Dave Barnes is one of the main characters of this novel, but the author keeps things interesting with the variety of characters the author allows to shine when Inspector Barnes is off doing other things. It all connects to create an intriguing story as Barnes and his fellow officers work the case to figure out who or what committed these heinous crimes. There is one character that I quickly begin to question not just their motives, but who it is that they are working for. How are they connected to what is going on? What do they know? My eagerness for answers drives me to continue reading.

Trust me when I say that this book is packed with mystery, intrigue, and edge-of-your-seat thrills. My eyes are probably going to need to be checked with as many times they bugged out of my head reading this book. There are particular scenes that are dark on their own, but the author doesn’t stop with the expected. No, the author takes things a step further with the full intent of leaving readers horrified and shaken. Being a fan of horror – I absolutely LOVED it! I love it when an author keeps me on my toes and takes me down the road of the unexpected.

My favorite line of the story – “He is like a tornado; whenever he appears people just clear out of his way!” This line literally made me snicker. But it honestly makes it more understandable as to why this particular character is unlikable. I mean, honestly, who wants to be in the path of a tornado? Especially one that has a habit of looking down on people in a condescending way?

One of my favorite things about this book, besides the thriller/horror aspect is the characters. You can easily envision these characters being real. You can almost envision going to the place where they live and being able to interact with them as they come together to find answers to this horrific tragedy that seemingly has no end. I feel nothing but empathy for Inspector Barnes when he has to deal with one particular character. I’m pretty sure I pursed my lips so hard I looked like I had been sucking a lemon for an hour I was so irritated with that man. LOL! I want to complain about this particular character’s tactics in the handling of things, but once again the author has a method to their madness and the explanation comes along in its due course.

The overall storyline is well done, but when it gets around the middle of the book things get a bit rushed and jumbled. The characters feel a bit off-kilter especially when it comes to their reactions. It feels like they are being pushed in a less natural direction in how one would expect to react in certain situations. When a couple characters start talking about their favorite subject things go off the rails a bit. It becomes a bit hard to follow what they are talking about. They seem to become a bit all over the place. But once that patch is passed things smooth out and the story goes back to flowing along nicely. I will say this – there is politics mixed into this story. Not everyone will like it as some will view it as the author taking an opportunity to voice their personal biases into the story. I’ll admit that I thought this to an extent and wasn’t too keen on it, but it serves a purpose. The mention of politics hints at a particular individual in specific I mean. Since it’s mentioned in passing and not overly focused on I’m willing to let it slide as it’s one small piece in a bigger picture. I’d recommend that next time though the author pick more than just one “unfavorable” individual to speak of and not just one they might personally hold a targeted dislike towards.

Overall this book takes things in a direction I had no way of seeing coming. I at one point began to wonder – where exactly are things going? Who’s really in charge? Patience. These questions will be answered, and it comes in a form I didn’t see coming – not by many miles. If you’re not a fan of cliffhangers, you’re going to be a bit annoyed with this book. Sorry, but there is a cliffhanger and I’m here for it. But regardless I’m willing to bet that the ending is going to send a shiver up your spine. Cue sinister smile. LOL! The author’s attention to detail, the mystery, and the drama make this sci-fi conspiracy thriller novel a must-read if you’re a fan of the genre.

Pros:

• Page-turner of a novel
• Lots of intrigue and mystery
• Edge of your seat thriller
• Observant characters throughout, not just the police officers.
• The twists!! THE TWISTS!!!!

Cons:

• Drive to push two characters together romantically is rushed. While things do back off, the initial push is really unnecessary.
• Having characters react in a way opposite way to what they normally would have reacted. The scene would have played out better with more natural/realistic reactions.

Lesson of the book: Don’t doubt your instincts, always stay alert, and beware mirrors. Trusting your instincts just might save your life.

Cover Score: 8.9

Book Score: 8.9

Get your copy at: Amazon UK

This amazing review was written by Bunny.

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