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Double Take

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Dawson Freeman led a simple, small town life. He was beginning his career as a police officer in his hometown when tragedy struck and his sister was murdered….

10 years later Dawson is still chasing a murderer who disappeared without a trace but a call at 3 am changes all that.

Now Dawson is in a race for his life and the people around him trying to stop a psychotic killer hell bent on destroying him. Then just when he thinks he is on the right path a blast from his past comes back in the form of the sexy bombshell Sam.

Will Dawson be able to keep the people he loves safe or will a murderer slip through the cracks once again?

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2016

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Allie Redman

3 books9 followers

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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for iamnotabookworm.
402 reviews16 followers
October 20, 2016
I saw the author's post in Twitter asking if anyone wanted to read and review her book. I replied to her tweet and wa-la! I got an ARC. Thank you Allie Redman.

This is the first of The Serial Killer Unit series. FBI Agent Dawson Freeman was forced to return to his hometown to solve a double murder. This murder has the same MO as the double murder that happened ten years ago. It seems that the killer is connected to him and only Dawson can solve the case. Going back to his hometown reminds him of the tragedy that befell his family and revisit old wounds that were never healed. Will Dawson find the killer before he gets to him first?

This is a fast-paced chase. This was like my favorite TV series Criminal Minds only I am reading it instead of watching. The events were rapid-fire. I didn't realize I was holding my breath until I heard myself exhale deeply. It felt like I was also physically drained following through all the things Dawson had to do in order to catch up with the killer. It seemed like Dawson will always be many steps behind him. And the whole time I was thinking that surely, the killer would be in one of his circle. Thank God, he wasn't. And I never in any way could figure out who the killer was. Like the Dawson and the rest of his friends, there was absolutely no clear clue as to the identity of the killer. The clues given were pretty generic. No wonder Dawson was having a hard time figuring it out. Just like in the TV series, the one thing the lead to the identity of the unsub (Unknown Subject, FBI term for suspect used in Criminal Minds) was the time difference between the first murder and the next one. I thought that was really a very useful clue. But that alone would not have pointed out the killer. Thanks to all the very helpful friends of Dawson who joined to crack the case. I love that his friends have all very interesting personalities that add more color to the story.

One other thing that I love about the book is the adding of the kid characters. They were so cute and smart. They at least lighten the seriousness of the story. Children really give off light and that was what exactly portrayed here.

There were also life quotes featured from other authors like Lao Tzu and Paulo Coelho. It was my first time to hear this quote and is my favorite. I think it's going to be my strength-infusing mantra in times when my confidence and courage falters. It somehow successfully described my life in one sentence. I feel teary-eyed just reading this line.

I am full of wounds and still standing on my feet.
- Nikos Kazantzakis -

I was absolutely high on this story even though it felt like my heart was going to burst out of my chest. I am a big fan of mystery, suspense and thriller stories. It's been a while since the last one I read. The only thing I did not like about it were the cheesy love declarations and promises between Dawson and Sam. I think they were overdone. I mean, I get it. They love each other and would do anything to stay together in spite of danger and death lurking near but it was way too much. I understand that they should have been together like more than ten years ago but they were just too mushy.This was a mystery story, right?

I give the book four knives. I would love to read the succeeding books in the series.
Profile Image for Sheena.
977 reviews25 followers
April 2, 2017
This was a dark, romantic thriller with an intriguing and original plot full of suspense as well as a fair amount of graphic violence, so be warned..... in the format of a whodunnit murder mystery it was fast paced throughout, and kept it's secrets hidden away right up until the final reveal at the end.......

Told from the male antagonist's point of view the narrative incorporated his reflections on events that occurred ten years previously as well as the current state of play...the characters were believable but at times I felt the interactions between them were slightly stilted and unrealistic particularly between the male characters who spent a lot of time threatening each other or conversely bromancing; this was a shame because in fact the group of guys have really interesting back stories and I can easily see how they can be incorporated into future instalments in the series..

The two main characters were great together and their sexual chemistry suitably steamy but they frustrated me for two reasons firstly because they were frequently vocal about their romantic feelings for each other and it didn't seem genuine.. and secondly they seemed to pick the most inappropriate moments to get down and dirty...I felt like saying ok I get it you love each other and the sex is great but now is not the time for this ...there is a serial killer to catch...

I thought this was an engrossing and somewhat unnerving thriller and although there were flaws in the characterisation I loved the group of investigators and friends that has been developed and I am looking forward to reading more about them in future books in this series....This book was reviewed for Summer's Eve Reads...
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews165 followers
April 4, 2017
Dawson Freeman was happily leading a simple life as a police officer in his hometown when tragedy struck his family. It shook up his world when his sister is murdered in a very gruesome way. He becomes obsessed with catching the person who did it, but he's lived a life of solitude for 10 years when a call at 3 am changes it all up. He finds himself going home to find the psychotic killer who is baiting him by trying to destroy everyone he loves. HOLY HELL BATMAN! This book took me on the craziest ride of my life, and I didn't want to get off. I stayed on the edge of my seat, while my heart raced cover to cover. The diabolically brilliant Allie Redman held me hostage, and I felt like I was trying to chase down the killer myself. Twists and turns came out of every direction, and when I couldn't untangle them, I just dropped f-bombs loudly instead. In between all of the high octane intensity, fiery flames of sexy scene goodness gave me a breather while destroying my drawers. WHAT A GREAT START to what is shaping up to be an EXPLOSIVE series that I'm fully committed to as I'm completely hooked! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Brandy.
81 reviews9 followers
March 20, 2017

Double Take By Allie Redman

Within pages of the first chapter, I was captured by Allie Redman's Double Take! I had to know what would happen next! The lead character, Dawson, (and later his team of colleagues and friends) was interesting and well developed. Most of all, he was driven to discover the truth behind the gruesome murders about which the book began. It was Dawson's sister, after all, where it began.
Several years later, a murder that's a serial to the first, pulls Dawson back into the investigation and to his home town. The killer stays just steps ahead of Dawson and his team at every turn and more people continue to die. After a stroke of genius, and a bit of luck, Dawson catches a break, and narrows his hunt. The ending came as a total surprise!
Most detective books I read, I can decipher the ending as well as twists along the way. This was not the case with Author, Allie Redman's Double Take. I was on the edge of my seat and even held my breath at times. Each revelation, was a surprise. She did a fantastic job with the storyline of this book!
On top of the masterful mystery, there is a bit of romance between a few characters and even some insta-love. Some romantic scenes, and some graphic details of those are also peppered throughout.
I'll mention situations that may be triggering: graphic portrayals of violence and sexual violence, murders with gore and description of blood at the scene, terrorizing messages and abuse, and torture.
I read an ARC copy of this book and found some errors and a few issues in timing and content. After contacting the author, I was advised there had been further editing and another copy of the book had been released. While I have not read that copy, I am hopeful it only makes this book better than it was.
I enjoyed this book--from finding myself holding my breath to reading faster and faster to catch a killer! Allie Redman was a new author for me but I am looking forward to reading more of her work!

October 18, 2017
Double Take tells the tale of a small town being terrorized by a serial killer. As a rookie, Dawson Freeman walks into his first murder, only to discover his sister and her best friend were the victims. Unable to walk away from the case or the failure and guilt he feels, Dawson instead lets the cold case consume his life for the next ten years, cutting off those he cares about most.

Flash forward ten years when a middle of the night call brings Dawson back to the small town he left behind to chase a killer . . . It seems, however, that the serial killer has upped his game this round and has targeted those Dawson loves.

While back in his home town, Dawson begins to realize just how much he has been missing the past decade. Friends and family rally around him to beat the killer at his own game before he strikes again. Dawson also reconnects with an old high school crush . . . quickly realizing that there is more to life than he has been living.

If you are a fan of serial killer / thriller / suspense, this is a great story line that will keep you guessing until the very end of the book. Watching Dawson and his team track the killer is a great mind game. It was also enjoyable watching Dawson grow emotionally when he realizes there is more to life that his sister’s murder case. That being said, I feel the need to add that this book needs a good dose of editing. There are a lot of issues with incorrect word usage, tense and grammar. I found it distracting as it pulled me out of what is an interesting plot.

3.5 stars
Profile Image for Melissa J (Book Addicts Reviews).
1,080 reviews90 followers
March 26, 2017
4.5 I did not see that coming stars!!! What a kick ass debut novel!!

This book can be read as a stand alone but is the first book of the "Serial Killer Unit Series".

This book had me HOOKED from the very first page!! I forgot how much I love a good thriller. This book is basically about a serial killer set in a small town and the hero FBI agent, Dawson, from said town who is on a mission to hunt the killer down. Except in the hunt people Dawson cares about are dying. Can he find the killer before everyone he loves is dead?!?!

First off I love books that take place in small towns!! This group of people who become friends is fantastic. I love them all. In my head it kind of reminded me of the show "Criminal Minds". Faith totally gives me the Penelope Garcia vibe. Anyway, this book also has a little romance twisted in there. My only problem is that it was like insta love and that threw me a little. Literally they were saying let's take it slow and then two paragraphs later they love each other and are getting it on. But with that said the rest of this book was PERFECT!! I can guarantee you will have no clue who the killer is until the end of the book. I usually see these things coming but nope not with this one.

**I received this book as a review copy and in return gave my honest review**
Profile Image for Brandy Roberts.
2,082 reviews60 followers
March 27, 2017
The blurb really drew me in I loved the mystery about it and the unpredictability about Double take you go with thinking one thing but them something happens to were you second guess yourself . My heart hurt for Dawson what he goes through is truly heartbreaking . If you are a fan of serial killer , thriller ,suspense, this is a great story line that will keep you guessing until the very end of the book it is also this kind of story isn't like something I am reading so it was different change of pace .
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
darkness level =8 enjoyment = 8 story line =9
character development = 9
cover = 8 stars = 4 author = 8
would I recommend this book =yes
would I re read this book = yes
would I read future books by this author = yes
Profile Image for Liliyana Shadowlyn.
2,772 reviews88 followers
March 31, 2017
Sometimes the past comes back to haunt you in ways you never expected. Luckily for Dawson Freeman, he has a special family all his own waiting to support and love him when his comes crashing through his front door. Prepare to fall in love with the people who have adopted Dawson into their family, and who he reluctantly adopts into his as they work together to find the monster from his past who has suddenly appeared again. Thrilling and inspirational, Double Take is a reminder that even in the darkest times, family can get you through.

Received for review
Profile Image for Denise.
4,123 reviews12 followers
April 7, 2017
This is the first time in reading this author with the description drawing me in. I am a sucker for novels that have killing that keeps you on edge with characters rushing to find the one. This centers around Shane and Macy whom think they are going in one direction but life will cause it to be changed. Secrets also find a way to surface with this one being so much a edge read. As you can know these kinds will keep you glued wanting to be the first to know. Sooner or later though there is that bam. They do not do this alone mind you because there are other characters that will have you twisted also. After keeping us on high octane she does have a bit of mercy at the end giving us a special ending.
Profile Image for Trish R. Ali.
703 reviews18 followers
April 7, 2017
Almost unreadable due to numerous typos, wrongly use of words, bad formatting and plain wonky English. The premise of the book is decent enough although sometimes I find that the characters still behaved like they are in highschool and not FBI agents. I guess since this is the author's first book, I'll give her a pass. I might get into the 2nd book if I have nothing else to read.
Profile Image for Tam.
2,025 reviews46 followers
March 16, 2017
This is an extremely well-written psychological thriller. The characters are vivid, complex, intense, edgy and jump right off the page. The plot is a fast-paced thrill ride that keeps you hanging on for dear life until the very end. There is a nice balance of suspense and romance that blend perfectly to hold your attention.

I was, however, a bit distracted by all of the errors in grammar and the many broken "rules of proper English". And, that is why I did not give this a full 5 stars.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, honest and unbiased review, should I choose to do so.
Profile Image for Stephanie (Between the Coverz).
578 reviews6 followers
March 4, 2017
A fast paced thrilling suspense with a touch of romance!

The suspense and action throughout the book held my attention from start to finish. It is a typical crime story with drama, action, and violence however it is mixed with a touch of romance that adds to the story. If you like shows like Criminal Minds or Law and Order, then you will enjoy this book too.

The characters were connectable and were real. They had real emotions and real issues that normal people would have. The book was well written and flowed from beginning to end. Being a suspense, I enjoy not being able to figure out who the killer/bad guy is until right at the end. Allie Redman did a fantastic job of keeping you guessing. Just when you think you know who it is, you will second guess yourself.

This was my first book by Allie Redman and I was not disappointed at all. I am looking forward to the next book and to see what else this author can do. I recommend Allie Redman to anyone that enjoys a face paced suspense with a touch of romance thrown in the mix.
Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,814 reviews165 followers
October 31, 2016
This is a very good read and one I really enjoyed. It's a crime series containing blood, violence, laughter and love. The way the author writes is good and the reader is kept guessing all the way. The chapters are exciting and you can't help but wanting to continue reading. It was a story that I looked forward to reading when it was my reading time. I really enjoy crime books and this one was really good. The suspense, the anticipation really held my attention and at no point was the story obvious in any way to me.

In this book we meet Dawson, a FBI agent whose sister was brutally murdered 10 years ago. Now it seems the killer is back and hell bent on destroying everyone involved with Dawson. Coming back to his home town for the serial killer, he also meets up with Sam, the sexy girl he went to school with, who is now a sexy woman.

We also meet other characters of importance and together they all work to track down the killer.

I'm book two, which is coming soon; we get the story of Shane and Macy, who we meet in this book. I cannot wait to read their story.
Profile Image for Nicola.
862 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2017
This is a very good read and one I really enjoyed. It's a crime series containing blood, violence, laughter and love. The way the author writes is good and the reader is kept guessing all the way. The chapters are exciting and you can't help but wanting to continue reading. It was a story that I looked forward to reading when it was my reading time. I really enjoy crime books and this one was really good. The suspense, the anticipation really held my attention and at no point was the story obvious in any way to me.

In this book we meet Dawson, a FBI agent whose sister was brutally murdered 10 years ago. Now it seems the killer is back and hell bent on destroying everyone involved with Dawson. Coming back to his home town for the serial killer, he also meets up with Sam, the sexy girl he went to school with, who is now a sexy woman.

We also meet other characters of importance and together they all work to track down the killer.

I'm book two, which is coming soon; we get the story of Shane and Macy, who we meet in this book. I cannot wait to read their story.
Profile Image for Ani.
257 reviews4 followers
October 24, 2016
I have been given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Allie Redman is a new author on the block and I have to say I am seriously looking forward to what she has to offer.

Her book starts in the thick of it and I love it. The story starts fast and keeps up the pace. I did want the relationships to take more to make, with people with the hardships that they had gone through I did expect it to take just a bit more to break down the barriers. However, that being said, they made sense considering the situation and the fast pace of the story itself. A bit of grammar and layout tweaking needed but all in all I genuinely enjoyed how the book was written and how the story unfolded.

It has left me wanting to know how Shane and Macy’s story began and I look forward to book two coming out.

#AbFabAni
Profile Image for Amber - TBR Book Blog.
1,235 reviews50 followers
February 6, 2017
If you like Criminal Minds or other psychological thrillers, you'll want to grab this book! The suspense is killer and you just keep reading and reading to find out what's going to happen and who is or isn't involved!

Dawson is called back to his small hometown to help catch a serial killer. Dawson has a history with the killer as it seems to be the same person who killed his younger sister and her friend years ago. And this killer is enjoying toying with Dawson and leaving hints and clues that it's someone who grew up with Dawson.

That's all I'm saying because you need to read it to fully enjoy the experience.
Profile Image for Myra Espino .
1,167 reviews64 followers
November 27, 2016
Interesting and full of suspense book! The way the story started is good. I love how I was easily intrigued with the story. The story and the characters are good. There may be times that I want to kick Dawson (on the start because of how he left someone) but as the story goes, I started to like him tho. Anyway, what I love about the story is that Ms. Allie had me guessing on who the killer is and what will happen next. Full of suspense, with a touch of drama and of course romance! Nice book! Readers who loves suspense, this book is for you!
5,702 reviews35 followers
November 10, 2016
This was an interesting, fast paced story. The characters intriqued me and their story kept me on the edge of my seat. The writing is amazing.. I felt like I was watching a tv show almost. The one thing I realy enjoyed about this story was that I had no clue who the killer was until it was over.. I was amazed.. normally I can figure it out early but Allie wrote it so awesome I had no clue. Dawson was a fun read but I think his friends helped make the story also. It was so much fun to read.
Profile Image for Mindy.
864 reviews3 followers
March 15, 2017
I enjoyed this book. I loved getting to know the characters. I love when I get a good mystery and a love story in the same book.
I loved the dynamics of the group of coworkers and friends. They are all believable characters.
I didn't get emotionally involved with this book. I liked the characters but I just lacked the connection with them.
745 reviews
July 16, 2018
The plot was okay aside from the hero and his lady declaring love for each other after about five minutes. The main issues for me were the same as for several other reviewers. the grammar is all over the place, swapping between tenses, it feels like somebody hit the "publish button" on a very early draft. The formatting is crazy too, the Kindle version I am reading says 168 pages yet reading time is about five and a half hours, which is more in keeping with the other number you get (for location as opposed to page #) of 4260. Well I was 18% in at location 732 before I reached "Page 1" so no wonder the page length of 168 makes no sense! I'd guess 400 would be more realistic.

This is a self published book, and it shows, probably a first book too. A shame because with a bit more work it could have been a lot better. I doubt I will read book #2.
Profile Image for Stacy Aube.
834 reviews2 followers
April 9, 2017
I received and voluntary reviewed a copy of this book. This book was read and reviewed by Stacy Aube for Cutting Muse Blog Review.

The level of suspense and unknowns elevate this story to amazing heights. Great characters and storyline.
Eager to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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