Triple Threat: How a Triple Entendre Turns Double Tap Into a Literary Loaded Weapon
There are puns. There are double entendres.
And then there’s the literary equivalent of a sniper’s headshot: the triple entendre. It’s rare. It’s risky. And in Mortice: Double Tap, it’s weaponised like a silenced pistol on a foggy rooftop—clean, clever, and quietly devastating.
Let’s break it down. Or better yet, let’s load the chamber.
What Is a Triple Entendre?
If a double entendre plays with two meanings—usually one innocent and one a little more suggestive (wink wink)—a triple entendre goes for three layers of meaning. Think of it like a Russian doll of subtext: each layer reveals something deeper, darker, or dirtier than the last.
Enter Mortice: Double Tap
The phrase “double tap” doesn’t just nod to military or assassination protocol. In this book, it does at least three things at once:
Tactical Language: In combat, a “double tap” is two rapid shots to ensure the target is neutralised. In Mortice, that’s not just literal—it’s part of the methodology. Clean, precise, efficient.
Emotional Resonance: The double tap becomes a metaphor for emotional trauma—hits that land in pairs. One from the past, one from the present. One on the body, one on the soul.
“Tap that” is a well-known colloquial phrase with sexual connotations. It’s slang for wanting to have sex with someone—typically used in a crude or objectifying way, often from a male perspective (e.g., “I’d tap that” = “I’d sleep with that person”). It's cheeky, loaded, and intentionally provocative.
That's the triple entendre in action: one phrase. Three meanings. All perfectly aligned with the series’ ethos of dark humour, coded messaging, and antihero swagger.
If that’s not reason enough to read the latest instalment we don’t know what is!
Triple Entendres in the Wild: Famous Examples
Here are a few of literature and entertainment’s most cunning triple entendres—layered lines that hit harder the longer you think about them.
Literal: A comment on Harvey Dent’s fate.
Philosophical: A thesis on morality and power.
Meta: A nod to Gotham's cycle of corruption—and perhaps, our own.
Shakespeare’s Hamlet – “To be or not to be…”
Existential: Life vs death.
Action vs Inaction: To do or not to do.
Meta-theatrical: Is the character choosing to exist within the story—or stepping out of it?
Shakespeare was doing triple entendres before they had a name. Respect. The Simpsons (Aussie shoutout: Bart vs. Australia)
Bart’s line: “This is a knife!”
Literal: He’s mocking Crocodile Dundee.
Satirical: A jab at cultural stereotypes.
Political: A cheeky reference to American ignorance abroad. All in one cartoon flick.
Kendrick Lamar, “DNA.” (2017) – “I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA.”
Literal: Refers to his genetic makeup.
Cultural: Highlights pride in his heritage and background.
Financial/Industry: A clever nod to “royalty” as music royalties—earnings from his art encoded in his DNA.
Puns or double meanings?
Let’s clear the air between puns and double meanings—they get tossed around like synonyms, but they’re not the same beast. A pun is a playful twist on words that sound alike or have multiple meanings, usually for a quick joke or a clever zing.
Think of it as the linguistic equivalent of a wink—light, fun, and often groan-worthy. Double meanings, on the other hand, are broader and deeper. They’re like hidden layers in a story or lyric where one phrase carries two different ideas at once, often with more subtlety or weight.
So while every pun plays with double meanings, not every double meaning is a pun. When you’re diving into triple entendres, you’re taking those double meanings and multiplying them—turning language into a three-dimensional puzzle that demands attention and rewards those who catch it.
Why Triple Entendres Work in Crime Fiction
Because crime fiction—especially Aussie noir like Mortice—is all about hidden meanings. Secrets behind alibis. Weapons disguised as words. Motives cloaked in metaphor.
The triple entendre is a wink, a gut-punch, and a breadcrumb trail all at once. It rewards readers who pay attention. It punishes those who don’t.
And best of all? It keeps you guessing.
Just when you think you've solved the puzzle, it clicks again. Tap. Tap. Tap.
Want More Twists Like This?
Mortice: Double Tap is locked and loaded with literary mind games—and not just with the body count. If you like your crime thrillers clever, layered, and laced with Aussie attitude, Double Tap delivers.
TESTIMONIAL
“Just like the others, this one was smart, well-paced, and seriously hard to put down. I’m really into thrillers, crime stories, and anything with suspense and a strong lead character—so this book absolutely hit the mark for me.
I was on the edge of my seat when Mort got that call from Ronnie. My heart was pounding as I flew through the pages trying to see if Maria was okay—that moment really got me.
I also loved how the story is diving deeper into Liz’s case and the growing corruption, especially involving high-up figures like the commissioner. It all feels so layered and real. You can tell there’s a lot of thought and detail put into how these investigations unfold—it’s not just action for the sake of it, it feels authentic.
And I’ve got to say, I had quite a few laughs along the way too—especially with Mort’s thoughts and side comments. The way he tells the story, it’s like you’re right there in his head, seeing things through his eyes. His blunt take on situations and the way he processes everything just adds this dry, clever humour that makes the heavy moments feel even more real.
It also makes me wonder if there are actually people like Mort and Pig out there doing this kind of work—if so, that would honestly be my dream job but I would need army experience though.
Thanks again for the great read, looking forward to the next one .”
Mortice: Double Tap Reader’s Review
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