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Beatrix Rose #0.3
Dragon Head
Beatrix Rose has been betrayed. Her husband has been murdered and her daughter, Isabella, abducted. She flees to the Hong Kong underworld to plot her revenge.
Those who wronged her will pay. Beatrix is the most dangerous woman you’ve ever met. She was an assassin for The Firm, the beyond top secret agency that did the dirty work for the British Secret Services.
Se is lethal. Ethically flexible. Totally ruthless.
And you know what they say about payback…
Mr. Ying, the underboss of the ruthless Wo Shun Wo triad clan, wants Beatrix dead. He has Grace, the young Chinese girl who Beatrix rescued from death at his hand. Beatrix appeals to the leader of the triads, the almost mythical Dragon Head. But will he be prepared to help her? And, if he is, what will he want in return?
DRAGON HEAD is the third and final prequel novella in the bestselling BLOOD & ROSES series, which follows the saga of the British government’s deadliest ex-operative.
The suggested reading order is:
WHITE DEVIL
NINE DRAGONS
DRAGON HEAD
IN COLD BLOOD
BLOOD MOON RISING
BLOOD AND ROSES
Those who wronged her will pay. Beatrix is the most dangerous woman you’ve ever met. She was an assassin for The Firm, the beyond top secret agency that did the dirty work for the British Secret Services.
Se is lethal. Ethically flexible. Totally ruthless.
And you know what they say about payback…
Mr. Ying, the underboss of the ruthless Wo Shun Wo triad clan, wants Beatrix dead. He has Grace, the young Chinese girl who Beatrix rescued from death at his hand. Beatrix appeals to the leader of the triads, the almost mythical Dragon Head. But will he be prepared to help her? And, if he is, what will he want in return?
DRAGON HEAD is the third and final prequel novella in the bestselling BLOOD & ROSES series, which follows the saga of the British government’s deadliest ex-operative.
The suggested reading order is:
WHITE DEVIL
NINE DRAGONS
DRAGON HEAD
IN COLD BLOOD
BLOOD MOON RISING
BLOOD AND ROSES
89 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2015
533 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Mark Dawson
114 books1,857 followersFor news and special offers join Mark's mailing list at:
http://eepurl.com/Cai5X
Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.
He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).
The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.
Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.
You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.
http://eepurl.com/Cai5X
Mark Dawson was born in Lowestoft and grew up in Manchester and Chicago. He has worked as a lawyer and currently works in the London film industry. His first books, "The Art of Falling Apart" and "Subpoena Colada" have been published in multiple languages.
He is currently writing two series. Soho Noir is set in the West End of London between 1940 and 1970. The first book in the series, "The Black Mile", deals with the (real life but little known) serial killer who operated in the area during the Blitz. "The Imposter" traces the journey of a criminal family (think The Sopranos in austerity London and you'd be on the right track).
The John Milton series features a disgruntled special agent who aims to help people to make amends for the terrible things that he has done. Mark, as a child of the 80s, will freely admit that he watched a lot of The Equalizer in his youth.
Mark lives in Wiltshire with his family.
You can find him at www.markjdawson.com or www.facebook.com/markdawsonauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 7, 2022
Enjoyable short story. Looking forward to the first full length book.
February 15, 2016
KICKASS, BUT STILL BELIEVABLE
So many thrillers today are bloated door stops making Dragon Head a breath of fresh air. Making a triad with the first two Beatrix Rose Hong Kong novellas, Dragon Head is the perfect lead into the first Beatrix Rose full-length novel...Beatrix is a kickass heroine, but author Mark Dawson keeps the down and dirty action believable, the pace fast, and leaves the reader hungry for more...
So many thrillers today are bloated door stops making Dragon Head a breath of fresh air. Making a triad with the first two Beatrix Rose Hong Kong novellas, Dragon Head is the perfect lead into the first Beatrix Rose full-length novel...Beatrix is a kickass heroine, but author Mark Dawson keeps the down and dirty action believable, the pace fast, and leaves the reader hungry for more...
July 28, 2015
This third novella of the Hong Kong Stories is the direct continuation of the stories in the previous two novellas and together they form a novel-length story. They cover a part of the time from shortly after Beatrix is betrayed by her former boss in a specialized assassins' team for the British government and she still is reeling from her husband's murder and her young daughter's kidnapping.
She ends up in Hong Kong, spending what little money and resources she has on investigators to find her daughter while she eludes capture by the British government that now erroneously has branded her a traitor. A chance event in a bar draws her into the criminal underworld where her skills as an assassin come in handy but where she is at turns cold-blooded and an emotional wreck trying to deal with her personal losses.
I read In Cold Blood, the first novel in the Beatrix Rose series, before I read these prequel novellas. In many ways, these stories are darker and grittier than that first novel. They are from the absolute lowest point in Beatrix's life, and her despair and desperation make her do things her more focused and in control later self would not do. Frankly, they make her more interesting. There is a ten year gap between the start of these novellas and the first novel in the series focused on her, and there is a lot of time left to fill in, both in Hong Kong and later, so I suspect there will be more novellas to come. I'm tempted to go back and read the John Milton series books before proceding with the next Beatrix Rose books. At least some of Beatrix's backstory, including some more recent history about how she gets back her daughter, is featured in them. I figure the revenge aspect of the Beatrix Rose books might be all the more sweet with that additional background information.
She ends up in Hong Kong, spending what little money and resources she has on investigators to find her daughter while she eludes capture by the British government that now erroneously has branded her a traitor. A chance event in a bar draws her into the criminal underworld where her skills as an assassin come in handy but where she is at turns cold-blooded and an emotional wreck trying to deal with her personal losses.
I read In Cold Blood, the first novel in the Beatrix Rose series, before I read these prequel novellas. In many ways, these stories are darker and grittier than that first novel. They are from the absolute lowest point in Beatrix's life, and her despair and desperation make her do things her more focused and in control later self would not do. Frankly, they make her more interesting. There is a ten year gap between the start of these novellas and the first novel in the series focused on her, and there is a lot of time left to fill in, both in Hong Kong and later, so I suspect there will be more novellas to come. I'm tempted to go back and read the John Milton series books before proceding with the next Beatrix Rose books. At least some of Beatrix's backstory, including some more recent history about how she gets back her daughter, is featured in them. I figure the revenge aspect of the Beatrix Rose books might be all the more sweet with that additional background information.
February 1, 2016
The final brief episode detailing Beatrix Rose's time in Hong Kong. She had been set the deadline of just 24 hours to give up her partner Chau in order for Mr Ying to release the young girl caught up with the Triads. Beatrix has honour so even though Chau let her down she cannot sacrifice him even though he appears damaged goods; but if she can't rescue Grace in time, she will be sent into brothels and be used and abused.
Another great story which demonstrates that no assassin can work alone as Beatrix tries to go higher in the Triad organisation to help save young Grace.
We see Beatrix unable to ignore the plight of Grace as her own daughter has been taken from her and all her previous efforts have been to raise money to plan how see can get Isabella back. So her efforts with trying to redeem Grace, mirror her own circumstances and moral compass.
We learn a great deal about Beatrix in this story of blackmail and betrayal; can she keep her promises and find new alliances to find new impetus in her quest to find her own daughter, Isabella.
It sets up brilliantly the three major stories that follow: IN COLD BLOOD, BLOOD MOON RISING and BLOOD AND ROSES. Mark Dawson is a great writer and a style that brings climactic cliffhangers and then delivers another episode full of thrills and ongoing danger.
Another great story which demonstrates that no assassin can work alone as Beatrix tries to go higher in the Triad organisation to help save young Grace.
We see Beatrix unable to ignore the plight of Grace as her own daughter has been taken from her and all her previous efforts have been to raise money to plan how see can get Isabella back. So her efforts with trying to redeem Grace, mirror her own circumstances and moral compass.
We learn a great deal about Beatrix in this story of blackmail and betrayal; can she keep her promises and find new alliances to find new impetus in her quest to find her own daughter, Isabella.
It sets up brilliantly the three major stories that follow: IN COLD BLOOD, BLOOD MOON RISING and BLOOD AND ROSES. Mark Dawson is a great writer and a style that brings climactic cliffhangers and then delivers another episode full of thrills and ongoing danger.
May 2, 2016
Book 3, in the Beatrix Rose Hong Kong Stories
This is the final episode and another great story where Beatrix shows her talents as a ruthless individual and the deadliest ex-operative in the British government.
This time Beatrix seemed overwhelmed and needs to shake off her opium habit while at the same time extract vengeance. The fast dirty action is somewhat unbelievable and totally over the top when Beatrix appeals to the leader of the triads “Dragon Head” in order to save Grace, the young Chinese girl she had once rescued. Grace was now being held prisoner for ransom by Wo Shun Wo, an underboss who had subsequently kidnapped her from her hotel room. Beatrix needs all the help she can get even if she has to sell her soul to the devil.
Although short, this is another great adventure that pulls you in from the start, excellent characterization and simple narration. . Taking the triads head on by a kick-ass female protagonist can only be entertaining…and it is definitely. This series is a good diversion and is quite captivating. Again take the time and read all three books in a row, together they make a decent novel to enjoy.
This is the final episode and another great story where Beatrix shows her talents as a ruthless individual and the deadliest ex-operative in the British government.
This time Beatrix seemed overwhelmed and needs to shake off her opium habit while at the same time extract vengeance. The fast dirty action is somewhat unbelievable and totally over the top when Beatrix appeals to the leader of the triads “Dragon Head” in order to save Grace, the young Chinese girl she had once rescued. Grace was now being held prisoner for ransom by Wo Shun Wo, an underboss who had subsequently kidnapped her from her hotel room. Beatrix needs all the help she can get even if she has to sell her soul to the devil.
Although short, this is another great adventure that pulls you in from the start, excellent characterization and simple narration. . Taking the triads head on by a kick-ass female protagonist can only be entertaining…and it is definitely. This series is a good diversion and is quite captivating. Again take the time and read all three books in a row, together they make a decent novel to enjoy.
October 14, 2025
Good end to the prequel trilogy. Wrapped a lot of the stuff up, but also leaves things open for the main series. I wasn't a fan of the drug use , but I could understand why she'd just say screw it and not care about things anymore. That being said, i do plan to read the main series, so I'll have to see how things go there.
January 1, 2020
Finished with this prequel series and looking forward to reading the novels about Beatrix. Then there are the books about her daughter Isabella and the series about Group Fifteen. Oh, and the oncoming books with John Milton. It looks to be a good reading year.
October 30, 2023
After reading quite a few books from the John Milton series, I was looking forward to this one. Now i am not so sure. John Milton has a bit of left propaganda as well. But it's subtle, it doesn't make you cringe and doesn't break the flow of the story. But in this one, he just went insane.
When Bellatrix betrayed chau, to survive he betrayed her. That was his only way. But according to the story, that was because of patriarchy and because she didn't sleep with him.
Chau helped her save grace when he didn't want to. Good bad is a different thing. It was not his choice to do that. He did that to help her because they were friends. But then you betray him and suddenly he is a misogynist and evil
When Bellatrix betrayed chau, to survive he betrayed her. That was his only way. But according to the story, that was because of patriarchy and because she didn't sleep with him.
Chau helped her save grace when he didn't want to. Good bad is a different thing. It was not his choice to do that. He did that to help her because they were friends. But then you betray him and suddenly he is a misogynist and evil
March 14, 2021
This one hit all the spots. I got emotional when Beatrix was dealing with her struggles and going through her releases of dealing with it thinking that the things that went wrong with Grace and Isabella was her fault. I got upset when she was betrayed, wanting Chau to stick by her side but he was too much of a coward though i understood his fear. I got excited at her revenge with both men getting what they deserved and Beatrix doing it in such a badass way. Oh god, the scene when Grace told Beatrix she had sad eyes and hoped for her to be happy one day and knowing her struggles in the future. THE TEARS. It was really enjoyable and i could read tons more about Beatrix.
October 20, 2018
Like most, I discovered Beatrix during her association with John Milton. I was delighted to see Mark write these novels, both to fill in the missing years, and because I am selfish and love reading Beatrix's adventures.
Mark did a great job of making Beatrix's behavior realistic as she works through the pain. I felt like I was right there beside her trying to help her.
Thanks for another great read, Mark.
Mark did a great job of making Beatrix's behavior realistic as she works through the pain. I felt like I was right there beside her trying to help her.
Thanks for another great read, Mark.
June 3, 2020
Great Conclusion to this Trilogy
I loved this Beatrix Rose Hong Kong trilogy. Great characters abound and the tight writing immerse you in this seedy underworld. It's gritty and dirty and full of blood and betrayal. Hey Netflix if you're looking for a fantastic mini series then look no further!
I loved this Beatrix Rose Hong Kong trilogy. Great characters abound and the tight writing immerse you in this seedy underworld. It's gritty and dirty and full of blood and betrayal. Hey Netflix if you're looking for a fantastic mini series then look no further!
December 22, 2017
3 1/2 Stars. Not the best of the three novellas, but ties everything up that leads into the Beatrix Rose series. She is a very strong protagonist and I am looking forward to reading more stories with her in it
November 27, 2019
Mark Dawson writes a great story that keeps you tied to the book turning pages. It seems Beatrix has reached the lowest of the lows when she really doesn’t care anymore and gets heavy on opium. She is saved to go on to find Isabella in books to come. 5
February 28, 2020
Good ending to the 3 book series
Many twists and turns in the overall story, but book 3 brought them all to conclusion. Beatrix Rose is one tough cookie, and this exciting story concludes her start in hong Kong. Great read
Many twists and turns in the overall story, but book 3 brought them all to conclusion. Beatrix Rose is one tough cookie, and this exciting story concludes her start in hong Kong. Great read
November 8, 2021
Set up and revenge
Beatrix has her hands full in a story of triumph , betrayal and triumph. She sets things right and then her world turns upside down. Nothing like a cool balcony high up in a building to take a load off...
Beatrix has her hands full in a story of triumph , betrayal and triumph. She sets things right and then her world turns upside down. Nothing like a cool balcony high up in a building to take a load off...
May 10, 2017
Hong Kong Nights
In the quest to find her daughter, Beatrix runs into trouble trying to rescue another little girl in trouble. Good reading!
In the quest to find her daughter, Beatrix runs into trouble trying to rescue another little girl in trouble. Good reading!
August 15, 2018
Great reading couldn't put it down.
December 24, 2018
An interesting read.
May 3, 2019
Dragon Head
Another great story with lots of adventure and action. Jared the fact that Beatrix is turning to drugs because it is such a terrible addiction!
Another great story with lots of adventure and action. Jared the fact that Beatrix is turning to drugs because it is such a terrible addiction!
June 1, 2019
Dragon Head
You’ve done it again, Mark Dawson! Very good read. I highly
Recommend it.
Beatrix I hope you find your Isabella.
You’ve done it again, Mark Dawson! Very good read. I highly
Recommend it.
Beatrix I hope you find your Isabella.
December 9, 2019
great story line. its one of those books that you cannot put down. love the characters
April 5, 2020
The tops.
Another good story line and ionce you start reading you dont want to put it down. Have ordered the follow on.
Another good story line and ionce you start reading you dont want to put it down. Have ordered the follow on.
Read
July 29, 2020Quite an ending
February 10, 2021
I love Beatrix Rose!
July 26, 2021
Constant action
Constant action throughout this book. Beatrix does not disappoint only when she reflects back does she wallows inner own destruction
Constant action throughout this book. Beatrix does not disappoint only when she reflects back does she wallows inner own destruction
December 3, 2021
I quite enjoyed this series
I quite enjoyed this book and it was hard to put down and am keen to here what happened next
I quite enjoyed this book and it was hard to put down and am keen to here what happened next
May 25, 2022
Another great job!
Beaten and weak Beatrix still seeks her revenge! Great job with characters and plot! I have enjoyed every one of these series!
Beaten and weak Beatrix still seeks her revenge! Great job with characters and plot! I have enjoyed every one of these series!
July 4, 2022
Ok, lacking the great suspense of other authors.
July 29, 2022
Heart Breaking!
December 3, 2023
great series.
highly recommended. great serie. short and a quick read. love the story and characters. lots of action. the main character is a badass.
highly recommended. great serie. short and a quick read. love the story and characters. lots of action. the main character is a badass.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews