She does Britain’s dirty work, but this time she needs help. Beatrix Rose, meet John Milton…
Beatrix Rose has a knack for making the British government’s problems go away. When the assassin is sent to Venezuela to track down a missing scientist, she meets a contact who knows the lay of the land: none other than John Milton…
As the state-sanctioned assassin and the special forces soldier team up in South America, they’ll do more than capture a missing scientist. They’ll discover a secret that will change Beatrix’s life forever…
Phoenix is a short story that unites two landmark thriller characters in a single tale. If you like ruthless assassins, fast-moving plots, and Jack Reacher-style action, then you’ll love USA Today bestselling author Mark Dawson’s latest short.
Buy Phoenix to witness the thrilling team-up today!
All proceeds from Phoenix will go to fund breast cancer treatment for superhero mother Emma Johns and her family.
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.
This is a short story which introduces John Milton from the brilliant ‘John Milton Series’ this is before he joined the infamous elite ‘Government Group Fifteen’.
Beatrix is sent on a mission with him and she also has to see if he is up to joining the group.
John is from ‘Special Forces’ and together they make a mighty team. Beatrix has slight reservations about him as he is attractive but not in an obvious way and is almost unremarkable but could easily blend into a crowd a very dangerous quality. Where she possesses an icy cold stare, his icy cold dead eyes make her slightly uneasy. At the end of this mission we see what she thinks of him and whether or not they can work together
It may be a short story but it certainly packs a punch.
*At the end of the book there is a note that all proceeds will go to fund breast cancer treatment for superhero mother Emma Johns and her family*
I always find it hard to give lots of stars to a short book. I also have mixed feelings for this book.
1. I bought this book as I know it is to help Mark Dawson's relative, who has cancer.
2. I do love Mark Dawson books.
Why mixed feelings, well I have read the Beatrix Rose books, those that have read the three books will understand, this is a prequel, this is an very early period for Beatrix and also the newbie John Milton, later to become a regular.
So this book was created to give a little early story into three "main" characters that are to become all regulars in Mark Dawson's books later.
This is a quick action paced thriller. A good introduction to his books, can be read first.
My only negative, was it right to bring Beatrix back?
Well, not quite what I expected but worthy of the hype. Why should you read Phoenix? Firstly it is by Mark Dawson a great writer with proven page turning inducing qualities. If you don't read it now the day will come if you've read anything if his that you'll succumb. Secondly, it tells us more about the early working life of Beatrix Rose and love for her husband Lucas. Thirdly, it informs us of pre-Group fifteen John Milton. Control and Bloom are seen together is a fourth good reason to read this short book. And lastly, although this isn't an exhaustive list, the novella is quite mesmerising good and informative into the world Mark has spun and weaved regarding agents and the dark secrets imagined in trained spies and committed assassins at the behest of western governments. Beatrix is sent on a routine mission as a favour for the US to return a rogue scientist in the area of genetics. Not before Control insists Beatrix has a little chat with man regarding his work and motives. Needless to say what at first appears a simple and straightforward mission soon places Beatrix in unforeseen danger and questioning 'rookie' Milton her back-up. Meanwhile details of Beatrix's personal life are exposed regarding her own difficulties to conceive and we start to realise how precise the gift of childbirth is to her and Lucas and why the death of her husband and abduction of Isabella left her so devastated. Dawson has plucked another chapter in the lives of his loved characters from his imagination to tell a story few will have considered and all will adore like any pre-school child being introduced to books and stories for the first time. The author has the power to thrill and enrapture and it is no surprise that his growing number of fans hang on his every word.
A charity Kindle single covers the period when Beatrix Rose was Number One in Group Fifteen and John Milton had not yet joined and when he was still drinking (his later books all involve Alcoholics Anonymous). A big twist at the end of the book provides more of a back story to the later Beatrix and Isabella Rose books - so this one off book slots on well with three of Dawson's series.
A great read for a great cause! I love Mark Dawson's books so I've been following the development of this project on his social media. And it was QUICK! From inception to publication was a matter of a only few weeks. For those who aren't aware, Mark Dawson wrote this short story as a fund-raiser for a friend of his who is fighting cancer and has mounting medical bills. Mark Dawson is donating all of his proceeds from the book, to this person in need. Of course I was onboard for that--a cracking good read and a good deed to boot!
So, about the story. In typical Mark Dawson fashion, it's nearly wall-to-wall action. It stars one of my favorite characters from Dawson's "world", Beatrix Rose, in an episode from the distant past, from when his other major character, John Milton, first comes onto the scene. So not only do we get a great story, we also learn more about the origins of John Milton's story arc, Beatrix's, and also Beatrix' daughter Isabella Rose, who is now blazing her way through her own breathtaking series of Mark Dawson novels. To those who are new to Mark Dawson's books, I think you will enjoy it if you like thrillers, and perhaps it will pique your interest to continue on with these characters. I assure you, you'll bee in for quite a ride.
I am at once in awe of, and sympathetic with, Mark Dawson's achievement here. To put out a product of this caliber, even though it is a short story, in such a short amout of time is nothing short of astonishing. Of course the writing itself is a huge task, but all of the other moving parts, from editing to formatting, cover design, all of the ancillary promotional work, the actual publishing of the e-book, not to mention keeping all of his fans updated on social media with countless posts and even live video chats where he quite graciously took the time to acknowledge every participant and answer all questions. I've seen Mark Dawson extend his appreciation to those who have helped him--editors, beta readers, cover designer, et al--but to see everything he takes on, mostly doing it himself without a staff or assistant, is quite impressive.
I was fortunate enough to read a preview version of this novella. And, my four star rating is not a reflection on Mark Dawson's work. I very selldom give five stars to action thrillers.
For those familiar with the John Milton series or the Beatrix Rose series, this falls into the time frame prior to Milton joining Group 15. Beatrix is Mi,ber Pme and Milton is still in the SAS. Their quarry leads them to Venezuela
Because it is a novella, the action moves right along. Dawson packs a very thrilling story into a very small space. For those who are familiar with the two protagonists, it's a must read. For those not yet "hooked", it's a great place to start.
This wonderful short story was published to raise money for charity specifically cancer treatment for Emma johns.
It is a kind of James Bond'esque thriller, staring Beatrix Rose an assassin for the British Government who teams up with John Milton a Special Forces Soldier. The pair are sent on a mission to retrieve a geneticist who appears to be moving from one country to the next, wherever the money is best.
The story also touches on the private life of Beatrix showing that she is not only an assassin but has a human side too. This is the part of the story that really drew me in and my mind was working overtime with all sorts of scenario's running through my mind.
I have never read any of Mark's books but I certainly want to know more about Beatrix Rose now. Well worth checking out and of course it is for a good cause.
All proceeds from Phoenix will go to fund breast cancer treatment for superhero mother Emma Johns and her family.
This short read is excellent and can be read in one sitting. It involves Beatrix Rose and her first meeting and assignment with John Milton. It gives some insight into Beatrix's past. One of the aspects of Mark Dawson's books I love is you can pick one up and not have to worry about a backstory. He gives you enough information to make the story complete. Lovely read.
I bought this book because I saw it advertised as the proceeds were going to pay for the treatment of a young mother who had cancer. I wasn't sure what to expect from this author other than his obvious kind heart and generosity.
The book drew me in straight away, the character Beatrix Rose was realistic and likeable - yes she was a superwoman but in the respect that could be expected from someone who'd had that training. I love how the author introduced her personal life into the story, making her more relatable as it showed her human side.
The story was gripping and intense, fast-paced when it needed to be and steady for the rest of the time. The action made me sit on the edge of my seat in anticipation. It's a short story but packs a strong punch within the pages.
I will certainly be reading more from this author.
This is an intriguing book, it details the bringing together of three of Mark Dawson's best characters, John Milton, Beatrix Rose and Isabelle Rose, who all have their own brilliant series. I am not normally a fan of short stories, but this one is the exception that proves the rule, as it makes a great read, with a clever plot, some great action sequences and also manages to weave in some back-stories as well. It would be well worth reading for these reasons alone, but as the proceeds are being donated to help a very sick friend of Mark it makes it almost a compulsory purchase for anyone who is a fan of Mark's writing, or indeed anyone who loves thrillers. I don't normally say this, but, If you haven't bought it yet, please do so as soon as possible, you won't regret it.
Ties up a few loose ends . . . or does it? Don't miss the action in this short story!
If you are a fan of Mark Dawson's numerous exceptional UK spy series, this short story should be at the top of your reading list! If you are new to Mark Dawson's books, this a really good place to start!
The story seems to answer a question or two from the previous multiple spy series, in typical Dawson skill and style, just as you're certain you know where the tale is going . . . there is a hidden sharp turn leading you to read as fast as you can to see what happens next, and then next, and then next!
This author can certainly pack a lot in a few pages. Skillfully written scenes and dialogue, paired with nonstop action, make this a must read for all readers!
Just when you think you're starting to get a good idea of the universe that Mark Dawson has built for his characters, he throws in a story like this. This is a special Kindle Single that Mark wrote in order to benefit a sick young girl, but it fills in a very crucial piece of the history of Beatrix Rose, her daughter Isabella, and John Milton, their future friend and ally.
We know something bad will happen, as things are going all too routine in the first part of the book, and while there is a big reveal in this story, there are still plenty of threads to be tied together in future volumes.
Having come across Beatrix Rose only once in "Ghosts" book # 4 in the John Milton series, I was very eager to read this Kindle single; depicting in detail Milton's first encounter with Group 15, a British clandestine and super secret government agency, where Beatrix Rose is at that time their number one operator. What we find out here, is that there's a different side to Beatrix, her personal life with her husband and their desire to be parents. Honestly, that's the part that's the hardest for me; that these super agents, sometimes assassins lead a normal life, hiding their professional life from their partner. When we know how life will be unkind to Beatrix in the future, it was rather sad to read this. For the remainder, it was a comprehensive, action-packed and compelling read. 3.75 stars.
After finishing the series, i miss Beatrix. This was a good size for a little taste of more of her adventures and her team-up with John Milton. However, i found myself wanting it to be at least a bit longer especially towards the end. As soon as Beatrix entered that house and heard that baby crying after finding out her husband's condition, i immediately went "oh shit". I was a little confused though because in Blood and Roses there was a scene in there where Beatrix was reminiscing on the birth of Isabella. She was in a park and her husband had to deliver her. I guess Mark decided to retcon that for this interesting take.
This is a pretty good, very short novella. I thought it was an introduction to Beatrix Rose, an operator in Group 15, who is Number 1. This is before John Milton had joined Group 15, eventually becoming Number 1. Beatrix’s assignment is to go to Venezuala to find and question a scientist who skipped out on the CIA. She will meet Milton there, who is familiar with the area, and assist her. Things never go as planned but Beatrix handles everything like the pro she is. She also unexpectantly remedies a personal issue involving her husband. Great conclusion to a well-written short story. Jane Slavin’s performance was very good.
Why would Mark Dawson write a story about Isabella being created in some "superhuman genetics lab" and being found and rescued by Beatrix Rose to be raised as her daughter (coincidently just after finding out that her husband Lucas was incapable to procreate…) when in the previous book ("Blood and Roses") there was a scene about Beatrix recalling her pregnancy and the start of labour concerning the same kid?
Is this some awkward incident of a ghost writer not meticulously learning everything there is to know about his characters or did Mr Dawson himself forget what he had been writing about previously??
Very good novella that can introduce you to some very interesting characters and series of books 📚. John Milton and Beatrix Rose. Plus, all proceeds go to a young woman fighting cancer. She just had a baby after being told she couldn't. The little girl is Phoenix as she rises from the depths of her mom's cancer treatments (which were stopped during gestation). Please buy this book and find another great storyteller in Mark Dawson and a great story (fictional and not).
Beatrix Rose is an assassin, and in this novella we find that she has personal problems she can’t resolve. She takes an assignment in Venezuela, where she teams up with one of author, Mark Dawson’s, other heroes, John Milton. It’s a fast paced and exciting read. What should have been a simple mission suddenly becomes complicated, when the scientist they were supposed to bring back to the UK gets killed and a baby is found. I won’t say more, buy the book, it's for a good cause, and find out what happens
This take tells the reader about the earliest part of Beatrix Rose 's career as a secret agent. The story tells of her marriage and their inability to have a child. As Beatrix completes her mission, she discovers a young baby girl, whom she ends up claiming for herself after she eliminated four killers in the house where the baby had lived with her grandmother. Her supervisor congratulated her on a job well done as the Number One agent of the company. Rescuing the baby, named Isabelle after her grandmother, is a secret she kept from The Company!
I have read all of Mark Dawson's John Milton novels and Beatrix Rose novels and loved them. This short story is a prequel to both Beatrix and Milton and is fascinating, especially the ending. No spoilers here but you will not be disappointed with this whether you have read the earlier books or not. It is a fast paced, well written tale and up to Mark's usual standards. I loved it as much as the others and hope for more origin stories in the future.
This is a short (novella) book dealing with the first time Beatrix Rose and John Milton met and worked together. It is a well-written action thriller (as usual) from Mark Dawson. I bought the book because of Dawson's offer to devote all revenue from this book to cancer treatments for his friend, and I was happy to participate. It took only a few hours to read from start to finish, and I would normally expect longer-lasting entertainment for my money. In this case, I was happy to help.
This is an excellent single that pulls together pieces of the Beatrix Rose series, John Milton series and the Isabella Rose series. It provides insight and background to what evolves later. It could be read as a stand alone story, but you wouldn't have the same experience as someone who's seen the future.
Plus, it helps a real life family in need. Great book and great cause, if a good read isn't enough.
I usually write longer reviews of Mark's book, but being strapped for time, this will be short.
Another home run. My hero Beatrix Rose meets up with my other hero John Milton for the first time. (I always thought they should have had an affair, but it's not here.) This novella covers the provenance of my other other hero Isabella Rose --and it's not what I assumed. As with everything she does, Beatrix takes to motherhood with a vengeance. I hope more Beatrix prequels are in the works.
Beatrix Rose is a covert British agent whose unit handles problems that the general public would quite possibly disapprove of their methods. Her assignment to kidnap a Russian scientist who was working for the Americans, but has fled from them. He has valuable knowledge of scientific experiments and they want him back. Dead or alive. A fast paced action packed novella.