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The Phoenix #1-3
The Phoenix Series #1-3
There are only so many outcomes for a man on a mission of vigilante justice.
He succeeds. He gets caught in the process. He dies.
Or he meets like-minded people who believe they must make criminals pay for their crimes
The Phoenix Series begins
The Olympus Project
Rescued by strangers from a watery grave and given a new identity.
The Phoenix is a stone-cold killer.
An ideal fit for the Olympus Project, a secret organisation fighting injustice.
Gold, Silver, and Bombs
The eyes of the world are on London 2012.
British security services anticipate an organised terror attack.
Safety is paramount. What if the real danger comes from a lone wolf?
Nothing Is Ever Forever
The action never slows. The tension never slackens.
The Phoenix stares death in the face once more.
Detectives Hounsell and Wheeler return. The past threatens to catch up with Phoenix.
With hard, fast action and a cast of characters you can reach out and touch, this is the thriller series for which you’ve been searching.
He succeeds. He gets caught in the process. He dies.
Or he meets like-minded people who believe they must make criminals pay for their crimes
The Phoenix Series begins
The Olympus Project
Rescued by strangers from a watery grave and given a new identity.
The Phoenix is a stone-cold killer.
An ideal fit for the Olympus Project, a secret organisation fighting injustice.
Gold, Silver, and Bombs
The eyes of the world are on London 2012.
British security services anticipate an organised terror attack.
Safety is paramount. What if the real danger comes from a lone wolf?
Nothing Is Ever Forever
The action never slows. The tension never slackens.
The Phoenix stares death in the face once more.
Detectives Hounsell and Wheeler return. The past threatens to catch up with Phoenix.
With hard, fast action and a cast of characters you can reach out and touch, this is the thriller series for which you’ve been searching.
489 pages, ebook
Published October 13, 2019
1253 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Ted Tayler
79 books300 followers Ted Tayler is the international best-selling indie author of the Freeman Files and Phoenix series. Ted lives in the English West country, where his stories are based. He was born in 1945 and has been married to Lynne since 1971. They have three children and four grandchildren.
His thought-provoking mysteries appeal to readers of Sally Rigby, Joy Ellis, Pauline Rowson, and Faith Martin. His action-packed thrillers are a must for fans of Mark Dawson and J C Ryan.
Gus Freeman’s cold case investigations are carried out with reasoned deduction rather than bursts of frantic action. In each of the 24 books, unsolved murders are accompanied by romance, humour, and country life. The core message in the 12 Phoenix novels is that criminals should pay for their crimes. Unfortunately, the current system fails to deliver the correct punishment, so Phoenix helps redress the balance.
His thought-provoking mysteries appeal to readers of Sally Rigby, Joy Ellis, Pauline Rowson, and Faith Martin. His action-packed thrillers are a must for fans of Mark Dawson and J C Ryan.
Gus Freeman’s cold case investigations are carried out with reasoned deduction rather than bursts of frantic action. In each of the 24 books, unsolved murders are accompanied by romance, humour, and country life. The core message in the 12 Phoenix novels is that criminals should pay for their crimes. Unfortunately, the current system fails to deliver the correct punishment, so Phoenix helps redress the balance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 13, 2020
High speed action, Organized Vigilantism, and too much minutiae
I enjoyed the first 1/2 of the book but struggled with keeping focused when the book seemed to get bogged down in minutiae and lengthy background where I thought some if it was superfluous. I was entertained when the action picked up and some detail and back story was given. But it droned on & on in a number of chapters. I was bored and found it numbing. As a rule I don’t skip any pages but it was skip ahead with this book or put it down and read something else. This is just my opinion though as others may find the book spot on. I didn’t.
I enjoyed the first 1/2 of the book but struggled with keeping focused when the book seemed to get bogged down in minutiae and lengthy background where I thought some if it was superfluous. I was entertained when the action picked up and some detail and back story was given. But it droned on & on in a number of chapters. I was bored and found it numbing. As a rule I don’t skip any pages but it was skip ahead with this book or put it down and read something else. This is just my opinion though as others may find the book spot on. I didn’t.
December 29, 2019
Our hero is Colin, he eats sausage rolls
This is a lengthy right wing diatribe wrapped up in a series of shallow stories.
Sometimes it is necessary to play devil's advocate when writing, this doesn't so that. It begins with a right wing message and continues to build on it as it attempts to marginalise everyone from 'benefits tourists' to immigrants and then bemoans the fact that the hangman was given his P45.
Read it with an open mind but recognise the underlying messages.
This is a lengthy right wing diatribe wrapped up in a series of shallow stories.
Sometimes it is necessary to play devil's advocate when writing, this doesn't so that. It begins with a right wing message and continues to build on it as it attempts to marginalise everyone from 'benefits tourists' to immigrants and then bemoans the fact that the hangman was given his P45.
Read it with an open mind but recognise the underlying messages.
March 23, 2022
I started reading this series of 13 books at the beginning with Phoenix, Conception, which is a book on it's own about loner Colin Bailey, who was, in life in general, invisible. His parents never gave him any sign they'd ever wanted him and continually either ignored him or told him he was useless. Colin was actually very intelligent. He ignored the estate bully boys who taunted him and read and studied so that he got top marks in his A levels, but, being so invisible, the teachers couldn't figure out who this boy was, so marked his results down to what they thought he'd get, thereby denying him his dream of going to university. However, Colin gets a job that allows him to secretly find out details of all of his enemies and work out how to eliminate them. He starts with his parents, who, although separated, he kills ruthlessly, leaving no clues at all for the police. Having eliminated his bosses, married with no real enthusiasm, a girl he gets pregnant and starts an affair with his sex mad ex boss's wife. His mission in life is to eliminate criminals. After unwittingly leaving his beloved daughter with a paedophile who rapes and kills her, he divorces his wife and marries his lover, changing his name to hers, and when she dies, inherits her large fortune. After a fight in a river with the policeman who, although he secretly applauds Colins's eliminating of criminals the police and judiciary are too soft on, still opposes him, Colin in lost assumed drowned in the river. However, he is rescued by an organisation who have been following his career. They rename him Phoenix, for obvious reasons. The 3 sets of 3 books after this follow the career, not only of Phoenix, but that of the Organisation he now becomes an important part of. The entire story is addictive, unputdownable and follows real events that have occured up to the end of 2015. The 12th book in the series came to a huge climax and bought me to tears. I actually feel at a loss now that I've finished the series. I have to say, the amount of research required to write a series like this with accuracy astounds me. I have started on The Freeman Files by the same author, which is good enough to move on to.
August 14, 2022
Very engaging and thought provoking
I generally do not like extra judicial we are
the good guys stories.
Most espouse a code they learned in the military and then proceed to twist it and violate that high and mighty code as they feel
This series does not do that. It basically says " we know what we are doing is not the best option but we are the best option available so we are going to do as much good with the least violation of laws and ethics as we can"
The violence is clearly an element but is understate and matter of fact rather that glorified.
Off to the next segment of this series
I generally do not like extra judicial we are
the good guys stories.
Most espouse a code they learned in the military and then proceed to twist it and violate that high and mighty code as they feel
This series does not do that. It basically says " we know what we are doing is not the best option but we are the best option available so we are going to do as much good with the least violation of laws and ethics as we can"
The violence is clearly an element but is understate and matter of fact rather that glorified.
Off to the next segment of this series
May 6, 2020
Olympus charity a shady vigilante organisation with immense funds at its disposal and the cream of ex special forces ,intelligence and a purview to protect the UK from all who would attack her .the stories are fast paced and enjoyable the characters are all interesting in their own right but collectively are a force to be reckoned with. I loved the alternative 2012 Olympic backdrop and indeed this could have happened were it not for the sterling work by our Security services and police, special forces. I look forward to reading the 4th installment and others going forward.
April 24, 2023
Great Start to the Series!
My first books by this author and he entrapped me in his snare, great characters and plot, if you like James Bond like intrigue, you will like this series. I love that the characters are not perfect and situations are sometimes, less than ideal but they persevere. Can not wait to read book four and see where things go with Rusty. Phoenix, Athena, Erebus and the crew are awesome and keep you, flipping the page.
My first books by this author and he entrapped me in his snare, great characters and plot, if you like James Bond like intrigue, you will like this series. I love that the characters are not perfect and situations are sometimes, less than ideal but they persevere. Can not wait to read book four and see where things go with Rusty. Phoenix, Athena, Erebus and the crew are awesome and keep you, flipping the page.
August 22, 2025
Vigilante
Colin has committed a murder and while running away, he went into a canal and was saved by very unusual people. He was given the choice to join Olympus or go to jail so they chose to join his middle name was Phoenix and the part of the story it’s about his escapades with Olympus and being a vigilante. I found this a very long read, but a good story. I recommend this to all thriller readers.
Colin has committed a murder and while running away, he went into a canal and was saved by very unusual people. He was given the choice to join Olympus or go to jail so they chose to join his middle name was Phoenix and the part of the story it’s about his escapades with Olympus and being a vigilante. I found this a very long read, but a good story. I recommend this to all thriller readers.
January 18, 2021
While I understand the need for new characters, the Phoenix series, books 1-3 makes me believe that the series is only about Phoenix. Book three puts him in the background and makes me feel that the Phoenix series should have been named Olympus, as the series gives us more of that than Phoenix. I didn't dislike it, I just feel the "series" name is misleading.
June 14, 2020
A fantastic detective series.
Wow, three great stories, based on the under cover intelligence group Olympus. A highly organised crime fighting organisation, where the results for the crime.
Wow, three great stories, based on the under cover intelligence group Olympus. A highly organised crime fighting organisation, where the results for the crime.
June 19, 2020
This was an exiting and interesting group of stories that sometimes connected and sometimes did not. The dialogue at times was cumbersome and others exciting. Just as I was to five up there was another turn that caught my attention.
October 5, 2020
Overall A Great, Exciting Read!
Taylor weaves an exciting mix of fast hardcore action with a bit of romance and suspense throughout! Although a little slow and distracting in some places, overall enjoyable!
Taylor weaves an exciting mix of fast hardcore action with a bit of romance and suspense throughout! Although a little slow and distracting in some places, overall enjoyable!
June 20, 2021
Vigilante Justice
Wonderful series about vigilante justice. Well written, with colourful characters who are pursuing justice for those who have been given light sentences or who have escaped conviction. Loved this series and highly recommend.
Wonderful series about vigilante justice. Well written, with colourful characters who are pursuing justice for those who have been given light sentences or who have escaped conviction. Loved this series and highly recommend.
May 10, 2022
amazingly good
Wow I just loved this set of books and about to start on the next three I am so glad the author decided to extend the set after three books you just want more and more. Wow . Many thanks for your great books
Wow I just loved this set of books and about to start on the next three I am so glad the author decided to extend the set after three books you just want more and more. Wow . Many thanks for your great books
May 30, 2022
Entertaining
If you have ever felt or thought that the scales of justice were unbalanced in favor of the criminal, then this is a good book. It is action packed as wrongs are punished more justly.
If you have ever felt or thought that the scales of justice were unbalanced in favor of the criminal, then this is a good book. It is action packed as wrongs are punished more justly.
December 19, 2022
Lots of action
Watching the budget cuts and modern politics destroy their perceived view of the country’s security a privately funded group builds it’s own alternative secret service. Whether you agree with the concept of a private sector army or not this makes a great series.
Watching the budget cuts and modern politics destroy their perceived view of the country’s security a privately funded group builds it’s own alternative secret service. Whether you agree with the concept of a private sector army or not this makes a great series.
June 20, 2023
This was an exiting and interesting group of stories that sometimes connected and sometimes did not. The dialogue between cariters with in the storyline are well written. The way story line deverts too other cariters in the story's caught my attention.and add more interest as well
July 13, 2020
Brilliant fast moving action. I just could not put the books down!
Read
August 15, 2021Good Read
Enjoyable and entertaining. While I am usually not a big fan of English tales this series was very good. A little suspense and a little romance makes for a good story.
Enjoyable and entertaining. While I am usually not a big fan of English tales this series was very good. A little suspense and a little romance makes for a good story.
August 21, 2021
Holy Infiltration Batman!
Ted Taylor writes a strong and gritty story. His characters interact well. The plot is swift and keeps you rivited , and focused on what is happening.
Ted Taylor writes a strong and gritty story. His characters interact well. The plot is swift and keeps you rivited , and focused on what is happening.
October 4, 2021
Phoenix
Great books. Getting ready to read 4/6. Definitely recommend this series. Love all the characters as their stories progress thru each book
Great books. Getting ready to read 4/6. Definitely recommend this series. Love all the characters as their stories progress thru each book
October 8, 2021
A good series.
September 10, 2023
What needs be done
The author has created an amazing and nique account of what needs to be done to protect everyone from the terrorists
The author has created an amazing and nique account of what needs to be done to protect everyone from the terrorists
October 9, 2023
Please see individual stories for review.
Read
February 1, 2024DNF
December 12, 2024
Excellent Series
Great cast of characters. Well conceived and written plots. A real life, gritty good versus evil. Many wins along with some sad losses. Well worth reading.
Great cast of characters. Well conceived and written plots. A real life, gritty good versus evil. Many wins along with some sad losses. Well worth reading.
February 22, 2020
Exceptionally Good
This is so very fast paced trilogy. The characters and plots are incredible. The editor needs to do a little more justice by the writer by cleaning up the typos and word omio throughout. Also a few scenes were apparently misplaced. Overall, I look forward to reading more from this very capable and spellbinding author.
This is so very fast paced trilogy. The characters and plots are incredible. The editor needs to do a little more justice by the writer by cleaning up the typos and word omio throughout. Also a few scenes were apparently misplaced. Overall, I look forward to reading more from this very capable and spellbinding author.
January 3, 2020
Really timely stories
In reading these 3 stories I could see how cuts in funding necessary services could have devastating consequences for the people. This should make all of us sit up and take notice of what our politicians are doing and push them to make funds available for critical services.
In reading these 3 stories I could see how cuts in funding necessary services could have devastating consequences for the people. This should make all of us sit up and take notice of what our politicians are doing and push them to make funds available for critical services.
January 6, 2020
Absolutely spellbinding
As I have a British relative, I am completely engaged with the U.K. terminology in this series. I am using a map to help me with the locations so I am learning as I read! This is one of the Best us vs them I have read! If you love to hate the Red Tape ..... Read THIS book!
As I have a British relative, I am completely engaged with the U.K. terminology in this series. I am using a map to help me with the locations so I am learning as I read! This is one of the Best us vs them I have read! If you love to hate the Red Tape ..... Read THIS book!
January 15, 2020
Great read!
Vigilante justice is not for everyone but you have to admit that in a world where the legal system and many police officers have their hands tied by a "politically correct" system crooks often escape true justice. I truly enjoyed all three books.
Vigilante justice is not for everyone but you have to admit that in a world where the legal system and many police officers have their hands tied by a "politically correct" system crooks often escape true justice. I truly enjoyed all three books.
January 19, 2020
An entertaining 3 book series about murder and finding romance
This is a 3 book series about a guy who kills bad guys but is followed by the police, escapes and is selected to join a band of people who try to right the wrongs of bad guys
This is a 3 book series about a guy who kills bad guys but is followed by the police, escapes and is selected to join a band of people who try to right the wrongs of bad guys
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews