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The Freeman Files #1-3
The Freeman Files Series #1-3
DI Gus Freeman retired three years ago. His old boss now wants him to head up a Crime Review Team investigating cold cases. Gus returns to study old witness statements and to unearth fresh clues… you can't keep a great thief-taker down...the hunt is on.
Fatal Decision
Gus Freeman has spent the past three years alone. Freeman’s wife, Tess, died from a brain aneurysm six months to the day after his retirement. Gus is still coming to terms with his enforced solitary existence.
In their first case, the team try to discover who murdered Daphne Tolliver while walking her dog in the local woods.
Last Orders
The newly-formed Crime Review Team is investigating cold cases that defied their colleagues.
Austerity cuts mean that Gus Freeman only has a team of three to assist him.
DS Alex Hardy - a pursuit motorcyclist, currently using a wheelchair as he recovers from a high-speed accident.
DS Neil Davis - a bright young detective, whose family members have served in the Wiltshire force for generations.
Lydia Logan Barre – a forensic psychologist graduate who is attractive, outspoken and fiercely competitive.
Barmaid, Trudi Villiers, was brutally murdered as she walked home in the early hours.
"She may have had a string of lovers, but she was someone's daughter. We must find her killer."
Pressure Point
Gus Freeman’s Crime Review Team has two successful cold case investigations behind them.
Will it be third time lucky? The victim’s profession might make it hard to find someone to talk.
Laura Mallinder worked at ‘Gentle Touch’, a massage parlour in Swindon. Her boss, Maggie Monk, discovered Laura's body. The twenty-seven-year-old masseuse sustained fatal stab wounds to her back.
‘Pressure Point’ has a wide array of characters, and offers action, romance, humour and drama.
Fatal Decision
Gus Freeman has spent the past three years alone. Freeman’s wife, Tess, died from a brain aneurysm six months to the day after his retirement. Gus is still coming to terms with his enforced solitary existence.
In their first case, the team try to discover who murdered Daphne Tolliver while walking her dog in the local woods.
Last Orders
The newly-formed Crime Review Team is investigating cold cases that defied their colleagues.
Austerity cuts mean that Gus Freeman only has a team of three to assist him.
DS Alex Hardy - a pursuit motorcyclist, currently using a wheelchair as he recovers from a high-speed accident.
DS Neil Davis - a bright young detective, whose family members have served in the Wiltshire force for generations.
Lydia Logan Barre – a forensic psychologist graduate who is attractive, outspoken and fiercely competitive.
Barmaid, Trudi Villiers, was brutally murdered as she walked home in the early hours.
"She may have had a string of lovers, but she was someone's daughter. We must find her killer."
Pressure Point
Gus Freeman’s Crime Review Team has two successful cold case investigations behind them.
Will it be third time lucky? The victim’s profession might make it hard to find someone to talk.
Laura Mallinder worked at ‘Gentle Touch’, a massage parlour in Swindon. Her boss, Maggie Monk, discovered Laura's body. The twenty-seven-year-old masseuse sustained fatal stab wounds to her back.
‘Pressure Point’ has a wide array of characters, and offers action, romance, humour and drama.
615 pages, ebook
Published July 14, 2020
2526 people are currently reading
748 people want to read
About the author
Ted Tayler
78 books299 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 78 reviews
August 11, 2024
Interesante, diferente
Cuando Gus Freeman (detective retirado) se le ofrece la oportunidad de volver al trabajo como consultor de casos sin resolver, está contento. Pero su nuevo trabajo vendrá con un grupo de jóvenes policías que debe enseñar, si que Gus deberá poner de su parte para resolver los misterios mas difíciles que han en el condado.
Es un libro que entretiene, pero cuántos personajes son planos y desordenados. La lógica para resolver los casos no existe. Los secundarios pasan desapercibidos. Y de ñapa, los romances son incomprensibles.
Además, no me gustó la firma como el autor narraba, como cambiaba de punto de vista de un momento a otro, ni como tenía que explicar tan detalladamente lo que pensaba, sentía o querían personajes que no importaban.
En fin, no creo que continúe con esta serie, y tampoco creo que vuelva a leer otro libro de este autor.
Cuando Gus Freeman (detective retirado) se le ofrece la oportunidad de volver al trabajo como consultor de casos sin resolver, está contento. Pero su nuevo trabajo vendrá con un grupo de jóvenes policías que debe enseñar, si que Gus deberá poner de su parte para resolver los misterios mas difíciles que han en el condado.
Es un libro que entretiene, pero cuántos personajes son planos y desordenados. La lógica para resolver los casos no existe. Los secundarios pasan desapercibidos. Y de ñapa, los romances son incomprensibles.
Además, no me gustó la firma como el autor narraba, como cambiaba de punto de vista de un momento a otro, ni como tenía que explicar tan detalladamente lo que pensaba, sentía o querían personajes que no importaban.
En fin, no creo que continúe con esta serie, y tampoco creo que vuelva a leer otro libro de este autor.
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September 5, 2020🎁FREE on Amazon today (9/5/2020)! 🎁
September 24, 2020
An enjoyable set of three stories, but in dire need of a proof reader and editor. Gus Freeman is a retired DI in the Wiltshire region, and is invited to work as a consultant to review cold cases. He manages to solve the three in these three novels in a very satisfactory way. There is a lot of scathing description of the financial cutbacks to the police and other services - sounds very familiar! However there is too much telling - lecturing really and far too many commas and apostrophes used, not to mention the words that are missing or misplaced in sentences. An editor would be a good investment because the stories themselves are very good.
January 30, 2021
Well what can you say about these books. I read the previous outing by Ted Tayler - The Phoenix (highly recommended). - I was trepidacious, however Ted has once again riveted me to the sofa, I couldn’t put my kindle down. He holds the reader with the twists, the interactions between the group of police, the suspects even the love interests- he (Freeman) has two !!. Highly Recommended - you will not be disappointed
February 14, 2024
I enjoyed the first three books of The Freeman Files series; I've just begun Book Four of the series and expect to read all of them. The pace and tone of the stories suit my love of mysteries, plus the characters are believable, and their actions make sense. I love the addition of Gus' allotment, and his conversations, along with his thought process.
September 8, 2020
The Wiltshire Detective
Now and again along comes a series of books that grab the reader by the throat and keeps them reading just to find out what happens.
Very well constructed stories in the first three books and we cannot wait for the next book, it will be interesting to find out which of his lovely girlfriends go the distance and what problems he will encounter from within the force.
Excellent series and thoroughly recommended.
Now and again along comes a series of books that grab the reader by the throat and keeps them reading just to find out what happens.
Very well constructed stories in the first three books and we cannot wait for the next book, it will be interesting to find out which of his lovely girlfriends go the distance and what problems he will encounter from within the force.
Excellent series and thoroughly recommended.
September 20, 2020
A Page Turner
This box set contains three police procedurals taking place in the English country side. Gus Freeman, a former DI with the Wilcester Police Force, is asked to return to work asa consultant leading a Cold Case Review team. Freeman uses old fashioned detective methods combined with modern technology to find the killers earlier investigations had missed.
This box set contains three police procedurals taking place in the English country side. Gus Freeman, a former DI with the Wilcester Police Force, is asked to return to work asa consultant leading a Cold Case Review team. Freeman uses old fashioned detective methods combined with modern technology to find the killers earlier investigations had missed.
October 21, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable series
The characters were believable. The stories, each, took the reader down interesting paths to the final conclusions. I look forward to the next in the series.
The characters were believable. The stories, each, took the reader down interesting paths to the final conclusions. I look forward to the next in the series.
November 12, 2020
Take a ride on an s-curve
Many twists and turns in this set of 3 the Freeman files. Loved the realistic characters as the team solve the cold cases. Will be reading more of Ted Tayler's stories of Gus and his team.
Many twists and turns in this set of 3 the Freeman files. Loved the realistic characters as the team solve the cold cases. Will be reading more of Ted Tayler's stories of Gus and his team.
November 22, 2020
Great British mysteries
Mr. Taylor has written three very good stories. They are combined into a very flowing set of stories! This team works well together and the other characters in Gus' life are very believable! Keep writing about Gus!
Mr. Taylor has written three very good stories. They are combined into a very flowing set of stories! This team works well together and the other characters in Gus' life are very believable! Keep writing about Gus!
January 15, 2021
Captivating
Great series so far, well paced with very likable characters. Each story's plot is well thought out and comp!ex enough to keep the reader guessing. I am looking forward to book 4 and all the ones after that.
Great series so far, well paced with very likable characters. Each story's plot is well thought out and comp!ex enough to keep the reader guessing. I am looking forward to book 4 and all the ones after that.
December 12, 2021
The Freeman Files Series Book 1-3 by Ted Taylor.
This series is like a combination of well known British crime/police drama tv shows. Think "Inspector Frost" meets "New Tricks" where the main character, retired Police Detective Gus Freeman lives in one of those cute villages you see in "Midsomer Murders". Gus Freeman is asked to come out of retirement, to head up a small task force as a consultant to review cold cases with the aim to uncover clues within the evidence that was collected at the time that will lead to solving the crime and enable the detectives to arrest the guilty party. Each book deals with a new cold case and along the way we, the reader gets to know the various members of the task force and the people they interact with. A very enjoyable read. I was engaged with the characters and purchased the next 3 book box set when I finished reading this one.
Box set Book 1-3 came to my attention as a FREE download from amazon.com
This is a new to me author. I like his storytelling ability but would like to suggest a proof reader as there are numerous missing words, incorrect words used etc. that a good proof reader/editor would pick up before it is published.
This series is like a combination of well known British crime/police drama tv shows. Think "Inspector Frost" meets "New Tricks" where the main character, retired Police Detective Gus Freeman lives in one of those cute villages you see in "Midsomer Murders". Gus Freeman is asked to come out of retirement, to head up a small task force as a consultant to review cold cases with the aim to uncover clues within the evidence that was collected at the time that will lead to solving the crime and enable the detectives to arrest the guilty party. Each book deals with a new cold case and along the way we, the reader gets to know the various members of the task force and the people they interact with. A very enjoyable read. I was engaged with the characters and purchased the next 3 book box set when I finished reading this one.
Box set Book 1-3 came to my attention as a FREE download from amazon.com
This is a new to me author. I like his storytelling ability but would like to suggest a proof reader as there are numerous missing words, incorrect words used etc. that a good proof reader/editor would pick up before it is published.
November 15, 2022
How Does Gus Freeman Do It?
This three book series was a joy to read. Though the dry English humor was a bit off-putting the stories themselves were well-written and moved at a good pace.
What would a retired police investigator do with an offer to return to investigate cold cases that languish unsolved? Mind you, the return is a consultant position, so Gus has no legal power. He's asked to lead a team of police who each possess interesting histories. Gus has, in the last few years, lost his beloved wife and he's rudderless. He needs something. What he didn't count on was that he could experience great personal rewards as well as satisfaction in achieving something he wasn't sure would ever be possible.
This three book series was a joy to read. Though the dry English humor was a bit off-putting the stories themselves were well-written and moved at a good pace.
What would a retired police investigator do with an offer to return to investigate cold cases that languish unsolved? Mind you, the return is a consultant position, so Gus has no legal power. He's asked to lead a team of police who each possess interesting histories. Gus has, in the last few years, lost his beloved wife and he's rudderless. He needs something. What he didn't count on was that he could experience great personal rewards as well as satisfaction in achieving something he wasn't sure would ever be possible.
September 10, 2020
Another inexpensive Kindle download. I like the police procedural aspects of these books. I like Gus Freeman's trying to find his way back into work and life after the death of his wife. I a
m concerned about his new relationships and will probably need to read more books in the series to find out what happens. He is not making entirely good decisions!
So much ugliness and sadness in these mysteries--and not just these but all I have been reading . And yet,they are good escapist reading during these times of social isolation. I think I read the three books in this set in three days.
m concerned about his new relationships and will probably need to read more books in the series to find out what happens. He is not making entirely good decisions!
So much ugliness and sadness in these mysteries--and not just these but all I have been reading . And yet,they are good escapist reading during these times of social isolation. I think I read the three books in this set in three days.
April 17, 2021
I've read and reviewed the first book, Fatal Decision earlier. The second book, Last Orders was really good. I like how former DI Gus Freeman thinks. He isn't able to do the arresting, but he is able to interrogate suspects. So they take the old case files and break them down to names and times and a lot more interviews. In the third novel Pressure Point, a girl who works as a masseuse is murdered and the police couldn't solve it. Gus is able to go back over all the interviews until he sees what the police in the original investigation did wrong. He and his team solve the case.
April 30, 2021
I have finished the first book. Interesting, but not too much suspense, mostly the life of DI Freeman after retiring. His allotment, his cooking, his pining for Tessa his dead wife. Then he get to work on Cold cases...but that took a long while, but sort of ok. The second book I read about 38% of it and it was going to be more of the same, with his political correctness always at the fore, his knowing smile, while asking the woman on his team to do the coffee, meaning each will do it, I know you are bright and all that. Too much! But interesting, from another era.
October 17, 2025
Tagging along with retired DI Gus Freeman and his new recruits as they looked back into the many old unsolved homicide cases was exhilarating, always surprising, and sometimes completely terrifying. Each of these well thought out, and extremely clever stories consumed my every thought until the final unraveling. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Gus and his team and appreciated Gus's logical, methodical thought process as he collected evidence leading to important clues. Very cleverly written and such a good read. Five Big Stars!!!!!
March 31, 2022
Taylor is a good read
I am an older American reader. I liked Gus and his romantic side.
It was hard for me to get everyone straight. I wish there had been a list of characters. It was confusing when first and last names were used without their entire name being used. Also, the acronym titles were unfamiliar.
The story line was great, I just had to go back and reread occasionally! I will read more!
I am an older American reader. I liked Gus and his romantic side.
It was hard for me to get everyone straight. I wish there had been a list of characters. It was confusing when first and last names were used without their entire name being used. Also, the acronym titles were unfamiliar.
The story line was great, I just had to go back and reread occasionally! I will read more!
July 17, 2023
Can't quite figure this series out. The lead character, Gus, is hard to read. He is a retired detective called back to review and solve cold cases. He has a very proper way about him but his team solves cases.
In the third book, he gets more involved with his love life and we learn more about the other characters. I do sense a bit of sexism in the male lead.
The mysteries are interesting and well done.
In the third book, he gets more involved with his love life and we learn more about the other characters. I do sense a bit of sexism in the male lead.
The mysteries are interesting and well done.
January 15, 2024
The first book moved so slowly at the beginning, I though about giving up, but I’m not a quitter and I powered through. It was also hard to believe that the case went cold after the original detective working on it off and on for years and Freeman and his team were able to solve it in a week. The next books moved a bit faster, but still not fast enough to keep the boredom at bay. I think this could be a great series if the writing were not so dry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2020
Enjoyed!
I did enjoy reading these three murder mystery stories. The cold cases were interesting and well detailed. I liked Gus and all the detail involved in police procedures. I recommend to others. I didn't see to attraction to Gus for the young beautiful women to fall into bed with this much older retired guy...wishful thinking maybe??? :-)
I did enjoy reading these three murder mystery stories. The cold cases were interesting and well detailed. I liked Gus and all the detail involved in police procedures. I recommend to others. I didn't see to attraction to Gus for the young beautiful women to fall into bed with this much older retired guy...wishful thinking maybe??? :-)
September 25, 2021
Three interesting plots. A plodding retired detective back to try to solve cold cases. Three young detective helpers. Three quick solves. Some good character writing, although Freeman drifted right on the edge of being narcissistic and full of ego; the author brought in some quotes from ancient philosophers to show he was a "deep thinker." It wasn't obvious how he arrived at some of the results.
July 15, 2023
The Freeman Files 1-3 were a very entertaining read. The books are short, totaling about 600+ pages.
I found his concept very interesting. These days cold case investigations are in vogue and he was ahead of the curve. I like his characters, they're well-developed and keep developing, and very real.
I'll read the rest of the series.
Bob Peterson
I found his concept very interesting. These days cold case investigations are in vogue and he was ahead of the curve. I like his characters, they're well-developed and keep developing, and very real.
I'll read the rest of the series.
Bob Peterson
November 7, 2025
Riveting
I really enjoyed the books. I liked the combination of normal, everyday, crazy life and the cold cases.
There were typos throughout, but nothing I couldn't power through. Some probably weren't actual typos but rather differences in British English vs. American English.
I'd enjoy reading more books for the cold cases and to see how things move forward in Gus' life.
I really enjoyed the books. I liked the combination of normal, everyday, crazy life and the cold cases.
There were typos throughout, but nothing I couldn't power through. Some probably weren't actual typos but rather differences in British English vs. American English.
I'd enjoy reading more books for the cold cases and to see how things move forward in Gus' life.
August 30, 2020
Gus Freeman! Retired?! Nah, he'll be back. And he is!!!!
I really enjoy tagging-along with Gus, and his gang is the frosting on the cake, as they tackle cold-cases. I sure hope he will "keep his toe in the water" so I can follow his "retirement activities".
I really enjoy tagging-along with Gus, and his gang is the frosting on the cake, as they tackle cold-cases. I sure hope he will "keep his toe in the water" so I can follow his "retirement activities".
September 16, 2020
Bloody murder
Wonderfully planned and sculpted. A massage parlor girl mets a terrible death. Many twists and turns, leads that look so perfect, an incredibly skilled cold case investigator figures it out, be ready for a surprise!
Wonderfully planned and sculpted. A massage parlor girl mets a terrible death. Many twists and turns, leads that look so perfect, an incredibly skilled cold case investigator figures it out, be ready for a surprise!
December 31, 2020
What an exceptional story teller, can't waot tp read more,
am already half in love with Gus Freeman. What a brly written series. Thoroughly enjoyable ywt anothe one fprmy favorites lost.
am already half in love with Gus Freeman. What a brly written series. Thoroughly enjoyable ywt anothe one fprmy favorites lost.
May 9, 2021
Cold case story
The story lines are interesting, well thought. The way the author wrote the stories are not as good as the stories. The Gus character is arrogant, dictating. People around him are all incompetent.
The story lines are interesting, well thought. The way the author wrote the stories are not as good as the stories. The Gus character is arrogant, dictating. People around him are all incompetent.
May 14, 2021
Easy to read and engaging. Nice book to relax into. I liked the characters and the challenges they each face. Gus is intelligent and thoughtful, but really, Gus, Suzie??!! Don't you know she is looking for a Father figure...or do you just not care...?
July 30, 2021
This has been a good series to read
The first three Ted Taylor Freeman Series books is leading to the next three. They have been quick, fun reads. Looking forward to see what cold case Gus and his brood solve next!
The first three Ted Taylor Freeman Series books is leading to the next three. They have been quick, fun reads. Looking forward to see what cold case Gus and his brood solve next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews