Tale guide
Illegal Tender by Richard Phillips
A suspense crime thriller that dares you to put it down!
My first novel drawn from a lifetime involved in South Africa's little known but highly dangerous cash management industry that transports and protects the billions of Rands that keep the nation's economy turning every day.
Illegal Tender
This fast-paced tale takes place within a major British cash-in-transit (armoured car) company whose Slough operation becomes the target of a gang of skilled robbers.
Planned with military precision, the robberies are carried off by an unknown criminal syndicate who take the reader on a roller-coaster ride across England, Europe and South Amarica
The gang finally carries off a very clever and professional robbery of a vaulted branch in the city of Slough to the south of London. They escape with a record value of British pounds, US dollars and euros as well as a consignment of diamonds and they leave almost no evidence behind with which to assist the police investigation.
The responsibility for the criminal investigation into the attacks, lands in the lap of the Slough police. The CIO and his team pursue numerous leads and sub-stories throughout the tale but not without the assistance of an insurance investigator, Samantha Kelly.
Sam is an attractive and wily insurance underwriter working for a Lloyds syndicate in London and who oversees the CIT company’s risk portfolio. The magnitude of the loss places undue pressure on the insurance syndicate and Sam decides that an extraordinary effort needs to be made to recover as much of the loss as possible. The best chance of her recovering the stolen goods lies in her ability to befriend a suspected “insider” and she keeps her activities secret from the police until much later when it suits her ultimate objective to divulge all.
The story ends with considerable success on the part of the police but not without Sam's somewhat dangerous and unorthodox initiatives in pursuit of the ringleader. As the events reach a climax, a twist in the tale provides for an unexpected ending.
Illegal Tender is my first book and is published by Amazon
It is available worldwide, in paperback and as an E-book from any local Amazon website including:
REVIEWS
KIRKUS REVIEWS - UNITED STATES
TITLE INFORMATION ILLEGAL TENDER
"A debut novel focuses on the dogged hunt for a team of daring armed robbers. In this book, Phillips takes readers into the world of high-value protection and road transportation, in which companies move cash, bullion, diamonds, and foreign currency in shipments of tamper-evident bags guarded by well-trained professionals. The author also introduces his readers to Mason Cooper, a violent giant of a man who wants to pull a very lucrative heist of that valuable cargo. Cooper is a British veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and, as Phillips writes, “it was in this theatre that he developed a liking, even a panache, for killing.” Along with his partner, Cooper orchestrates an assault on a cash-transfer car in Slough, England, and gets away with millions, leaving chaos in his wake.
Detective Inspector Chris Lamb and his superior, Chief Inspector Martin Haywood, begin their investigation, going on some slim evidence. They slowly piece together a case with the help of a lead from Manchester Narcotics, where a low-level informant has reported a couple of people trying to move millions of pounds out of the country. As the ripples of the crime make their way to the Continent, the hunt is conducted both by the police and the novel’s standout character, claims investigator Samantha Kelly. Kelly, working on behalf of the transport company and displaying a determination to trace the crime to its source, forms the dramatic heart of the book.
The rest of the story that Phillips tells is a very competently done heist tale; he keeps the plot moving by shifting the narrative focus from chapter to chapter. Unfortunately, the action can often feel formulaic, and, aside from Cooper and Kelly, too many of the story’s characters show up only to deliver exposition. Still, the author deftly strips his engaging tale down to the essentials.
Fans of Lee Child and James Patterson will get exactly what they’re craving.
An entertaining, fast-paced heist thriller."
Richard Phillips Self (214 pp.)
ISBN: 978-1-80227-600-8 July 7, 2022
ON LINE BOOK CLUB REVIEW
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Illegal Tender" by Richard Phillips.]
Book Cover 4 out of 4 stars Share this Review
Illegal Tender is a book written by Richard Phillips. It was divided into thirty-seven chapters and written in one hundred and fifty-nine pages. It is an interesting book filled with suspense, thriller, and romance.
Richard tells the story of criminals headed by Mason Copper. He also talks about Mason's background and family before he turned his skills into crimes. His criminal record ended with the armed robbery of ShieldCash. His partner was Alan, and the other teams were independent persons employed for a particular act of which after they were dismissed.
The story outlines a chronological story of how they were caught after leaving little or no clue. It also highlights the police department as a coin with two faces. On one hand, the extent one can go to unravel a crime, and on the other side, the power of wealth on the human mind.
One particular aspect of the book that I liked was the storyline. From the beginning to the end, it was mind-blowing and filled with twists and suspense. The characters executed their role, and I never imagined the end.
The character of Samantha Kelly was commendable. She was the real gamer who seemed to have enjoyed the most from the robbery. The style in which the book was written was very remarkable. Each chapter has a story which makes it very easy to understand. The punctuation trend and simple sentences employed made the book very interesting. I had a good read all through the pages.
The story had no loose end. It captured every little detail, no matter how infinitesimal. It did not give the reader any room to imagine anything. This is one feature I enjoy in books.
The inclusion of the postscript was one of my highlights. This is my first time reading anything with such a heading, and I love the idea of it. It gave a detailed story of how Samantha stole the money.
I also enjoyed the fact that the author used little or no vulgar words in the book. It was very refreshing to read.
The crime scene was so detailed that it mirrored in my mind as if I was watching a thriller in a movie scene. The author did an impeccable job with the story.
In all honesty, I have no negative thoughts about the book. It was well written, in my view. It was also exceptionally well-edited. I will rate the book the 4 out of 4 stars.
My reason is that it had an interesting storyline that hooked me to the very last page, and I found no negative aspects while reading the book. I will gladly recommend this book to movie producers.
It is my firm belief that once executed well will be a major hit in the entertainment industry. I also recommend it to every other adult who enjoys crime and suspense-themed books.
****** Illegal Tender View: on Bookshelves
MICHELLE BLACKMAN
26 February 2023
What a brilliant book! Suspenseful from the beginning to the end. Could not put it down.
DEREK WALTON
23 February 2023
Richard Phillips, a Master class young man. You've hidden your talents from us. I really and truly enjoyed your Book. Your writing style reminds me of Jack Higgins novel's, captivating suspense. I look forward to your next edition.
GAVIN BLACKMAN
25 February 2023
All we can say is wow.
Your book is incredible. So many twists and turns. I loved it. It's definitely movie worthy.
Or even a mini series on Netflix. Big Well done
MICHAEL ROBERT SHAWE
23 February 2023
I have just read the book Illegal Tender by Richard Phillips. It was a very good read. Highly recommended.
MICHELLE KAMINER
1 5 January 2023
I like big books i cannot lie... but i am also a prolific and greedy reader, so when Richard told me held written a book, i had to give it a go... it's not a big book, cos there's no waffling i didn't know anything about the cash-in-transit business (except for the odd news story) so it was interesting to get a rolicking tale laid out so succintly within this industry that by the end you feel like you know something you didnt know before... And i did not see the sting in the tale coming I enjoyed reading Illegal Tender by Richard Phillips
DAVE HOFF
22 January 2023
I have just finished reading Illegal Tender by Richard Phillips.
If you looking for a superb crime novel, that has a great plot, good characters and that will have you turning the pages nonstop... look no further.
GLYNIS ASHMORE
13 January 2023
Richard has always been a keen blogger, and I've always loved his witty and entertaining blogs.
I've just read his latest offering, Illegal Tender.
I literally read the whole thing in a single sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed the read - I hope the next book is already in the pipeline!
starsky0027
5.0 out of 5 stars Cash-in-Transit Action Adventure
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 April 2023
If you like your books fast and furious, this packs a punch with serious detail, delivery and desire for more. Absorbs you quickly and educates you on the the intricacies of pulling off a cash-in-transit heist, for all the chaos it entails too!
Christopher Nicholas Phillips
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping, authentic read.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 September 2022
With his considerable experience of making life difficult for criminals, Richard Phillips' fast paced crime story offers authentic scenarios and believable characters as it transports us through a complex plot, leading to the eventual undoing of the bad guys, but not without some tantalising twists along the way. Illegal Tender is hard to put down.
PAUL HARDWELL
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping plot
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 August 2022
Once I started to read this book I found it difficult to put down, due to the characters and twists in the story.
Highly recommended!
Gary
5.0 out of 5 stars Kept me up all night.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 August 2022
A riviting and exciting story. Highly recommended
Helpful
Caitolis
5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing Page-Turner
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 August 2022
This is a great book: a compelling, fast-paced thriller that is hard to put down.
Miss P.
5.0 out of 5 stars A good easy read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 August 2022
Fantastic, easy read with twists and turns.
Very enjoyable, definitely recommend.
Patricia
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read Illegal Tender
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 August 2022
If you like an exciting read with a twist then this is for you
Anthea
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant thriller
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 August 2022
I couldn't put Illegal Tender down. Absolutely loved it
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly enjoyable read
Reviewed in the United States on 27 October 2022
I really enjoyed this well researched and well written novel. Lots of insider knowledge that adds authenticity and a plot thats is intriguing.
Rowan D'Arcy
5.0 out of 5 stars A who dunnit with a twist at the end.
Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2022
Really enjoyed this book especially the twist at the end. It is fast paced and easy reading. This is the first time I have read a book from this author and I will look out for new ones in the future.
Mike Krogh
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on the intricacies of cash in transit crime
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2022
Well rounded characters, with a really good story. Richard’s expertise and knowledge of the inner workings of the market really come through well. Superb twist to the end!
Justin
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Fast-Paced Thriller
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2023
This book has an amazing storyline and I enjoyed the development of the characters! Samantha was my favorite! Also, I enjoyed the authors descriptive nature. I had an exceptional time reading this!
And many, many more...