Phoenix, Policing the Shadows

Gives a very good insight into the conflict in Northern Ireland from an RUC point of view. The main subject of the book’s life was tragically cut short in a Chinook accident in 1994, and this edition contains an updated appendix on the findings of the accident report. The accident is not the main subject in this book,but is a reminder of the fine line that faced officers and men and women who served during the troubles in Northern Ireland. Would definitely recommend reading to get an insight not often written about.

Shows what went on early in the troubles

Sounds a good read

Enjoy is a hard word to use in the context of this book, but I did enjoy hearing the story of Ian Phoenix’s life and work. The book carefully tells the story of his family, his work, and his sad passing in the Mull of Kintyre helicopter accident. The book shows you how there are no winners in war, and how the people involved can be more 3D, more complex, and far more caring than might be thought from a short glance. Ian’s death was a huge loss to his family, and the cause he served - peace in all of Ireland. Recommended, with just a caution that the material is, at times, difficult and challenging to read or listen to.

Great read, halfway through and enjoying it. Treats you to a peek behind the scenes and some surprising revelations. Ian Phoenix did well, a single minded focussed individual who must have scared the death out of the criminals in Northern Ireland

I really enjoyed this book. It is full of the ups and downs of being a RUC officer during the troubles in Northern Ireland. It shows you what it was really like.It is quite long winded and not laid out as well as it could be, you get quite confused in some places and there are asterisks everywhere to add notes at the end of the chapter but by the time you get there you forgot what it was you read (I had the kindle version.)However please do buy it, Ian Phoenix was an absoulte credit to the RUC and his death left a massive hole in the world. Really need more people like him, his unfaltering work saved countless lives, and his dedication is something to be truly admired. Thanks to Susan his dedicated wife for writing the book Ian never could.

A superb insight into the life of a soldier and police officer and very much loved family man.This book is well written by his wife and dear friend,I am glad I bought it...

IF you would like to read a book about the investigation INTO A CHINOOK HELICOPTER CRASH this is the book for you IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ A BOOK ABOUT THE NORTH OF IRELAND CONFLICT PASS

Very well written book, I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend this book to anyone to read about Ian Phoenixs life.

If you interested then this is well worth reading

This book confirms some aspects as to what was happening in NI in the troubles and the inability of all departments to work together . Whilst faithfully reporting what information was to hand it lacked the true insider views and facts that Phoenix would have given had his life not be taken in such tragic circumstances . I think that if the book had been written in whole by Phoenix there would have been a lot more factual evidence to support the events as they occurred on the ground . The cover up of the crash and subsequent addendum is a sad reflection of the MOD but in truth that is the way the establishment works. I am glad I read it . It was not a riveting read but it gave me another perspective on the troubles and how a decent human being can co exist in all that mayhem.

It gives you an all around view of all sides during the Troubles in N.Ireland.

This is the real deal: an amazing account of the day to day counter- terrorist work of a superb Irish policeman - helped by his wife who was as much a comrade as any of his colleagues- an man who never lost either his sense of humour or sight of the fact that the long term object of his life's work was peace. Someday the whole island of Ireland will bring him, and a handful of others like him,out of the shadows and honour him as a great Irishman.