A semi-retired businessman has released a harrowing novel about a man who seeks revenge on those who have wronged him based in Worcestershire.

Richard Phillips's book, titled 'Three Down', was published on Thursday (November 28).

The book follows businessman Jack Mayhew as his life spirals out of control after a traumatic event.

Read more: Hoard of Roman coins worth £100k found near Worcester

Set in the 1960s and 1980s, the book follows the character's life around Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham, and Worcestershire.

Surrendering to his fate after collapsing into the sea off Amalfi in a moment of despair, the book looks at how Mayhew's early self-doubt fuels both his ambition and weakness for women, leading to suffering at the hands of three people by adulthood.

His business crumbles, but driven by anger, he embarks on a journey of revenge and redemption.

Success in the corporate world follows, but so does tragedy.

Author Phillips, who was the youngest chairman of a listed company at the age of 35, is now semi-retired and enjoys skiing, sailing, shooting, painting, cheering at rugby union games, and playing the violin.

He is also a former student of Malvern College.

Phillips said: "Whilst this is a work of fiction it is influenced by my tough challenges in business in the industrial Midlands, involving rescuing troubled companies and restructuring others in the face of stiff opposition from trades unions in Thatcher’s Britain.

"The other main influence is my sometimes-traumatic experience at boarding school from the age of eight.

"I wanted the novel to be character driven, the reader getting to know Jack deeply through flashbacks and defining moments in his life."

The novel is said to be a "thought-provoking tale of love, loss, ambition and revenge".