"Are you seeking a divorce?" "I'm not sure. I don't want it. I hate the idea of divorce. But it's hopeless. In the end there was no trust. I know he loves me... loved me, anyway. He had a stupid affair, promised it would never happen again... but how can I believe that? Once is enough for me." Dying Phoenix is set against a background of fear and torture, under a military dictatorship in Greece. Tumultous couple Max and Nina Hammett struggle to preserve a marriage that has become fraught with jealousy and despair. In April 1967, a totally unexpected military coup throws Greece into turmoil. People vanish amid terrified rumours of torture and murder. As these events unravel, so does Nina and¿Max's marriage. Nina doesn't trust Max, and leaves him in a jealous rage. But the truth of the matter is that Max was trying to help an abused woman escape her tormentor, not taking her to his bed as Nina imagines. Young, flighty Zoe's angst puts Max in terrible danger from a ruthless murderer. At the same time, he must also try to find Nina, who has disappeared into the shadowy depths of Athens. He knows that her wilful nature, along with her refusal to cater to the military, could get her killed. Hearing that she is in danger, he sets off on a journey across Greece to find her - and to escape his own past...