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Charlie Fox Thriller #2
Riot Act
“Charlie Fox is simply the best.”—Jeffery Deaver
“Zoë Sharp writes some of the best thrillers around. . . . Charlie Fox is totally believable, thanks to Sharp’s writing skill.”—Ted Hertel, Deadly Pleasures
“Male and female crime fiction readers alike will find Sharp’s writing style addictively readable—one of the very best crime fiction sagas out there.”—Paul Goat Allen, Chicago Tribune
“Charlie Fox is fast becoming the must-read heroine of mystery.”—Ken Bruen
A self-defense expert with a motorbike and an attitude, Charlie Fox doesn’t need to go looking for trouble. It generally finds her. House-sitting for a friend seemed like an easy favor at first, but the house in question is in the Lavender Garden Estate. Teenage gangs are running riot and Charlie’s desperate neighbors have been forced to employ an expensive—and ruthless—security firm to apply rough justice where the legal kind has failed. The situation gets even uglier when a young Asian boy is fatally wounded in what appears to be a racially motivated shooting. Caught in the middle of an urban battlefield, Charlie’s more than able to take care of herself, but then she comes face-to-face with a specter from her army past. As the tensions rise, lives will depend on Charlie working out just whom she can really trust.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 29, 2002
74 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Zoë Sharp
69 books488 followersZoë Sharp spent most of her formative years living aboard a catamaran on the northwest coast of England. She opted out of mainstream education at the age of twelve and wrote her first novel at fifteen. She became a freelance photojournalist in 1988 and started writing her Charlie Fox crime thriller series after receiving death-threats in the course of her work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 5, 2021
An early Charlie Fox thriller. Virtually impossible to find in the U.S. While housesitting in a marginal neighborhood, Charlie becomes embroiled in a series of escalating violence with racial overtones designed to catalyze urban renewal. Charlie rescues a young thug from a beating at the hands of hired peacekeepers, only to discover he is the young brother of her ex-lover, Sean Meyer, who quit Special Forces. Charlie has to face him and her past in order to deal with the present. A lot of solid ass-kicking, as usual, in Zoe Sharp's books.
September 28, 2012
Every book I read has a great endorsement by someone or other. Zoë Sharp’s first book, Killer Instinct, had a rousing Foreword by Lee Child. That caught my eye. Mr. Child reported that someone said, I love your books but Zoe Sharp is better. Interesting admission from one of my favorite authors. I’ve been rolling that one around in my head ever since. Is she really better than Lee Child?
Before I read her first book, when anyone asked, Who is your favorite author, I never hesitated. Lee Child. If they asked for more, I’d toss in James Rollins, Sue Grafton, E.L. James, a few others*. After reading her second book, I have a different answer. And it brings me back to the question: Is she really better than Lee Child?
The honest answer is, Equal. And I mean that. How is that possible? the Reacher Creatures ask. Because they are opposite characters. Jack Reacher is male, American, laconic, a loner and homeless. Charlie Fox is female, English**, talkative, a pleasant extrovert, owns an apartment and even has parents. And, more fun, Mr. Child’s writing is the opposite in Ms. Sharp’s. Where his prose is sparse and lean and masculine, hers is warm and friendly and charming. Moving from one to the other is great fun. In my case, reading Wanted Man followed by Riot Act was cathartic.
But before this review devolves into the next edition of Epic Rap Battles of History, I should wax poetic about Ms. Sharp’s writing. (Wait! Don’t run off, I’ll tone down the poetic stuff.) First, her writing is not unique or ground breaking -- thank god. It just fits. It does not intrude. It amuses without distracting. It informs without analysis. It drives the story forward in a smooth and linear progression. At the same time, it’s fun to read. There is appropriate humor, downright cheeky at times, that deepens the serious scenes.
In my review of her first book, I extolled the virtues of how Ms. Sharp glues the story together. She makes those uninteresting movements from point A to point B interesting. Expanding on that theme is how she makes small scenes, even pieces of scenes, have impact with little effort. Take this bit from the early going:
It was the kind of scream that nightmares are made of. A full-blooded howling roar with the sort of breath-control an opera singer would have killed for.
See? Fun, informative, illustrative and efficient; everything you want in two sentences. And fun to read. How about this bit which happens during a tense interrogation by the police Superintendent:
Friday [the dog] padded through from sloshing the contents of his water bowl over half the kitchen floor. He slyly dried his muzzle by wiping it across my knees while pretending to offer sympathetic support.
You know that dog. You’ve been slobbered on by that dog. And the story brings you the warmth that dogs always bring. Like I said, the opposite of Lee Child. Equal to … no, the antidote to Lee Child.
More important than the writing is the story. Most impressive is the sub-plot. Most thrillers dispense with family to keep the hero focused. James Rollins dabbles in a father with Alzheimers, Lee Child killed everyone off in the first couple books, Janet Evanovich uses them for sport. But usually, authors just ignore them. Ms. Sharp introduced a strained relationship in the first book with a surprising turn of events at the end. One I did not expect but fit beautifully. A common author would have left it at that. In Riot Act, Ms. Sharp puts the uncertain relationship into the fire. These books contain one of the most real and thoughtful father-daughter relationships I’ve ever read.
I can’t tell you much about any mystery without running into spoilers, but suffice it to say that I, the most jaded and competitive mystery reader out there, didn’t get it until the writer revealed it. And I didn’t feel cheated or blindsided. The hints and clues were there. What really amazed me was one character’s firm grasp of right and wrong during that final reveal scene. It was very well played.
My recommendation is to buy this book and read it! But be sure you read Killer Instinct first. They really work well together. I can’t wait to read Hard Knocks!
Peace, Seeley James
* JUST KIDDING about EL James. I only read about thirty pages of 50 Shades. It is very well written despite what the snobs claim, but it’s just too girly for me. Plus, after raising two daughters, the concept of a guy hitting a girl makes me ill. Even if she did sign a paper saying ‘it’s OK for rich guys to beat the crap out of me’. …I honestly wonder what goes through the minds of some readers. Well, there you have it.
** If Lancaster is indeed in England. Lord knows I’ve been yelled at by my kids’ English, Irish, Welsh, Scottish, and British soccer coaches long enough to have learned the geography by now. But to me, the whole freaking island would fit inside Montana with room left over for Ireland, so who gives a flying
Special NOTE: MY REVIEWS ARE MY REACTIONS TO THE BOOKS I READ. I have no relationship, financial or familial, with the authors. I do not expect, but would not refuse, any reciprocal reviews or recommendations. Just sayin.
Before I read her first book, when anyone asked, Who is your favorite author, I never hesitated. Lee Child. If they asked for more, I’d toss in James Rollins, Sue Grafton, E.L. James, a few others*. After reading her second book, I have a different answer. And it brings me back to the question: Is she really better than Lee Child?
The honest answer is, Equal. And I mean that. How is that possible? the Reacher Creatures ask. Because they are opposite characters. Jack Reacher is male, American, laconic, a loner and homeless. Charlie Fox is female, English**, talkative, a pleasant extrovert, owns an apartment and even has parents. And, more fun, Mr. Child’s writing is the opposite in Ms. Sharp’s. Where his prose is sparse and lean and masculine, hers is warm and friendly and charming. Moving from one to the other is great fun. In my case, reading Wanted Man followed by Riot Act was cathartic.
But before this review devolves into the next edition of Epic Rap Battles of History, I should wax poetic about Ms. Sharp’s writing. (Wait! Don’t run off, I’ll tone down the poetic stuff.) First, her writing is not unique or ground breaking -- thank god. It just fits. It does not intrude. It amuses without distracting. It informs without analysis. It drives the story forward in a smooth and linear progression. At the same time, it’s fun to read. There is appropriate humor, downright cheeky at times, that deepens the serious scenes.
In my review of her first book, I extolled the virtues of how Ms. Sharp glues the story together. She makes those uninteresting movements from point A to point B interesting. Expanding on that theme is how she makes small scenes, even pieces of scenes, have impact with little effort. Take this bit from the early going:
It was the kind of scream that nightmares are made of. A full-blooded howling roar with the sort of breath-control an opera singer would have killed for.
See? Fun, informative, illustrative and efficient; everything you want in two sentences. And fun to read. How about this bit which happens during a tense interrogation by the police Superintendent:
Friday [the dog] padded through from sloshing the contents of his water bowl over half the kitchen floor. He slyly dried his muzzle by wiping it across my knees while pretending to offer sympathetic support.
You know that dog. You’ve been slobbered on by that dog. And the story brings you the warmth that dogs always bring. Like I said, the opposite of Lee Child. Equal to … no, the antidote to Lee Child.
More important than the writing is the story. Most impressive is the sub-plot. Most thrillers dispense with family to keep the hero focused. James Rollins dabbles in a father with Alzheimers, Lee Child killed everyone off in the first couple books, Janet Evanovich uses them for sport. But usually, authors just ignore them. Ms. Sharp introduced a strained relationship in the first book with a surprising turn of events at the end. One I did not expect but fit beautifully. A common author would have left it at that. In Riot Act, Ms. Sharp puts the uncertain relationship into the fire. These books contain one of the most real and thoughtful father-daughter relationships I’ve ever read.
I can’t tell you much about any mystery without running into spoilers, but suffice it to say that I, the most jaded and competitive mystery reader out there, didn’t get it until the writer revealed it. And I didn’t feel cheated or blindsided. The hints and clues were there. What really amazed me was one character’s firm grasp of right and wrong during that final reveal scene. It was very well played.
My recommendation is to buy this book and read it! But be sure you read Killer Instinct first. They really work well together. I can’t wait to read Hard Knocks!
Peace, Seeley James
* JUST KIDDING about EL James. I only read about thirty pages of 50 Shades. It is very well written despite what the snobs claim, but it’s just too girly for me. Plus, after raising two daughters, the concept of a guy hitting a girl makes me ill. Even if she did sign a paper saying ‘it’s OK for rich guys to beat the crap out of me’. …I honestly wonder what goes through the minds of some readers. Well, there you have it.
** If Lancaster is indeed in England. Lord knows I’ve been yelled at by my kids’ English, Irish, Welsh, Scottish, and British soccer coaches long enough to have learned the geography by now. But to me, the whole freaking island would fit inside Montana with room left over for Ireland, so who gives a flying
Special NOTE: MY REVIEWS ARE MY REACTIONS TO THE BOOKS I READ. I have no relationship, financial or familial, with the authors. I do not expect, but would not refuse, any reciprocal reviews or recommendations. Just sayin.
September 14, 2012
Really like this series, only discovered it recently; great heroine, lots of action, quite dark and gritty but some sly humor too.
This one has Charlie getting involved in the problems of a council estate while house-sitting for a friend. Friday the dog is the best character, but we also get to meet the infamous Sean.
This one has Charlie getting involved in the problems of a council estate while house-sitting for a friend. Friday the dog is the best character, but we also get to meet the infamous Sean.
June 21, 2023
Another excellent book in the Charlie Fox saga.
September 1, 2017
3.5 Stars. I enjoyed the book, even though I wasn't particularly crazy about the storyline. I felt detached from what was going on, and was never fully vested in the neighborhood problems. I still like Charlie, and the re-appearance of Sean has thrown a wrinkle in Charlie's life; although I thought the plot device of his not having any idea what happened to Charlie a little ridiculous. I wish that had been handled better.
I'm looking forward to what is going to happen now that Sean is back in her life. I see some possibilities down the road with his security business.
I'm looking forward to what is going to happen now that Sean is back in her life. I see some possibilities down the road with his security business.
September 13, 2016
I'm well and truly hooked on this series.
In this story, Charlie gets embroiled in local violent events while housesitting for a friend, also meeting up again with someone significant from her past. While she once again proves to be a magnet for trouble, we learn more about her past and her relationships with her parents and others. She's a tough yet vulnerable protagonist, one who's easy to like and root for.
A few things bugged me but didn't detract too much from my enjoyment of the story.
All in all, though, I quickly have become a fan of this series and look forward to reading the next book.
In this story, Charlie gets embroiled in local violent events while housesitting for a friend, also meeting up again with someone significant from her past. While she once again proves to be a magnet for trouble, we learn more about her past and her relationships with her parents and others. She's a tough yet vulnerable protagonist, one who's easy to like and root for.
A few things bugged me but didn't detract too much from my enjoyment of the story.
All in all, though, I quickly have become a fan of this series and look forward to reading the next book.
August 4, 2012
Being interested in reading series mystery/detectives I ran across Zoe Sharp during my aimless wandering through book worlds online. I admit, reading the reviews I was skeptical as to whether or not I'd like this book for the simple reason that I'm interested in a particular type of hero (principled but tempted by physical violence, alone in the world by choice but always tempted to abandon this lifestyle). Female main characters usually do not fit this model if my previous reads are any indication. And so I considered that books written from the viewpoint of Charlie Fox, a female protagonist, might or might not interest me.
Having said that, the character of Sean Meyer did interest me. And so I dove into the Charlie Fox mystery/thrillers.
Ms. Sharp did a nice job of incorporating my particular interest, not just in the character of Sean Meyer, but also in the female protagonist. Charlie Fox is in the business of security, protection, and self-defense. That too went a long way into my choosing to read this series. Constantly weighing her principles against Sean Meyer vs. the various antagonist you will encounter in this series, Charlie Fox comes across has both hard boiled and vulnerable, hero and unwilling victim, intelligent and driven by desire.
As with all series books, read them in order! And if you've read this review of Charlie Fox than you've read them all. Ms. Sharp remains consistent in terms of interesting plots, depth of character to warrant a blanket review of the entire series.
Having said that, the character of Sean Meyer did interest me. And so I dove into the Charlie Fox mystery/thrillers.
Ms. Sharp did a nice job of incorporating my particular interest, not just in the character of Sean Meyer, but also in the female protagonist. Charlie Fox is in the business of security, protection, and self-defense. That too went a long way into my choosing to read this series. Constantly weighing her principles against Sean Meyer vs. the various antagonist you will encounter in this series, Charlie Fox comes across has both hard boiled and vulnerable, hero and unwilling victim, intelligent and driven by desire.
As with all series books, read them in order! And if you've read this review of Charlie Fox than you've read them all. Ms. Sharp remains consistent in terms of interesting plots, depth of character to warrant a blanket review of the entire series.
November 26, 2021
I agree with Jennifer’s review below, so won’t repeat it. 3.5 stars. 4 for Charlie’s background with family and Sean. 3 for plot and other characters. Sometimes I felt a bit lost as to why she would have gotten sucked into the drama/gang wars, etc.
October 21, 2019
Riot Act was written as a standalone book, though it’s the second novel.
I had listened to the audio book last year. It was a bit disconcerting to hear a soprano voice adopt gritty elements in order to represent the male characters. It didn’t quite work for me. So I found a hard copy to read as a build up to the Sept. 2019 publication of Bad Turn .
The initial chapters of Riot Act opened with sufficient tension from crimes directed against defenseless seniors to thinly-veiled threats from bully vigilantes. But this was just the tip of the iceberg stuff. Racially charged suburban riots quickly complicated Charlie’s house- and dog-sitting gig; indeed, chapter 1 ended with her decking one of those bully vigilantes just as the police arrived. Sigh, this is not a naturally appealing topic but I was intrigued enough by Charlie from Killer Instinct to pick up this book.
What kept me interested was the introduction of a pivotal figure from her past, one who was probably the most significant non-family member in her entire life. He was a fully realized, complex character with his own personal stake in the urban unrest. In Killer Instinct, Charlie stated her preference for “bad boys.” Well, she characterized this specter from her past as not just a bad boy, but one truly scary man who has no objection to killing, even when he’s no longer in a sanctioned war zone.
In regards to this pivotal figure, Charlie didn’t want him to know anything of her ignominous departure from the army. One odd thing is that though he was able to do some digging and unearthed a key 5-year old clue, he was still ignorant of the full circumstances that Charlie experienced. How was that possible? Despite this, it doesn’t diminish the overall story quality.
In Riot Act, there was also a deeper explanation of the estrangement between Charlie and her parents. It became clearer that the emotional distance was not only due to a lack of acceptance from her parents and the fallout from her army past, but because of a guilty conscience on her mother’s part. It just made Charlie more likable for how she decided to respond to the new knowledge of her mother’s action. The storyline even casted Charlie’s cold-blooded father in a more positive light for he again came to her assistance at a crucial time despite knowing that her request crossed an ethical line.
I don’t want to give away any more, go read this book! It was indeed a riot, and although handguns were banned in England in the late 1990s, few escaped unscathed as bullets went flying.
I had listened to the audio book last year. It was a bit disconcerting to hear a soprano voice adopt gritty elements in order to represent the male characters. It didn’t quite work for me. So I found a hard copy to read as a build up to the Sept. 2019 publication of Bad Turn .
The initial chapters of Riot Act opened with sufficient tension from crimes directed against defenseless seniors to thinly-veiled threats from bully vigilantes. But this was just the tip of the iceberg stuff. Racially charged suburban riots quickly complicated Charlie’s house- and dog-sitting gig; indeed, chapter 1 ended with her decking one of those bully vigilantes just as the police arrived. Sigh, this is not a naturally appealing topic but I was intrigued enough by Charlie from Killer Instinct to pick up this book.
What kept me interested was the introduction of a pivotal figure from her past, one who was probably the most significant non-family member in her entire life. He was a fully realized, complex character with his own personal stake in the urban unrest. In Killer Instinct, Charlie stated her preference for “bad boys.” Well, she characterized this specter from her past as not just a bad boy, but one truly scary man who has no objection to killing, even when he’s no longer in a sanctioned war zone.
In regards to this pivotal figure, Charlie didn’t want him to know anything of her ignominous departure from the army. One odd thing is that though he was able to do some digging and unearthed a key 5-year old clue, he was still ignorant of the full circumstances that Charlie experienced. How was that possible? Despite this, it doesn’t diminish the overall story quality.
In Riot Act, there was also a deeper explanation of the estrangement between Charlie and her parents. It became clearer that the emotional distance was not only due to a lack of acceptance from her parents and the fallout from her army past, but because of a guilty conscience on her mother’s part. It just made Charlie more likable for how she decided to respond to the new knowledge of her mother’s action. The storyline even casted Charlie’s cold-blooded father in a more positive light for he again came to her assistance at a crucial time despite knowing that her request crossed an ethical line.
I don’t want to give away any more, go read this book! It was indeed a riot, and although handguns were banned in England in the late 1990s, few escaped unscathed as bullets went flying.
April 10, 2013
Okay, so in July 2012 I gave in to the nagging feeling that I was missing out. Every time I looked on Facebook I kept seeing people take about Zoe Sharp and the character Charlie Fox. Not one to miss out I immediately read the first book in the series and LOVED it. I have finally got around to book 2 and finished it in less time than the first.
Charlie Fox is ex-special forces, however that may sound like a ‘bog standard’ character template for a female lead, but she is far from standard. Charlie Fox is an ordinary woman with a very interesting past. Yep, she was in the special-forces but eventually kicked out due to a harrowing event that has gone on to make her a little bit cynical. Currently working at a gym and house-sitting for her friend she has no idea that things are about to go a little crazy in her life. I really like Charlie Fox as a character and although she certainly has some skills, she isn’t what you would call the most settled of people.
The thing about a good series is that you begin to learn about the characters as each book is released. Sharp does a cracking job of feeding enough to keep the reader interested, but too little for you to feel you really have the whole picture? It’s what makes people continue to read series like these. With Charlie’s house stay coinciding with a rush of violence on the estate, she finds herself trapped between toeing the line with the law, and getting involved to help get to the truth of what’s going on. In typical Charlie style, the trouble comes looking for her.
With the London riots reasonably recent, it made the events in this book that little bit more real for me. What I didn’t account for was a character from Charlie’s past, Sean Meyer’ turning up and rocking the boat. There are a number of threads to this story and as you keep reading it’s like peeling back the layers of an onion! I changed my mind a number of times as to who was behind the violence and riots, but as the story went on I realised I should give up trying to work it out and just enjoy. Enjoy it was what I did in the bucket load! I love Charlie, her close friends and work colleagues and now Sean. However, the number one spot has to go to Friday, the dog of her friend for whom she was house-sitting. He absolutely made his mark and I thought he and Charlie made a great match (ridiculous I know, but true).
Having promised other people I would read other books next, I decided to completely ignore my promises and have already started book 3. I can see this series taking all preference for a while yet! I would absolutely recommend this book and the series. Start at book 1 and you have at least 9 to catch up on…I can’t wait!
Charlie Fox is ex-special forces, however that may sound like a ‘bog standard’ character template for a female lead, but she is far from standard. Charlie Fox is an ordinary woman with a very interesting past. Yep, she was in the special-forces but eventually kicked out due to a harrowing event that has gone on to make her a little bit cynical. Currently working at a gym and house-sitting for her friend she has no idea that things are about to go a little crazy in her life. I really like Charlie Fox as a character and although she certainly has some skills, she isn’t what you would call the most settled of people.
The thing about a good series is that you begin to learn about the characters as each book is released. Sharp does a cracking job of feeding enough to keep the reader interested, but too little for you to feel you really have the whole picture? It’s what makes people continue to read series like these. With Charlie’s house stay coinciding with a rush of violence on the estate, she finds herself trapped between toeing the line with the law, and getting involved to help get to the truth of what’s going on. In typical Charlie style, the trouble comes looking for her.
With the London riots reasonably recent, it made the events in this book that little bit more real for me. What I didn’t account for was a character from Charlie’s past, Sean Meyer’ turning up and rocking the boat. There are a number of threads to this story and as you keep reading it’s like peeling back the layers of an onion! I changed my mind a number of times as to who was behind the violence and riots, but as the story went on I realised I should give up trying to work it out and just enjoy. Enjoy it was what I did in the bucket load! I love Charlie, her close friends and work colleagues and now Sean. However, the number one spot has to go to Friday, the dog of her friend for whom she was house-sitting. He absolutely made his mark and I thought he and Charlie made a great match (ridiculous I know, but true).
Having promised other people I would read other books next, I decided to completely ignore my promises and have already started book 3. I can see this series taking all preference for a while yet! I would absolutely recommend this book and the series. Start at book 1 and you have at least 9 to catch up on…I can’t wait!
March 10, 2018
3 1/2 Stars. This was a good book. It did not have the same intensity as the first novel did, but it was still a good read. I felt like the plotline was not as strong as the the first one, but Zoe Sharp continues to do an excellent job of advancing Charlie as a character, which is what draws me in into these stories in the first place. Sean coming back into her life was a good twist, showing more of Charlie's emotional side, and revealing more about her past as well, but I just felt the neighborhood characters did not draw me as much as I wanted them to. It had a very good beginning with setting the story up, and I loved Friday, which helped bring out more of a humorous side to Charlie's personality, which is always fun to see, and something Zoe Sharp excels at in these books.
Overall, this was a good book, and Charlie Fox as a character is a great contrast to all the male-leads you will find in these kinds of books lately. Zoe Sharp has created a unique personable character that is both strong-willed and emotionally driven. Charlie Fox feels a lot more human than other leads do in other books because she makes mistakes and is not the strongest one in the room, and knows that, but her strength is what keeps her going nonetheless. I look forward to reading more about Charlie's adventures in future books.
Overall, this was a good book, and Charlie Fox as a character is a great contrast to all the male-leads you will find in these kinds of books lately. Zoe Sharp has created a unique personable character that is both strong-willed and emotionally driven. Charlie Fox feels a lot more human than other leads do in other books because she makes mistakes and is not the strongest one in the room, and knows that, but her strength is what keeps her going nonetheless. I look forward to reading more about Charlie's adventures in future books.
August 27, 2007
RIOT ACT (Amateur Sleuth-London-Cont) – VG
Sharp, Zoe – 2nd in series
Piatkus, 2002-Hardcover
Charlie Fox is an self-defense expert and ex-Special Forces. She is house- and dog-sitting--a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Frank—for her friend but things turn ugly when teenage gangs start terrorizing the neighborhood. The neighbors hire a private security firm, but a young Asian boy is murdered. When someone from Charlie's past appears, life becomes even more complicated.
*** Charlie is someone you'd much rather have as a friend than an enemy. She's tough and independent but has her vulnerabilities. In this second book, we learn more about Charlie's past so she's taking on more dimensions. The action is fast-paced and suspenseful; with a twist I didn't see coming at all. I'm pleased to have found this series and delighted to know there are more books waiting for me.
Sharp, Zoe – 2nd in series
Piatkus, 2002-Hardcover
Charlie Fox is an self-defense expert and ex-Special Forces. She is house- and dog-sitting--a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Frank—for her friend but things turn ugly when teenage gangs start terrorizing the neighborhood. The neighbors hire a private security firm, but a young Asian boy is murdered. When someone from Charlie's past appears, life becomes even more complicated.
*** Charlie is someone you'd much rather have as a friend than an enemy. She's tough and independent but has her vulnerabilities. In this second book, we learn more about Charlie's past so she's taking on more dimensions. The action is fast-paced and suspenseful; with a twist I didn't see coming at all. I'm pleased to have found this series and delighted to know there are more books waiting for me.
August 25, 2017
Nice to get a glimpse of the early Charlie Fox and a little more background info about her relationship with Sean Meyer. As usual, Charlie is a force to be reckoned with as she tries to figure out who is behind escalating violence in the neighborhood where she is house-sitting. But I thought the plot basically consisted of a series of random people attacking one another without anyone really having a clue. 4 stars for Charlie, 2 stars for the plot line.
June 8, 2021
In recent years, my reading habits have changed. My motives are good. I wanted to broaden the range of authors and genres I was reading – and I have. In the past, I used to find an author I liked and then read everything they had until I’d exhausted their back catalogue. There are times when I wonder if I should revert to that. One of those times came when I realised a while ago that I hadn’t got around to reading any more of the Charlie Fox books by Zoe Sharp.
I was kicking myself as I got into it, because so much time had passed since I’d read the first one, and there were references to the events in that book. To be fair, those references weren’t essential for the enjoyment of Riot Act. It was more that I wanted to have the memories clear in my mind. It’s a lesson learned.
Lee Child says that, if Jack Reacher was a woman, he’d be Charlie Fox. I have to say, I think that’s not entirely true. Reacher is a great character, and the books are, with very few exceptions, enthralling. But there’s not a lot of vulnerability there so, while we want him to win, we don’t tend to dwell on how he might be beaten. We know he won’t, we just don’t know how it’ll pan out exactly.
Charlie is a tough character, but she can also be vulnerable. She overcomes the bad guys in spite of her fears. And that, to my mind, makes her stronger than Reacher. It’s a general point to make – certainly about the character I’ve got to know so far – but I think it’s an important distinction.
So, was Riot Act as good as Killer Instinct? The passage of time and a lot of books in between makes that difficult to judge. What I do know is that I had a great time reading it. Fast paced, plenty of action, believable characters, and some twists along the way. Not the twistiest of twists, to be fair, and some of them didn’t surprise me – but that might be more a reflection of how much I read in the crime and thriller genres. Still, this isn’t a criticism. It did pretty much what it says on the tin: it entertained.
What I should do now is make sure I have the next one downloaded and ready to read very soon.
I was kicking myself as I got into it, because so much time had passed since I’d read the first one, and there were references to the events in that book. To be fair, those references weren’t essential for the enjoyment of Riot Act. It was more that I wanted to have the memories clear in my mind. It’s a lesson learned.
Lee Child says that, if Jack Reacher was a woman, he’d be Charlie Fox. I have to say, I think that’s not entirely true. Reacher is a great character, and the books are, with very few exceptions, enthralling. But there’s not a lot of vulnerability there so, while we want him to win, we don’t tend to dwell on how he might be beaten. We know he won’t, we just don’t know how it’ll pan out exactly.
Charlie is a tough character, but she can also be vulnerable. She overcomes the bad guys in spite of her fears. And that, to my mind, makes her stronger than Reacher. It’s a general point to make – certainly about the character I’ve got to know so far – but I think it’s an important distinction.
So, was Riot Act as good as Killer Instinct? The passage of time and a lot of books in between makes that difficult to judge. What I do know is that I had a great time reading it. Fast paced, plenty of action, believable characters, and some twists along the way. Not the twistiest of twists, to be fair, and some of them didn’t surprise me – but that might be more a reflection of how much I read in the crime and thriller genres. Still, this isn’t a criticism. It did pretty much what it says on the tin: it entertained.
What I should do now is make sure I have the next one downloaded and ready to read very soon.
July 26, 2023
With book two of this series, I'm still not sure how I feel about the lead character. She is interesting, but often makes choices that make me want to give her a good shaking. Maybe it's her military training, but she is either suicidal or has a hero complex.
Aside from that, this was an entertaining read... except for the racism, misogyny, and violence. No one who wants an intellectual mystery should bother with Charlie Fox.
Charlie's back story is expanded on, when her gig house-and-dog-sitting for friend Pauline puts her in the middle of an integrated neighborhood where interracial tensions are ramping up, with apparent help from persons unknown. When Charlie intervenes in a beat-down of a local boy complicit in an attack on an Indian man, she is rescued by none other than Sean Meyer, the ex-lover who seemingly abandoned Charlie when she was raped by four men in her unit. It turns out the boy taking the beating is Sean's younger brother Roger, who has fallen in with a bad crowd, possibly Neo-Nazis. Except that Roger's best buddy turns out to be Pauline's neighbor's son, Namir, which makes no sense. When Namir and Roger turn up at the gym where Charlie currently works and try to kill her, it makes even less sense. Then Namir turns up dead.
Sean's involvement leads to inevitable complications and emotional storms for Charlie, including our first face-to-face meeting with Charlie's dad, and multiple awkward conversations with Sean himself.
The plot spins ever onward, but ends with over-the-top violence, as seems to be the only result of a Fox misadventure. Again, Charlie's own choices seem to put her and her friends in bad places. This time, she has help form Sean, who seems driven by the same impulses. Charlie survives, this time with only slightly fewer injuries than the last time out, but not for want of trying.
Also, a warning to dog lovers: a dog is injured in this story, but survives.
Aside from that, this was an entertaining read... except for the racism, misogyny, and violence. No one who wants an intellectual mystery should bother with Charlie Fox.
Charlie's back story is expanded on, when her gig house-and-dog-sitting for friend Pauline puts her in the middle of an integrated neighborhood where interracial tensions are ramping up, with apparent help from persons unknown. When Charlie intervenes in a beat-down of a local boy complicit in an attack on an Indian man, she is rescued by none other than Sean Meyer, the ex-lover who seemingly abandoned Charlie when she was raped by four men in her unit. It turns out the boy taking the beating is Sean's younger brother Roger, who has fallen in with a bad crowd, possibly Neo-Nazis. Except that Roger's best buddy turns out to be Pauline's neighbor's son, Namir, which makes no sense. When Namir and Roger turn up at the gym where Charlie currently works and try to kill her, it makes even less sense. Then Namir turns up dead.
Sean's involvement leads to inevitable complications and emotional storms for Charlie, including our first face-to-face meeting with Charlie's dad, and multiple awkward conversations with Sean himself.
The plot spins ever onward, but ends with over-the-top violence, as seems to be the only result of a Fox misadventure. Again, Charlie's own choices seem to put her and her friends in bad places. This time, she has help form Sean, who seems driven by the same impulses. Charlie survives, this time with only slightly fewer injuries than the last time out, but not for want of trying.
Also, a warning to dog lovers: a dog is injured in this story, but survives.
August 18, 2024
Charlie Fox doesn't trust easily. And top of the list of people she definitely doesn't trust is her one-time military instructor and boyfriend Sean Meyer.
After her rape and attempted murder she reached out to him in despair, but he never replied. “I'd loved him and he betrayed me … love had withered, died, and rotted into hate.”
Charlie is house-sitting in Lavender Gardens estate but the area is under siege from feral teens. They're not afraid of anyone and the police are completely out of their depth. It's only a matter of time before it erupts into all out warfare.
There are also competing groups of “security” experts who are offering to settle things down, but their help comes at a stiff price.
Charlie's initial involvement only goes as far as advising the local resident's association on how to use their numbers to offer a degree of self help, but that's enough to bring her to the attention of those who are deliberately stirring things up.
And amongst them is teen tearaway Roger Meyer.
She doesn't make the connection immediately but it clicks when Sean enters the picture.
“Riot Act” is set almost entirely in Lavender Gardens and has a relatively small list of characters. The sense of chaotic energy is palpable.
And it proves to be a good thing that Charlie can take a beating.
The plotting is very well done with the unlikely villain revealed only at the very end.
I liked it, a lot!
4 Stars.
After her rape and attempted murder she reached out to him in despair, but he never replied. “I'd loved him and he betrayed me … love had withered, died, and rotted into hate.”
Charlie is house-sitting in Lavender Gardens estate but the area is under siege from feral teens. They're not afraid of anyone and the police are completely out of their depth. It's only a matter of time before it erupts into all out warfare.
There are also competing groups of “security” experts who are offering to settle things down, but their help comes at a stiff price.
Charlie's initial involvement only goes as far as advising the local resident's association on how to use their numbers to offer a degree of self help, but that's enough to bring her to the attention of those who are deliberately stirring things up.
And amongst them is teen tearaway Roger Meyer.
She doesn't make the connection immediately but it clicks when Sean enters the picture.
“Riot Act” is set almost entirely in Lavender Gardens and has a relatively small list of characters. The sense of chaotic energy is palpable.
And it proves to be a good thing that Charlie can take a beating.
The plotting is very well done with the unlikely villain revealed only at the very end.
I liked it, a lot!
4 Stars.
July 21, 2018
This is the second book of the Charlie Fox series that I've read; and I simply don't understand the comments likening Zoë Sharp with Lee Child. Neither their writing style nor their lead protagonists are at all alike.
With this particular novel, the plot was so transparent that I knew the outcome by the end of the first chapter. It was therefore with increasing impatience that I waited for Charlie to clue into what was going on. In fact, I abandoned the book after a few chapters, only to pick it up again due to a feeling that I somehow owed the author another chance. I wish now I could get those hours back.
Sharp's writing includes far too much fluff. For example, do we really care that Charlie "bit her lip" in reaction?
As for Charlie Fox vs. Jack Reacher, there's no comparison. Fox seems clueless most of the time whereas Reacher picks things up quickly. Fox lacks confidence; Reacher exudes it. Fox holds her punches; Reacher rarely does, unless he intends it.
Unless someone here can assure me that both the writing and Fox's strength of character improve, I'll not be reading more of the series.
With this particular novel, the plot was so transparent that I knew the outcome by the end of the first chapter. It was therefore with increasing impatience that I waited for Charlie to clue into what was going on. In fact, I abandoned the book after a few chapters, only to pick it up again due to a feeling that I somehow owed the author another chance. I wish now I could get those hours back.
Sharp's writing includes far too much fluff. For example, do we really care that Charlie "bit her lip" in reaction?
As for Charlie Fox vs. Jack Reacher, there's no comparison. Fox seems clueless most of the time whereas Reacher picks things up quickly. Fox lacks confidence; Reacher exudes it. Fox holds her punches; Reacher rarely does, unless he intends it.
Unless someone here can assure me that both the writing and Fox's strength of character improve, I'll not be reading more of the series.
May 2, 2018
Those in council housing shouldn't throw stones. Molotov cocktails are much better.
Charlie Fox is dog and house sitting in a rough neighbourhood for her friend. After some kids manage to seriously injure her neighbour during a robbery, a vigilante mob and a security group move into the area. Ulterior motives abound and Charlie is stuck in the middle of it all as the violence is let loose.
It has been awhile since I've picked up a Zoe Sharp thriller. After reading a couple several years ago I went on a spending spree, but haven't gotten to them until now. I do enjoy reading a female lead thriller written by a female author. Zoe brings something very different to the story that you don't get from her contemporaries in the genre - her writing has been compared to Lee Child, similar to how all comedy shows are compared to The Office.
Riot Act keeps the intrigue and action coming in steady measures. This was an enjoyable thriller.
Charlie Fox is dog and house sitting in a rough neighbourhood for her friend. After some kids manage to seriously injure her neighbour during a robbery, a vigilante mob and a security group move into the area. Ulterior motives abound and Charlie is stuck in the middle of it all as the violence is let loose.
It has been awhile since I've picked up a Zoe Sharp thriller. After reading a couple several years ago I went on a spending spree, but haven't gotten to them until now. I do enjoy reading a female lead thriller written by a female author. Zoe brings something very different to the story that you don't get from her contemporaries in the genre - her writing has been compared to Lee Child, similar to how all comedy shows are compared to The Office.
Riot Act keeps the intrigue and action coming in steady measures. This was an enjoyable thriller.
March 6, 2018
This is a very good follow up novel. The structure and unfolding of the plot is not identical to the first novel and Sharp continues to develop the Charlie character. The setting of northwest UK works really well. I typically end up spending some time on Google maps checking out the locations. I also like that they don't Americanize the spellings or slang; it would really detract from the story telling if they did that. I am not sure, however, about the Sean Meyer character and how he'll get integrated into the story. I get the idea of introducing a love interest, but I don't want that to overshadow Charlie and her story.
July 18, 2021
Just incredible! One of the best new series I've started in a while. The best since I found the Jack Reacher series.
For her first book, the one prior to this, I'd complained of too little insight into Charlie's feelings.....too much focus on "what" and not enough on "why".
That changed in this book. It was the perfect balance between action and the protagonist's subjective experience. Also, there were satisfying partial resolutions to some unbearable problems brought out, but unresolved, in the first book.
All in all, an A+
For her first book, the one prior to this, I'd complained of too little insight into Charlie's feelings.....too much focus on "what" and not enough on "why".
That changed in this book. It was the perfect balance between action and the protagonist's subjective experience. Also, there were satisfying partial resolutions to some unbearable problems brought out, but unresolved, in the first book.
All in all, an A+
May 22, 2024
I've read and loved most of the books in the Charlie Fox series, but I couldn't get this book in print years ago when I read the series. So I purchased it for my library and it's being interlibrary loaned quite a bit! Charlie is such a great main character because she's damaged, yet badass, and smart, yet makes mistakes sometimes. Sharp is a funny writer, too, with quiet ways of writing sentences that make me smile when I read them. It's been years since I read these, but I jumped right back into the series easily and remembered what I loved about the characters.
July 16, 2017
More enjoyable than the first book, but once again, the big twists were all fairly obvious and Charlie's mistakes get people hurt. The story's also pretty heavy on the coincidences.
She's shown some personal growth, which is great. But I need either twistier plots or a sleuth that's better at picking up on them.
She's shown some personal growth, which is great. But I need either twistier plots or a sleuth that's better at picking up on them.
August 12, 2018
I really love the characters in this series. Can't get enough of them. Don't care that the books are a bit older now and don't contain as much technology, they are just wonderful.
November 4, 2018
Lots of action - but also lots of names. I want more Charlie (and Sean).
April 4, 2019
Not quite as page-turning for me as the first book in the series, but I'm going to keep on reading.
April 10, 2019
Charlie is one tough customer. Nothing intimidates her, though she gets a little help from a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Friday.
July 2, 2019
I am really loving this book series. It is just a fun read, but very well written, and have a hard time figuring out the twists before they come.
December 7, 2019
This was a little slow at times but my love for Charlie kept me in and I'm not disappointed. The action scenes this author creates are just as captivating as a die-hard movie.
January 16, 2020
3.5 stars. Really like this author. Have listenedcto all thd audio books iffered by my Library system so now I am reading as many as I can find to fill in the gaps.
DD@Phila
DD@Phila
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