Fourth Day

Charlie Fox Thriller #8

by Zoë Sharp

The cult calling itself Fourth Day is well-funded and fiercely guards its privacy. Five years ago, Thomas Witney went in to try and get the evidence that the cult's charismatic leader, Randall Bane, was responsible for the death of Witney's son, Liam. Witney never came out. Now, ex-Special Forces soldier turned bodyguard, Charlie Fox, and her partner, Sean Meyer, have been tasked to get Witney out, whether he's willing or not. But planning and executing a clean, surgical snatch is only the beginning. Five years is a long time to be on the inside and the man who comes out has changed beyond all recognition. Can Witney be trusted when he says he now believes Bane is innocent of the crime and, if he is, who was behind his son's demise? And what happened to the safety net - the people who were supposed to extract Witney, by force if necessary, after less than a year? With Witney's ex-wife demanding answers, Charlie agrees to go undercover into Fourth Day's California stronghold. A fast covert op - there is no real danger for someone with her mind set and training. But Charlie has her own secrets, even from Sean, and she's not prepared for the lure of Randall Bane, or how easily he will pinpoint her weaknesses.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Suspense, Romance

448 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Zoë 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.

Reviews

[Linda C · Rating 2 out of 5]

I HATED this book. I am surprised to see that it has an average between 3-4 stars. The only reason that I didn't give it one star was that I did finish it, albeit it reluctantly. This was my first Charlie Fox book and most likely the last. Truly NOT impressed. I understand that it is a series, but since it was a thriller, I thought erroneously that each book would be a contained story in itself. Half of the book seemed to be references to prior events, with no more than cryptic references, which presumably made sense if you had read the other seven books, but that made no sense if you did not. I can't imagine reading one more Charlie Fox book, much less another six.

As for the storyline in this book, there were flashes of interest-- i.e. is Fourth Day really a cult? Who are really the bad guys? Is Randall Bane messing with her mind? Unfortunately, these were only flashes. There were no real plot twists, something that should be a staple in a thriller. As for Charlie herself, I simply didn't care. I didn't care that she was troubled. In fact, I had trouble believing that she felt guilty for the people that she had killed; she was a professional bodyguard (or merceniary, if you prefer) and had been a soldier. Not exactly the profession for someone who is going to be consumed with guilt. She was even consumed with guilt over a miscarriage and that got old very quickly.

Just a dull, bad book. If I was the type of person who can quickly give up on a book, I never would have read past the first 50 pages of this one. It was a complete waste of time. I was relieved to have it over.

[Woman Reading (is away exploring) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars - emotional vulnerabilities are exploited to fatal ends

One of the many things I like about the Charlie Fox series is the variety of place settings and scenarios, which means that it doesn’t feel formulaic the way long-running detective series end up seeming. I wouldn’t naturally gravitate to a story with a religious cult, but there’s no way that I would have ignored a Charlie Fox story with it, especially since the preceding book Third Strike included a huge cliffhanger in Charlie’s personal life. Fourth Day resolves that issue in a way that leaves Charlie grief-stricken. Her consequent melancholy causes her to be more pensive than usual and has dulled even her usually edgy wit. It’s less than fun to have a favorite character slightly depressed, but it is a natural response and I value that Charlie Fox appears realistic. With that said, Fourth Day book #8 can be read as a standalone, but this is far from the best introduction to her if you’re new to the wonderfully intriguing and complex Charlie Fox.

The main story of the cult showcases how Charlie can be utterly fearless when it comes to protecting defenseless people. With the strength of her conviction, Charlie plunges heedlessly against the opposition, even when it upsets people closest to her, and emerges justified for her positions. Fourth Day is not to be missed by Charlie Fox fans.

Also unlike the earlier stories, Charlie works as part of a larger team. The Armstrong - Meyer firm has been engaged to extract Thomas Witney from the Fourth Day cult. It’s such an important case that both of the firm’s partners are involved. A senior employee protests that it’s contrary to typical safety policies to have both partners involved. But their collective arm has been twisted, which is only one of the many manipulations that transpire in this story.

Indeed Fourth Day is a story that shows how our fears, secrets and vulnerabilities enable us to be susceptible to other’s schemes and machinations or how, if left unattended, they can become greater trouble down the line.

I try to avoid spoilers in reviews, especially for crime fiction, because reader ignorance builds up suspense. But I couldn't help myself.

Conrad Epps, who first appeared in the book #7 Third Strike, plays a major role in this story. He is the most villainous and least trustworthy “good guy” character I’ve come across in a long time. He actually appears to be drawn with too heavy a hand to be credible. As the leader of an unnamed federal agency, possibly Homeland Security, he seems to have limitless power courtesy of the Patriot Act. He calls in a favor to get Armstrong-Meyer to do his dirty work of extracting Witney. In Third Strike, Charlie’s father interfered with an illegal scheme and ended up on the hit list of one of Epps’ rogue employees. It could be argued that Charlie’s father did Epps the favor for uncovering his employees’ criminal and treasonous actions. But Epps’ power exists outside of the system of checks and balances, let alone a pesky thing as due process or wrong-doing by Epps’ people. And this is only one instance of Epps’ unchecked authority. Epps will eventually be embarrassed again but it’s a small comeuppance for this character.

When the Witney extraction ends badly, Charlie volunteers to go undercover in Fourth Day, despite protests from both Sean and Parker. Because of that cliffhanger from book #7, Charlie has allowed emotional distance to creep into her relationship with Sean. How did this happen? Well, she fears how he would react to the cliffhanger event because she hates how needy she feels in requiring an emotional, not rational, reaction from him. I find it maddening that she can't gather her courage and talk to him. That emotional distance makes Sean even more anxious about Charlie and open to manipulation from Chris Sagar, the ex-cult member / consultant to Epps. Sagar convinces Sean that Charlie has succumbed to the insidious influence of the Fourth Day’s leader, Randall Bane. In Third Strike it looked as though Charlie’s life was getting derailed by her father’s problem. To borrow old military slang, it was not a FUBAR (“f***ed up beyond all recognition”) but merely a SNAFU (“situation normal all f***ed up”) for Charlie. As a result of Sagar’s manipulations, however, Sean pays an enormous price which becomes a cliffhanger at the end of Fourth Day. It is Sean who gets FUBAR’ed. You may want to have the next book Fifth Day at the ready!

Randall Bane is the creepiest, good “bad guy” character that Zoe has written in the series. He is self-contained, with innate authority, and his extreme composure discomfits many, from a Los Angeles homicide detective to Charlie, who we know suffers no fools. But Charlie has indeed fallen under Bane’s spell because she values his insight. His approval makes her feel better about herself. Manipulation or successful therapy? Sean believes the former. But how quickly she responds to Bane is surprising. It is as though all of the approval she had previously sought from her father (up until Third Strike) has been transferred onto Bane in the space of a few days. Daddy issues, hmm? Just as Epps has been drawn with a heavy hand, or overdrawn, so I feel has Bane. He delivers so many insights about Charlie that it feels as though the reader is being told who Charlie is without benefit of gleaning her qualities from reading about her exploits - part of my objection is the show me, don’t tell me philosophy.



0) Trial Under Fire 🌟🌟🌟🌟½
1) Killer Instinct 🌟🌟🌟½
2) Riot Act 🌟🌟🌟🌟
3) Hard Knocks 🌟🌟🌟🌟½
4) First Drop 🌟🌟🌟🌟
5) Road Kill 🌟🌟🌟🌟½
6) Second Shot 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
7) Third Strike 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Dylan Cundiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic Charlie Fox mystery. Do not be scared off by the whole saving from a cult scenario. While that lays in the background, this is another good mystery and another good delve into Charlie's psyche. AS with all the books, I find myself yelling at her or Shawn multiple times throughout the book... and as usual I did not see the end coming. I enjoyed it and am really looking forward to the next book.

[Best Crime Books & More · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please note, this is the 8th in a series of books featuring Charlie Fox. For those wishing to read the series in order, maybe don’t read this review. It’s incredibly difficult to review this without inevitable plot spoilers due to the length of time the series has been going.

I am having a somewhat marathon session with this series and am now onto the 8th book in the Charlie Fox series with this latest one. When I started reading I was a little bit confused. The ending of the last book left me with so many questions, however I soon realised that the new operation was a good way for Charlie not to think about what happened at the end of the last book! The story was pretty intense early on and we soon see that Charlie and Sean are trying to extract their ‘principal’ from a so called cult. As usual with any Fox and Meyer story, things are never cut and dried, and they end up with a bigger problem once the first part of their operation is done.

What results is an opportunity for Charlie to get up close and personal with Randall Bane, the guy running the cult named Fourth Day. Not much time had passed since I had started reading and I was surprised to realise I was once again over halfway through the book. With lots of opportunity to delve, we see Charlie take major risks (as per usual) only this time we see her vulnerabilities in a huge way. I would go as far as to say that although Charlie Fox is one of my favourite female lead characters, she is also one of the craziest. Maybe that’s why I like her so much? Not only does she take huge chances, she is also ridiculously screwed up. Her personality leads you to think she actually verges on the edge of becoming as lethal and dangerous as the people she is normally chasing.

Fourth Day held my interest from very early on with all the weird goings-on at the so called cult. However, when you add in the fact that this appears to be the closest we get to layering back Charlie’s personality it made for a pretty explosive read. It had everything I wanted and some! What I wasn’t prepared for was the ending. I almost shouted out loud because I just couldn’t believe it. Zoe Sharp has certainly whetted the fans appetite to want to plough straight onto the next one. I think after reading so many ZS books I will take a break at just the right time. I will anticipate the next book even more, waiting to find out the outcome of the latest Sharp/Meyer disaster.

[Gloria Feit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourth Day is the name of a once subversive organization formed in the 1960's and known for its cult-like origins, but claiming to work wonders especially with vulnerable adolescents [and others] with delinquency and drug addiction problems. It has more recently been headed by one Randall Bane, its new and charismatic leader suspected of having more sinister ambitions.

This newest in the series brings back Charlotte ("Charlie") Fox and her lover, Sean Meyer, a junior partner in Armstrong-Meyer, a "close-protection" [read "bodyguard"] organization, now tasked with retrieving a man who has been living within Fourth Day's grounds on its large real-estate holdings in Southern California. Their 'target,' Thomas Witney, had initially infiltrated the organization five years prior to get proof that Fourth Day was responsible for the death of his son, but for some reason never left. There is some question as to whether or not he will come willingly, but they are told that that is not to be an obstacle. When things go awry, Charlie volunteers to herself infiltrate the organization, with appropriate back-up. What she finds is unexpected, to Charlie and the reader.

This is a fast-paced and suspenseful novel, as Charlie, now 29 years old, is going through some difficult times, personally and professionally. She is nonetheless at the top of her game, and that is very good indeed. The plot races through to a stunning conclusion, which left me more anxious than ever to read the next installment in the series. Highly recommended. [The title, btw, is a Biblical reference - Genesis to be precise - as well as having a double meaning in the final pages.]

[RachelW (BamaGal) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this one prepared to not like it; the cult theme is not my favorite read. What I found, however, was a layered storyline, with lots of threads intertwining...and half-truths and lies that Charlie has to ferret out. Granted, there were things here that didn’t sit well with me, especially for Charlie personally; but overall I found this to be one of the better written and paced of the series to date.

[Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 8th in the Charlie Fox and it really helps to have read the previous books to understand the characters and the relationships between them. In this one, Charlie and Sean are tasked to retrieve a man who has been living with a cult in the California desert for 5 years, but things go wrong because secrets have been kept from them and Charlie has to go into the cult herself to prevent the sinister Epps from raiding it. There are lots of twists and lots of action as usual.
I found myself getting really frustrated with Charlie and Sean and wishing they would just talk to each other instead of 2nd guessing each other and jumping to the worst conclusions all the time, but it is in character since they are both so emotionally stunted that they don't seem to know how to be normal or happy. The ending wasn't as much of a shock as it could've been because I had read the blurb for the next two books, and I'm torn between wanting to read them ASAP, and the knowledge that after that I have to wait for Sharp to write each book. Probably my favourite series at the moment and definitely my favourite heroine.

[Karen Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protection specialist Charlie Fox infiltrates a compound thought to be a cult after her assignment to rescue a college professor from it goes wrong after the man is brutally murdered after being kidnapped from government custody.

This is the fourth Fox book I've read and enjoyed every one of them. Told from Charlie's perpective, her character is deeply burned emotionally but still is determined to do the right thing, come hell or high water. The only problem I had with the story is that a major plot point from the last book is solved by a few paragraphs in the middle of this one, causing me to do a double take and go back to confirm what I had just read. There is a potential spoiler when I mention that the end of this book also has Charlie facing a life altering situation.

But by all means, pick up Fourth Day because you will not be disappointed.

[Hobart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't your typical Charlie Fox novel, and in this case, that's a good thing (I can easily see where an atypical Fox novel would disturb my quiet).

Are there twists? Yup. Action? Yup. Bad guys in need of taking down? Yup. As you'd expect. A few less bullets than you'd expect.

But there was more to this. Sure, Sharp develops her characters further and further each novel--but here, they grew by leaps and bounds, a few books' worth. And it didn't seem forced or obligatory, it was wholly organic and genuine.

Honestly, I groaned when I realized we were getting "undercover op in a cult compound" for a mission. But it turned out to be so much more, and a satisfying read.

(I just hope for a little more action and a little less heart next time)

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was the 4th of a series when I started it, and that might have helped understand the character better. The heroine's past is very important to her current mindset. The books ends on an emotional low note, which is unusual, and clearly meant to set up a fifth book. Overall, a good, reasonably intelligent action novel. I had expected more of a mystery than an action book, but that's okay.

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have never read this series before but I enjoyed it. Charlie Fox works for a security firm and is sent to retrieve someone from a suspected cult. For the rest of the book the reader is not quite sure exactly who the good guys are or the extent of the cult's role in terrorism.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the urgency of the flash forward opening, I had a hard time backtracking to where it all began. But other than the pacing issues, I enjoyed this one.

[Robyn Balmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Zoë Sharp’s books. “Fourth Day” is another excellent story. Although I wouldn’t be inclined to read a book about a religious cult, because it was written by Zoë I had to read it.
Zoë’s writing is exceptional and every page is exciting and well-written.
Charlie Fox has a history of self-defence and aggression and is capable of thinking vigorously to defeat most enemies by all sorts of leverage, including talking people down, running away, or eventually violence.
Charlie is now working with her partner and lover, Sean Meyer, with a New York team, the Armstrong-Meyer firm. She goes undercover to require information from the sect, Fourth Day, and has problems with Conrad Epps, leader of a Federal Agency, and Chris Sagar, a former member of the cult. Her firm and partner are worried for her safety.
The characters are described so well and Zoë’s problems with Sean are tied very well to the story. There was a twist in the story but Zoë proved to be justified in the end. There was sadness involved in the solution – and another cliffhanger.
I am going to purchase all the books about Charlie Fox and will contemplate looking at all of Zoë Sharp’s books.

[Suz BB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie Fox and her partner Sean (in work and and in life) are tasked with penetrating the Fourth Day cult for the purpose of removing one of it's members. What unfolds are lots of questions: is the cult what the leader says it is or what a former member leads them to believe and who is an insider and who is not? What are the motives for all involved? And what will become of Charlie and Sean once he finds out the secret she has been guarding? No spoilers here. :)

While this is the eight book in the series, it's the only one I have read. It reads fine as a stand-alone book - very fast-paced with lots of twists and turns.

[Carolien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charlie Fox and Sean Meyer are tasked to retrieve a member of a cult, a man who entered the cult to find evidence that would link the cult leader to the death of his son. However, all is not what it appears and Charlie ends up going undercover into the cult where her cover is soon blown. Charlie is left questioning all the assumptions made about the cult and its leader, Randall Bane. A final operation goes horribly wrong leaving Charlie feeling guilty about the choices made in this venture. I love these fast-paced stories, but Charlie's stubbornness can sometimes get weary.

[Catsalive · Rating 2 out of 5]

So disappointing. The plot was so dull I couldn't summon much interest in it. I'm sick of Charlie's oh-woe-is-me attitude. If her chosen profession gives her so much grief there's an easy way out of it. She's just sounding like a neurotic idiot now. Her relationship with Sean is irritating beyond belief & seems to have reached a point where she only knows she wants him when he's practically dead - it does not enhance the story, just makes me want to hurl the book at the wall.

I stopped afterThird Strike to have a breather because Charlie's attitude was getting up my nose, but the break hasn't helped me with this episode. I may try the next, possibly.

[iamgaarden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ruined me.

Book 8 of the Charlie Fox Series, I'm impressed Sharp manages to keep away from the template writing. 20% in and I was already thrown off what I thought to be a "predictable" (and by predictable I mean I thought I'd figured it out) path at least twice. So many reveals. So much to unpack from this one.

It might be my favourite of the series so far, or at least in a very strong Top 2.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my least favorite Charlie Fox book, mainly because of the whole American cult/convoluted conspiracy topic. I guess I've had enough of those types of books already, and I didn't feel like this brought anything new to it. And, honestly, it was really unbelievable, which I don't want in my mystery thrillers. But I'll keep reading because I loved the previous books in the series.

[A.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read this one!

Normally I avoid novels involving cults. If you also shy away from "cult novels," don't let that stop you from reading this thriller! It's not about a cult. It's about family relationships, emotional bonds, tragic events and their aftermath, and how to find peace. It's about Charlie and Sean. Don't miss it!

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately I started this series with the sequel to this cliffhanger and now can't remember what happened.

A 2 1/2 stars for this one. Storyline was a little forced IMO & Charlie's stubborness can be annoying at times.

DD@Phila

[Vleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I found myself getting impatient with this book, the resolution made it worth the trip. There's a cliffhanger that has me reaching for the next! I think I am liking Charlie more after this installment.

[aprilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy the series......

[Lesley Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very emotional read

I found this book very hard as it bought up such a lot of emotions in me
It’s a great sit on the edge of your seat read
So enjoy xx

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeah, yeah. I skipped a few books but once I got the chance I took off running. It had a great plot, Charlie was amazing and a lot of twists I wasn't expecting. Definitely a great series thus far.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series. Love these books.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting book in the Charlie Fox series. I enjoyed the fact that this book didn't quite turn out as I had predicted based on the description. The usual main characters were present in this story (Sean and parker) and I liked a few of the other characters in this book as well, particularly Gardener. There was a fair bit of action and definitely a lot of emotional angst that I'm not quite sure gets solved by the end. Another good read and I look forward to the next one in line. Hopefully things work out for Charlie and Sean!

[Any Length · Rating 4 out of 5]

First review when I read this book some many years ago: I somehow stumbled into this series on book 9 and was very impressed. Now that I have read book 8 I can understand more about where Charlie is coming from. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more of this series.

Back then I was so impressed by the characters I wanted to read the whole series. Then being distracted by so many other books I forgot the name of the author and only a few months ago with the help of Goodreads group "what's the name of that book" found out again about the series. I promptly started to read from book 1 and have now read this book for the second time.
I couldn't put it down. It really helps to have the knowledge of the previous books which are all very much worth reading. The characters evolve and Charlie's and Sean's relationship is at a difficult point in this book and ends on a cliffhanger. (You must read this!!!)
I have read book 9 before but want to not miss any developments which I might not be able to remember so am moving on to read book 9 again. Can't wait. I can't get enough of these characters and the wonderful gripping stories. Charlie is a real hero in my eyes. I just love her character and want to read a lot more about her. Each independent story is gripping in its own right. I highly recommend this series. But do start at the beginning.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#8 in the Charlotte “Charlie” Fox series. Finalist 2011 Barry Award for Best British Crime Novel. Charlie infiltrates a cult but she turns out to be more surprised than anyone. Not only were they expecting her, but they knew all about her; and, it may not even be a cult. Nothing is as it seems - as Charlie delves further she encounters layer upon layer of deception and betrayal.

Charlotte “Charlie” Fox series - The cult calling itself Fourth Day is well funded and highly jealous of its privacy. Five years ago, Thomas Witney went in to try to get the evidence that the cult's charismatic leader was responsible for the death of Witney's son, Liam. Witney never came out. Now, Charlie Fox and her partner, Sean Meyer, have been assigned to get Witney out, willing or not. But planning and executing a clean, surgical snatch is only the beginning. Five years is a long time to be on the inside, and the man who comes out has changed beyond all recognition.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

This British exmilitary, gang rape victim/survivor is now a specialist with a private company in bodyguarding/cult-rescuing/protection/killing and she goes in undercover with her boyfriend to recover a man who's been in a cult in the desert for five years. After turning him the man over to the company that ordered the rescue, the guy is killed so she goes in undercover to see what the story is all about and of course, gets sucked in by the cult leader.

Many, many aspects are not fully fleshed out. Her relationship with her lover/boss, which is apparently deep and meaningful and they've been together years but you see no real interaction between them, the way she is taken in by the cult leader in a matter of 2? days...I'm just going to stop writing about this, it's a waste of my energy. I will say this: It really, really had the potential to be good.