Book Review: Killer Instinct

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

Killer Instinct     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK PB Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Zoe Sharp
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Piatkus, 2001, 340 pages

Charlie Fox teaches self-defence. A woman is found dead only hours after she has had an altercation with Charlie, but unbeknownst to her, she was the victim of a homicidal rapist. The owner of the club in which the clash happened offers Charlie a job, but she soon realises that she is the killer’s next target.

‘Killer Instinct’ is a very British, home-grown mystery. Sharp mixes humour and action, making Charlie Fox an interesting and appealing protagonist. Her interaction with the other characters work well, and her wry humour will bring a smile to the reader’s face. Throughout the novel, Sharp drips information about Fox’s past, and she clearly has material for more stories.

The plot itself is not particularly original, and the reader may not find it too difficult to work out the identity of the murderer, but the story is still enjoyable enough for this not to be a problem. It is not a dark and powerful thriller, but there is interest generated by the main character to make the novel tempting. I look forward to reading Sharp’s next novel.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Luke Croll - Conference interpreter and translator
http://lukecroll.translatorscafe.com