Book Review: Riot Act

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

Riot Act     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK PB Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Zoe Sharp
Class/Genre:   Fiction
2002, Piatkus, 370 pages

Charlie Fox, self-defence expert, is housesitting on an estate where gangs are running wild. Her neighbours have been forced to employ an expensive and ruthless security firm. Tensions come to a head when an Asian boy is killed in a racially motivated shooting. Charlie is able to take care of herself - until she meets a face from the past. Whom can she trust?

Sharp's first novel, 'Killer Instinct' was a good read, but within the first few pages of 'Riot Act', she surpasses herself. She succeeds in bringing the characters alive and Charlie Fox makes a powerful and attractive heroine. Equally, her other characters work well and she succeeds in creating snappy dialogue and mixing it well with action. There is, of course, the odd moment when the reader feels that the plot is becoming slightly too far-fetched, but the power of the characters, as well as the odd bit of humour, keep the book going.

At times, 'Riot Act' feels slightly reminiscent of Minette Walters' 'Acid Row', although without the complex character and social studies carried out by Walters. Fox takes her Lancashire setting, throws in a great deal of action and creates a fast-paced novel that is guaranteed to build on the reputation created by her debut novel and make her known as an up-and-coming talent in the crime world.

Luke Croll - RAM

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

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