Killer Instinct by
Zoe Sharp
pbk out February 02
(Piatkus)
at £5.99
Charlie Fox rides a Suzuki RGV 250 and teaches women's self-defence in
Lancaster. Charlie's friend Clare is attacked during karaoke night at the
New Adelphi Club by reigning champion Susie Hollins and Charlie is involved
in the ensuing scuffle. Only hours later Susie Hollins is found dead,
brutally murdered, and the police want to talk to Charlie. She learns
afterwards that Hollins was repeatedly raped before being killed. A vicious
rape a few weeks previously had left another local girl close to death and a
community living in fear. Charlie suspects a link between the rapes and
murder and the Club and when she is offered a job there it gives her an
ideal opportunity to investigate further. Her appointment is resented by
the all-male security team but enigmatic boss Marc Quinn is keen to see her
prove herself. Then Charlie learns that an intruder is hanging about the
Women's Refuge where she teaches and that both victims had stayed there.
Charlie's interest in uncovering the truth is rooted in her own experience
and in the painful circumstances that led to her being kicked out of the
army. And as the danger increases, if Charlie can't run then she will stand
her ground and fight.
A lively first book from Sharp written with assurance and panache. There
are one or two weak devices in the plot but this is nevertheless a pacey
read with a fresh and defiant heroine.
Manchester Evening News 8.3.02
(
Cath Staincliffe
author of the popular Sal Kilkenny mysteries set on the mean streets of Manchester)
Killer Instinct by
Zoe Sharp
