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Charlie Fox Thriller #0.1
Fox Five
FOX FIVE is a collection of stories by the highly acclaimed crime thriller writer, Zoë Sharp. All feature her ex-Special Forces soldier turned self-defence expert and bodyguard, Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Fox.
In A Bridge Too Far, we meet Charlie before she’s become a professional in the world of close protection. When she agrees to hang out with the local Dangerous Sports Club, she has no idea it will soon live up to its name.
Postcards From Another Country has Charlie guarding the ultra-rich Dempsey family against attempted assassination – no matter where the danger lies.
A finalist for the CWA Short Story Dagger, Served Cold puts another tough woman centre stage – the mysterious Layla, with betrayal in her past and murder in her heart.
Off Duty finds Charlie taking time away from close protection after injury. She still finds trouble, even in an out-of-season health spa in the Catskill Mountains.
And finally, Truth And Lies puts all Charlie’s skills and ingenuity to the test as she has to single-handedly extract a news team from a rapidly escalating war zone.
Also included: Excerpt from KILLER INSTINCT: Charlie Fox book one, Meet Charlie Fox, Meet Zoë Sharp, info on the other books in the Charlie Fox series.
In A Bridge Too Far, we meet Charlie before she’s become a professional in the world of close protection. When she agrees to hang out with the local Dangerous Sports Club, she has no idea it will soon live up to its name.
Postcards From Another Country has Charlie guarding the ultra-rich Dempsey family against attempted assassination – no matter where the danger lies.
A finalist for the CWA Short Story Dagger, Served Cold puts another tough woman centre stage – the mysterious Layla, with betrayal in her past and murder in her heart.
Off Duty finds Charlie taking time away from close protection after injury. She still finds trouble, even in an out-of-season health spa in the Catskill Mountains.
And finally, Truth And Lies puts all Charlie’s skills and ingenuity to the test as she has to single-handedly extract a news team from a rapidly escalating war zone.
Also included: Excerpt from KILLER INSTINCT: Charlie Fox book one, Meet Charlie Fox, Meet Zoë Sharp, info on the other books in the Charlie Fox series.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2011
14 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Zoë Sharp
71 books492 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 24, 2011
Fans of Zoe Sharp’s Charlie Fox series will not be disappointed in this e-anthology. For readers who have not yet met the character through Sharp’s full-length novels, this anthology will be a perfect introduction. The stories work well as standalones, filling in part of the action between the books without giving away details that would spoil them.
This collection includes five short stories: four following Charlie herself, and one following a character moving through Charlie’s world. Throughout, Sharp’s crisp, intelligent writing, clever turns of phrase, and brisk plotting kept me thoroughly engaged. I love books that have strong leading characters; it’s what makes things interesting for me.
Charlie is the very definition of a strong leading character. She’s no-nonsense, smart, and tough. I love that she has both brains and brawn, but knows that brains should always come first. She’s observant. She’s able to improvise. She knows when to act. But most of all, she’s human. Charlie may encounter and participate in some very violent situations, but she never revels in the violence, and she always understands the cost. I think that the story “Truth and Lies” perfectly exemplifies all the facets of this character that I love, so please check it out.
Highly recommended for fans of strong female leads, action, and solid mystery.
This collection includes five short stories: four following Charlie herself, and one following a character moving through Charlie’s world. Throughout, Sharp’s crisp, intelligent writing, clever turns of phrase, and brisk plotting kept me thoroughly engaged. I love books that have strong leading characters; it’s what makes things interesting for me.
Charlie is the very definition of a strong leading character. She’s no-nonsense, smart, and tough. I love that she has both brains and brawn, but knows that brains should always come first. She’s observant. She’s able to improvise. She knows when to act. But most of all, she’s human. Charlie may encounter and participate in some very violent situations, but she never revels in the violence, and she always understands the cost. I think that the story “Truth and Lies” perfectly exemplifies all the facets of this character that I love, so please check it out.
Highly recommended for fans of strong female leads, action, and solid mystery.
April 18, 2013
(4.5) This made for a nice little filler between books with "Charlie Fox". Having read "Killer Instinct" not long ago, this "Fox Five" collection had some informative back story info. Author, Lee Child compares his Jack Reacher character to Zoe Sharp's Charlie Fox; not a bad comparison. They could never team up; each being such a solo/loner; but under the right circumstances perhaps together they could dwarf some evil-doer for some just cause. Now I would definitely buy that book. As for this book; it can stand alone or as a nice intro to the ill-tempered, aggressive, borderline psychotic, compassionate, introspective, highly principled: arguably one of the most enigmatic - and coolest - heroines in contemporary genre fiction...Charlie Fox. Looking forward to continuing this ongoing series.
February 7, 2013
A collection of short stories about different times in Charlie's life, which flesh out her personality and moral standpoint without affecting the rest of the series. They won't make sense if you haven't read at least the first few books, but there are no significant spoilers if you haven't read them all. I don't normally like short stories but these were perfect fillers since she didn't waste time setting the scene or describing Charlie or her life. She's a great character and I'm glad I have several more books in the series to look forward to.
March 26, 2020
A Bridge Too Far - 3 Stars
Postcards From Another Country - 4 Stars
Served Cold - 5 Stars
Off Duty - 3.5 Stars
Truth And Lies - 5 Stars
Postcards From Another Country - 4 Stars
Served Cold - 5 Stars
Off Duty - 3.5 Stars
Truth And Lies - 5 Stars
September 8, 2011
FOX FIVE was my first encounter with Sharp’s work. All five stories in the book feature Sharp's recurring character, Charlotte "Charlie" Fox, a former Special Forces soldier who now works as a self-defense instructor and sometime bodyguard. In "A Bridge Too Far," the first story in the book and the one that occurs before Charlie goes pro, Charlie finds herself hanging out with a group of thrillseekers, members of the local Dangerous Sports Club. When the dangerous sports turn out to be, not just dangerous, but deadly, it's Charlie who recognizes that these "accidents" are anything but accidental.
This well-crafted story hooked me early and kept me reading. The other stories, "Post Cards From Another Country," "Served Cold," "Off Duty," and "Truth and Lies" are equally good. Sharp's writing is crisp and vivid, well-crafted but unpretentious.
I look forward to reading more from Zoe Sharp.
This well-crafted story hooked me early and kept me reading. The other stories, "Post Cards From Another Country," "Served Cold," "Off Duty," and "Truth and Lies" are equally good. Sharp's writing is crisp and vivid, well-crafted but unpretentious.
I look forward to reading more from Zoe Sharp.
October 12, 2019
This little collection has 4 stories with Charlie as the lead and 1 additional story that contains Charlie. I’ve listed the stories in descending order, with the one I liked the most at the top.
Truth And Lies puts all Charlie’s skills and ingenuity to the test as she has to single-handedly extract a news team from a rapidly escalating war zone. At 12,000 words, it is almost a novella.
Postcards From Another Country has Charlie guarding the ultra-rich Dempsey family against attempted assassination − no matter where the danger lies.
A finalist for the CWA Short Story Dagger, Served Cold puts another tough woman centre stage – the mysterious Layla, with betrayal in her past and murder in her heart.
Off Duty finds Charlie taking time away from close protection after injury. She still finds trouble, even in an out-of-season health spa in the Catskill Mountains.
In A Bridge Too Far, we meet Charlie before she’s become a professional in the world of close protection. When she agrees to hang out with the local Dangerous Sports Club, she has no idea it will soon live up to its name.
Truth And Lies puts all Charlie’s skills and ingenuity to the test as she has to single-handedly extract a news team from a rapidly escalating war zone. At 12,000 words, it is almost a novella.
Postcards From Another Country has Charlie guarding the ultra-rich Dempsey family against attempted assassination − no matter where the danger lies.
A finalist for the CWA Short Story Dagger, Served Cold puts another tough woman centre stage – the mysterious Layla, with betrayal in her past and murder in her heart.
Off Duty finds Charlie taking time away from close protection after injury. She still finds trouble, even in an out-of-season health spa in the Catskill Mountains.
In A Bridge Too Far, we meet Charlie before she’s become a professional in the world of close protection. When she agrees to hang out with the local Dangerous Sports Club, she has no idea it will soon live up to its name.
August 8, 2019
I happened upon this collection of short stories when a few months ago my book club chose a short story called Fox 8, but I misremembered the title and searched for Fox 5. I thought it odd that we chose a collection not available through the public library, so I bought a Kindle version. After realizing my mistake, I thought what the heck! Let's see what serendipity brought my way! I finally started reading this a few days ago, and happily I really had a good time. I didn't find that I was missing anything by not having read any of the novels; the stories seemed to stand alone just fine. I liked the author commentary, explaining where these shorts fit into the larger story arc of the character (ie: before, after, or during which novel in the series in which blah blah whatsit was happening). Those details may be more meaningful to a follower of the series, but even without the context, it was neat to see the author thinking that deeply about her protagonist.
January 28, 2020
Quick, fun read
I am a fan of Zoe Sharp, but not of short stories. However, I quite enjoyed these. And they are a quick read when one finishes the book that was to have lasted a plane ride.
I am a fan of Zoe Sharp, but not of short stories. However, I quite enjoyed these. And they are a quick read when one finishes the book that was to have lasted a plane ride.
August 23, 2011
In true Sharp style these short stories are succinct, thought-provoking and for me fill in gaps/references throughout the Charlie Fox series while providing added detail. Charlie is a character I really enjoy reading, witnessing her development and understanding and acceptance of her background and skills just adds to my connection to the stories (check out Zoë's recent blog on murderati.com with Charlie being 'interviewed').
I definitely recommend Fox Five, eagerly await 'Die Easy' and in the meantime, am sorely tempted by the opportunity to purchase the entire Charlie Fox series as e-books.
I have read all Lee Child's Reacher books (in print) sometimes more than once, and honestly while the stories and situations boggle my mind and can get really clever, my preference is still Charlie Fox. I‘ve been a fan for several years ever since I found 'Riot Act' and 'Hard knocks' (in the paperback section of my local library) and decided to take a chance on an author unknown to me - I'm so glad I did. Unfortunately the first book in this series was out of print at the time. Even though the books can be read as stand alones, I always like to read everything available about a character, and was tickled pink to read the story Lee Child related in the foreword to 'Killer Instinct' (which was fortunately re-published). Now, (thanks to Zoë) I'm tentatively entering the world of kindle for PC (see http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html...). I'm a dedicated Real book person, though have enjoyed being able to change the background and contrast, set bookmarks, as well as the way the page displays, as I sometimes find it difficult reading black on white, especially on computer. The only downside is that I'm anchored to the computer... just as well these are short stories!
I definitely recommend Fox Five, eagerly await 'Die Easy' and in the meantime, am sorely tempted by the opportunity to purchase the entire Charlie Fox series as e-books.
I have read all Lee Child's Reacher books (in print) sometimes more than once, and honestly while the stories and situations boggle my mind and can get really clever, my preference is still Charlie Fox. I‘ve been a fan for several years ever since I found 'Riot Act' and 'Hard knocks' (in the paperback section of my local library) and decided to take a chance on an author unknown to me - I'm so glad I did. Unfortunately the first book in this series was out of print at the time. Even though the books can be read as stand alones, I always like to read everything available about a character, and was tickled pink to read the story Lee Child related in the foreword to 'Killer Instinct' (which was fortunately re-published). Now, (thanks to Zoë) I'm tentatively entering the world of kindle for PC (see http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html...). I'm a dedicated Real book person, though have enjoyed being able to change the background and contrast, set bookmarks, as well as the way the page displays, as I sometimes find it difficult reading black on white, especially on computer. The only downside is that I'm anchored to the computer... just as well these are short stories!
December 4, 2011
Charlie Fox is one of my favourite fictional characters. Ex-special forces turned bodyguard, she's someone you'd want on your side in any fight. If you're new to Zoe Sharp's novels, this is a great intro. Fans of her work won't be disappointed either.
The early Charlie Fox novels have been hard to find for several years, but are now out in good value ebook editions. Fox Five should whet the appetite of any thriller/action fan.
The early Charlie Fox novels have been hard to find for several years, but are now out in good value ebook editions. Fox Five should whet the appetite of any thriller/action fan.
October 18, 2012
A cracking collection of Charlie Fox short stories. Some of which preclude her first outing in killer instinct. Others well later in her chosen career. All five are worth a read although they're just morsels compared to the feasts of the full novels,lovers of the series will definitely find them intriguing but I wouldn't like to guess how a Fox novice will find them as a stand alone. I would advise reading the novels first.
July 27, 2015
Five small additions to the Charlie Fox series. The stories were all good although shorter than I thought they'd be. One of the stories doesn't really feature Charlie directly but it was still an interesting story. Anyone who enjoys the main series will likely enjoy these extra tidbits.
September 1, 2016
Good little snippets of Charlie Fox but when they say short story they mean short. Would have liked it more if the stories were a little more detailed. Also would have liked a Sean/Charlie story cause since Sean's injury I really miss how they used to be.
December 28, 2011
I'm so glad to see some of the early Charlie Fox short stories published in ebook form.
June 26, 2013
Enjoyed the stories but i must admit i prefer longer novels than short stories generally as I like to get more involved in each story. But it was still a good set of stories
September 7, 2014
Curious to read some short stories after ages of just novels, I tried this. Basically small incidents with stings in the tail. Very enjoyable, especially with the quick read aspect.
January 14, 2016
Kick-ass introduction to the fabulous Charlie Fox. Looking forward to digging into the series!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews