Well written for the genre, but I sort of saw things coming. Would read more from this writer in the right circumstances, but not go out of my way seek her stuff out.

Another great book in a great series.

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.

Mostly enjoyable, but it would have got a higher score if it weren't for the fact that it's yet another example of the "tough female protagonist is a rape victim" trope. It's such a lazy and overused way to increase the stakes and is almost always totally unnecessary (as it is in this case).