Paul Sadler
PLOT OR PREMISE: The plot is relatively confused to start. Jack Reacher is a drifter who gets picked up by the police in a small town as a suspected murderer. He knows he didn't do it, so he is fairly cooperative with the lead detective. But when it starts to appear that some of the other people don't particularly care if he did it, he is a little annoyed that their laziness is going to cost him a weekend in jail with someone else who confessed to the crime. Jack starts to draw on his past skills as an MP in the army to help out the investigation, and then it starts to get personal. . WHAT I LIKED: From the word go, Jack Reacher is a solid character. He comes with a lot of history and no baggage, which I understand is how the rest of the series unfolds as well. The characters read a little more stream-lined than perhaps a Robert B. Parker novel, without as much soul-searching, and the action keeps going. . WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: There is a major "coincidence" in the novel, and I really hate novels that hang on coincidence as a major plot device to move the story along. Happenstance is one thing, such as Jack being in the town and subject to being suspected. But when it turns out that Jack knew one of the victims, in a town where he doesn't know anyone, and there's no reason for either of them to be there, it's a bit of a stretch. . BOTTOM-LINE: Great intro to a series . DISCLOSURE: I received no compensation, not even a free copy, in exchange for this review. I am not personal friends with the author, nor do I follow him on social media.
27 people found this review helpful
Chris Thompson
I really like the Jack Reacher character but I'm not a fan of Lee Childs ' overuse of the word "shrugged". For some reason this really bothers me, almost to the point of me not reading any further. The story is ok, but almost somewhat predictable or cliche for this genre. If your looking for a quick easy read you probably won't be disappointed.
17 people found this review helpful
A Google user
A very nice introductory tale into the Jack Reacher realm. The author's prose and style is short and terse. Like this. But in a good way. Probably won't sit nicely with the Grammar Police. That sets the tone, though, for Jack's character and from my perspective it works for me. The sex, violence, and drama aren't over the top; maybe a little thin at times but not as verbose as some authors that need to embellish on the minutia.
9 people found this review helpful