This book is one that, once I started it, I couldn't stop reading until the end, which I finally reached at 2:30 this morning. But I must warn anyone who doesn't like Special Forces type of violence that this not book for you.
The plot is based on the premise that an Army sniper, discharged 15 years earlier, has carefully planned and carried out the deliberate sniper murder of five people as they were exiting their workplace after work. He left so many clues, such as footprints in cement dust, fingerprints, and hair and fiber traces, that the investigating detective, the District Attorney, and the Medical Examinerall say they have never before had a case with such clear cut evidence. It is a piece of cake, and the ex-sniper is found and arrested within 24 hours. When questioned he remains silent except to say, "They got the wrong guy," and later just before bolting the interrogation room, "Get Jack Reacher for me."
Jack Reacher, the main character, turns out to be, not of friend of the suspect, but an ex-military officer and investigator with the Military Police. His reaction to the evidence they present to him is that it is all too perfect, and therefore suspect.
What I like best about this book is the author's style. He uses declarative sentences that leave no confusion in the narrative, and he gives the reader every aspect of Reacher's deductive thinking as the story unfolds. He explains the action so that the reader has a clear picture of where and what every character is doing at all times. Also, he introduces his characters as they come along in a way that I did not forget who they were, as happens in so many books I read.
There seems to be more 'lust' than 'love' interest in this story, but that is understandable since this book is part of a series starring the same main character. The author can't write him into a cozy ending if there are to be more of Reacher's adventures. Since this book is touted to be "A Jack Reacher Novel" I assume there are other thrilling stories about Jack Reacher already written by Lee Childs, or that eventually there will be.
I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys this thriller genre. I enjoyed it very much, and will be looking for more books by Lee Childs
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Comments: 7
Excellent review.
Great review
I just finished reading this book two days ago. It was my first Lee Child book. I enjoyed it, too, so will be buying more of his books.
Have you heard anything about a movie based on this book? Lee Child's Web site says someone bought the rights to it last year.