Finished 6-19-10, rating 4/5, thriller, pub. 2000
Book 4 in the Jack Reacher series (Book 1) (Book 2) (Book 3)
Ex Military Police, Jack Reacher has stopped roaming the country and settled in New York City in his own house to be near his girlfriend Jodie. He’s still trying to right wrongs with his own brand of justice and after one such run-in he is picked up by the FBI. Reacher has a problem. Women that he knew from his Army days are being killed and the FBI think it could be him. He proves that it’s not, but because his last fight landed two important people in the hospital, the FBI force him to work with them to find the killer. At first Reacher is an unwilling and uninterested participant, but then it gets personal and Reacher is out for blood.
When I read the last Reacher novel Rhapsody in Books left a comment saying “it’s sort of like watching an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie” and I couldn’t say it better. Jack is a man who knows how to get things done and he’s not afraid of violence or adhering to the law. And usually the body count is quite high. This book was surprising in that Jack killed so few people! It felt more like a straight mystery and it was a nice change of pace since it forced Reacher to work within the lines of the law. Well, mostly 🙂
I think I could read this whole series straight through and never get bored. The action is non-stop and the mysteries are good. This one I did figure out before the end, but there was enough doubt to leave me second guessing. If you like edge of your seat action and books that find you reading late into the night then this is the series for you.
This is from my personal library and chosen by ‘Nise and Sheral. Here’s what they had to say…
“Jack Reacher is a great character.” ‘Nise
“Love his books.” Sheral
Stacy's Books 
I love books like this, but could never watch the movie version. I really do need to try a Lee Child book.
You need to try one 🙂
There is something to be said for non-stop action in books. Jack Reacher sounds like Jack Bauer from 24 and I adore him, so I should probably give these books a try.
Another good comparison. I read two in a row and am now taking a break with a nice book where very little takes place 🙂
I should try a Lee Child book too. This one sounds like a good place to start since it has less violence. I’d need a better image in my head than Arnold Swarzenegger though. Any ideas?
Trisha’s comparison to Jack Bauer is a good one! This is a good one to start with if you want less violence.
I didn’t know he had a girlfriend in the early books! I didn’t start until later in the series. Drat! Although from the books I’ve read so far, it seems like it wouldn’t matter if I went back to earlier ones.
I need to give this series a try. It sounds like one my husband might enjoy, too.
I might have to give these a try when I’m in the mood for an “action movie” book!
You wrote the key words for me, “could read this straight through and never get bored” I need to get back on the reading wagon for this series!
“It’s sort of like watching an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie” – I love it!
Thanks for the reminder, I love this series too so will have to dig them out.
So glad you like Jack Reacher too! During audiobook week over at Devourer of Books, a few have raved about listening to them. I think I am going to do that with the next installment!