2 words that describe the book―Action Thriller

3 setting where the book took place or characters I met

* Setting: Indianapolis, Indiana, present day

* Jack Reacher―stud and former military investigator―is getting to intimately know a dancer from a cruise ship in South Beach, Miami when he catches a CNN report about a sniper shooting in Indianapolis. Six shots fired, and five left dead. The reported gunman? James Barr. The name is familiar to Reacher―so much so that he immediately makes his way to Indianapolis (via bus … Reacher lives off the grid and doesn’t have a car). Once there, he presents himself to the District Attorney―and is startled to find out the defense team has already been looking for him. It seems that, before lapsing into a coma brought on by a prison fight, Barr asked for Reacher by name. Puzzled by this request because Reacher has not come on friendly terms, Reacher makes his way to the defense attorney’s office.

* Helen Rodin is James Barr’s lawyer―hired by his sister Rosemary who adamantly denies that her brother could not have been the shooter. Despite what appears to be a slam-dunk case against Barr, Rodin reluctantly agrees to help Rosemary defend Barr―despite the mountains of incriminating evidence against him. After all, a newly minted lawyer can’t be too choosy about her cases. Oh … and one other thing: the DA that is prosecuting Barr happens to be Helen’s father. When Reacher appears in her office, they begin examining the evidence and find some things that don’t quite add up.

4 things I liked or disliked about the book

* I’m always up for a good thriller so when Sandy at You’ve GOTTA Read This! recently extolled the virtues of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series, I thought I’d give a try. I wasn’t disappointed. The book moves along at a face pace, and reading it was like going to see an action movie. And goody for me … there are 15 Jack Reacher books out there for the picking. (One Shot happened to be the 9th book, but Sandy said it was OK to read them out of order.)

* If you like a little hubba hubba in your action heroes, then Jack Reacher is your man. He’s quite the ladies man, with at least two hook-ups in this book and one implied. For a clue as to why he’s such a stud, here is the description provided on the Lee Child/Jack Reacher web site. (Note: It is worth going over there to check out the photos of both Child and Reacher in the site header. Lee Child is pretty good-looking, and there is a nice little shot of “Reacher” walking down a road in jeans and with his abs showing. Just saying!)

Measurements: 6’5″, 220-250 lbs., 50″ chest
Hair: Dirty-blond
Eyes: Ice blue
Clothing: 3XLT coat, 95 cm. pants’ inseam

* It cracked me up to have an action hero who gets to the action via Greyhound Bus and who has to walk everywhere. Although this is my first Reacher book, it is implied the Reacher doesn’t have a home base and can’t be tracked down unless he wants you to find him. I’m sure this is explained in one of the books, but it made for a bit of a chuckle from me as he was forever taking these epic walks to get places.

* As with most books of this type, it is best not to think too hard about the plot and to just go with it. Of course everything is stacked against our hero. Of course there are evil forces at work that need to be uncovered and unmasked. Of course this is a bit of mystery as to who exactly is working for the bad guys. I thought the plot was pretty decent as far as these books go, and there were some exciting action sequences. But if you’re looking for something more than just escapist action, you’re not going to find it here.

5 stars or less for my rating:

I’m giving the book 3.5 stars. Would I read another Jack Reacher book again? Yes indeed. Do I think this is a book I’m going to remember in two months? Not a chance! But that isn’t the point of these types of books, is it? If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller with lots of action and a studly hero, this book would be an excellent choice. It is the quintessential “airplane” book and a good one to read between heavier books. And, if you have a reluctant male reader in your home, he might like this too.