Running Blind

[Almeta]

In September, Jannene and I plan to be Reading Buddies for the 4th in the Jack Reacher series, Running Blind by Lee Child.

You should join us. The more the merrier.

[Janice, Moderator]

I've only read the first book in the this series. I keep meaning to read more, but other stuff gets in the way.

[Almeta]

Janice wrote: "I've only read the first book in the this series. I keep meaning to read more, but other stuff gets in the way."

I will have only read the first book as well. However I did read that each novel can "stand-alone". I
figure if I read the first one, which usually introduces the characters that I need to know throughout the series, then I can get by going out of order for this one.

[Janice, Moderator]

I will consider it then. I will need some "orphan" series books for my next level.

[Jannene]

I'm in! I have been catching up on Harry Bosch. I just love him.

[Almeta]

My book is ready for pick up at the library.

[Jannene]

Woot!

[Jannene]

For what it is worth, I truly believe this series you can read out of order. The only character that seems to be in every book is Reacher himself.

[Almeta]

Jannene wrote: "For what it is worth, I truly believe this series you can read out of order. The only character that seems to be in every book is Reacher himself."

I kinda heard the same thing.

I read the first one so that I can feel that I got to know him. I have the next ones on order, but am not worried about reading the 4th one now.

[Almeta]

I'm going to start this after the weekend, on Monday the 7th.

Are you ready?☺

[Jannene]

I have my book ready. I'm just finishing my other read that I have going.

[Jannene]

I'm starting now. I just finished .

[Almeta]

Weekend recovery! Got a late start.

Starting now. Have the whole day to read, so I expect to get through quite a bit.

How far along are you?

[Jannene]

I'm 20% through it. I'm a slower reader than you I think. No worries.

[Almeta]

The beginning monologue (view spoiler)[is setup to make me think that I am in the head of a killer...next I am privy to Jack Reacher's "What If.." thoughts. Are these two separate people? I'm pretty sure they are, but are they so different? (hide spoiler)] was a great framework for the start.

Mostro's (view spoiler)[sounds like a wonderful place to eat, but more of a date place than a daily meal restaurant. I find it funny that Reacher always leaves there hungry, but still recommends it. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2 (view spoiler)[Wonder what the FBI thinks
Reacher has done. They were following him way before the incident with the two "protection" thugs,
and already had a search warrant for his truck and house. Can they really legally sweep people off the street without any explanation? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[It makes some sense that the local Organized Crime Protection Racket representative wanted to talk to Reacher, since he spun a story about a crime organization of his own. But I can't figure why Quantico's Serial Crimes Unit is interested in him. I sounds as though he is being framed for some sexual improprieties.

Interesting facts about Ernesto Miranda. Guess I always pictured the Mirnda Warning rule adoption a result of an abused innocent. Ernesto wasn't really a model citizen...but he deserved some rights.

!How the heck did Reacher know about the Supreme Court decisions that improved upon the original Miranda Warning?

I liked it better when Reacher wasn't going to say anything! He seems to be getting himself in hot water, even though his answers are well thought out and confident. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4 (view spoiler)[Not much to comment on here.
Jodie is correct; Reacher needs a criminal not a financial lawyer. Hmm, they are just letting him go? Something fishy! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[The way Child writes about owning a house makes it seem so sinister and burdensome, with the mysteries of how all those pipes and wires function and all the various documents that are need to make a house run smoothly. Reacher is totally inept at dwelling necessities!

Why would the FBI ever think that Reacher would be willing to help them on their case? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 6 (view spoiler)[I can't imagine being cooped up in a car for 6 to 8 hours with someone I can't stand. Gonna be a long trip. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7 (view spoiler)[Now the whole crime scene and modus operandi: is described. None of it makes sense to me. (hide spoiler)]

[Jannene]

Almeta,

Chapter 1 - I thought the same thing about Mostro's. (view spoiler)[I also thought it was odd that he would get involved in a fight when he had no skin in the game. It ended up being his downfall. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2 - (view spoiler)[I can't believe Reacher actually went with them with no questions asked. Who does that? I would be pitching a fit wanting to know why they were there and what they wanted. He goes calmly knowing it wasn't about the thugs. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3 - (view spoiler)[I loved the tid bit about the Miranda rights. Did you check it out to see if that was the real life reason?

I thought the banter about the rulings and law was comical. I especially liked how he said "What the hell is this? Law school?"

Reacher needed to keep his mouth shut. The more her spoke, the more I felt uncomfortable for him. I knew he was digging his grave and just wanted to say SHUT UP!

I don't like Lamaar and if he ends up being romantically involved with her, I may have to stop reading this series! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4 - (view spoiler)[If Reacher trusts Jodie so much, why doesn't he get the real criminal lawyer?

I'm glad she believed he didn't kill those women. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 5 - (view spoiler)[The way Jack sees that house, I wonder why he keeps it. He complains about the tether and still hangs on to it. It doesn't make sense. Also, how is he paying for repairs if he went through his savings?

The FBI has big heads to think after putting someone in the slammer knowing all along that he didn't kill those women then begging for help. Seriously? I'd say kiss my butt! Or like Bart Simpson says...eat my shorts man! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 6 - (view spoiler)[I don't think it is fair that they blackmailed and threatened him to help. Why him anyway? What makes them think he is the magic bullet?

I hate her. I think I would ignore her the entire time not bait her into fights. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7 - (view spoiler)[Tell me why she is so surprised that he would know it was the handyman. Why would she think he couldn't put it together? There had to be a reason why they targeted him and want him on the investigation.

How do the women die? Seems odd that they can't find anything. Also, this is a new thing having paint in the bathtub. (hide spoiler)]

[Almeta]

Chapter 1 Jannene's comment (view spoiler)["I also thought it was odd that he would get involved in a fight when he had no skin in the game." Yeah that did seem out of character for him. His character so often stays aloof. Must not have liked someone messing around on "his turf". Go figure. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3 Jannene's comment (view spoiler)[ I did do a little research on Miranda. He did time for the original crime that started it all=kidnapping. Subsequently he got in other illegal troubles. He ended up being stabbed in the back in a bar fight, with a man who was never brought in for his murder. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 5 Jannene's comment (view spoiler)[Hmmm, good point. For that matter how is he affording multiple meals at a high class restaurant?! I seem to remember some comment about "just recently" running out of savings. The FBI jab about "living off of his girlfriend Jodie", was a mean but valid point! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 6 Jannene's comment (view spoiler)[Yeah Julie Lamarr is a piece of work alright. It would have been typical if the two of them had fallen into bed together after so much antagonism. I'm glad Child hasn't gone that route. I hope it stays that way. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 8 (view spoiler)[Strange to change the point of view to the killer's inner thoughts again.

It is odd that the list focused upon is exactly the same number as the FBI list, 91. What are the chances that both had the exact same list? Makes me think the FBI has access to the killer and his list. Why only plan to do 6 kills out of the 91?

What better place than a car's confinement to get to know your companion, whether you want to or not. Clever choice by Child. (hide spoiler)]

[Jannene]

Chapter 8 - (view spoiler)[What an uneventful waste of a chapter. I didn't care to hear her sob story about being adopted, her mom dying and them still treating her nicely. (hide spoiler)]

Almeta's comment
Chapter 8 (view spoiler)[ Strange to change the point of view to the killer's inner thoughts again. It is odd that the list focused upon is exactly the same number as the FBI list, 91. What are the chance that both had the exact same list? Makes me think the FBI has access to the killer and his list. Why only plan to do 6 kills out of the 91?

I think it is odd myself only 6 murders. Maybe there are more killers and it is spread out? Maybe the first one was the real kill but the other five smoke and mirrors? I think we will find out more to the plan later on.

Now, I had not thought of both the killer and FBI having the same list. That was a good catch that I overlooked. (hide spoiler)]

[Almeta]

Chapter 8 Jannene's comment - (view spoiler)["What an uneventful waste of a chapter. I didn't care to hear her sob story about being adopted, her mom dying and them still treating her nicely."

I know. This did not endear her to me in the least. I hope that it doesn't soften Reacher up any. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 9 (view spoiler)[I'm glad Reacher is sensible enough not to take the sexual bait, of a pretty girl, that Lisa Harper was supposed to be. It was good that they both put "their cards on the table". They will probably work well together. WELL, not exactly together. That's not Reacher's style.

The voice of the killer seems to have access to the FBI briefings. He is planning on changing his MO. In particular the time interval and the lack of appearance of violence. This comes after a briefing in which Reacher mentions the oddness of such things. I fear that the killer is one of those in on the investigation. Who? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10 (view spoiler)[What are John Trent and Jack Reacher up to? For a while I couldn't figure out how Trent knew what Reacher expected of him. After all it was the FBI that made the arrangements not Reacher. Then I was reminded that Reacher made telephone calls before he even accepted the FBI's proposition. He actually anticipated their moves and planned accordingly. Pretty smart guy.

Poor Lisa. I hope they give her a magazine! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 11 (view spoiler)[Amazing how the tension mounted while time slipped away from the rendezvous goal. Didn't understand what his purpose in Chinatown was.
HaHa, guess Petrosian is in for it now!

Reacher is either very clever or he is crazy! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 12 (view spoiler)[Alison Lamarr seems like a very toghether woman. Much more pleasant than her sister, er step-sister!☺

From the killer's mind I watch every aspect of a murder, but still can't figure out how he did it! What makes these women do everything they are told to do? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13 (view spoiler)[Uh Oh! Lisa and Jack are getting too intimate, lol!

The list of 11 makes sense. Why is there someone at the Pentagon that has come to this same conclusion? Again Who? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14 (view spoiler)[Okay, the question of "Why did Reacher stop calling Jodie?"...I thought he stopped because he figured the FBI was holding her somewhere to force him to cooperate.

He should have convinced both the FBI and Jodie with that explanation. Now he is in trouble with both!☻ (hide spoiler)]

AT THE HALF WAY POINT! How are you doing Jannene? What do you think so far? I like reading about Jack Reacher, but I'm not sure I would want to be a friend. (well I'd want him to be my friend, just to watch my back!) His thought processes are amazingly way beyond me. I respect he has his own code, but I think it would be hard to abide by. He certainly hides any emotion, and sees an ulterior motive in everything!

[Jannene]

Almeta,

This is you and I'm the toast....

[Jannene]

Chapter 9 - (view spoiler)[I really don't understand why they keep throwing torturing Jodie at Reacher. He is clearly going to help after the first threat, why repeat it?

I also don't like Blake. Again, why try to blackmail Reacher more with hopefully getting him caught on tape in bed with Harper? The guy is a complete tool.

The killer seems like he has some mental disability...think think think. (hide spoiler)]

Almeta's comment - (view spoiler)[The voice of the killer seems to have access to the FBI briefings. He is planning on changing his MO. In particular the time interval and the lack of appearance of violence. This come after a briefing in which Reacher mentions the oddness of such things. I fear the the killer is one of those in on the investigation. Who?

Interesting, I was not thinking about that but it makes sense. I just figured the killer knew about patterns and such because of his/her background and decided to change. If it is someone in the FBI, I pick Blake. There has to be some reason why he is riding Reacher so hard. Also, why does he keep insisting him by sarcastically saying "ok smart guy" all the time. If I had to guess, Reacher did something to a friend/relative of Blake's and he is seeking revenge by drawing him into this crime spree. It can't be about beating two thugs up. I mean, who would care about that? He makes me suspicious. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10 - (view spoiler)[This was a funny chapter. He purposely (at least I think so) sleeps in the nude knowing he was being watched giving it back to the FBI. Hilarious, unless you were the one watching!

Then the most amusing part was that he escapes under their thumb. Knowing all along he'd have a shadow to lose. Perfect! I can't wait until the pretty blonde Harper has to explain that to Blake...smart guy. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 11 -(view spoiler)[What the heck was that all about? Why did he escape only to go back? Why does he care about the mobster but not the killer? Trying to assure Jodie is safe? Provoking the FBI to address the mobster? I just don't get it.

I think the killer moving up the timeline will force Reacher to address the issue he was prompted to. (hide spoiler)]

I think Reacher is crazy...FYI.

[Almeta]

Jannene wrote: "Almeta,

This is you and I'm the toast...."

ROFL! I just probably have more time on my hands than you do.

[Almeta]

Jannene wrote: "I think Reacher is crazy...FYI. ..."

lol! Sure seems that way!

[Almeta]

Chapter 10 Jannene wrote: (view spoiler)["This was a funny chapter. He purposely (at least I think so) sleeps in the nude knowing he was being watched giving it back to the FBI. Hilarious, unless you were the one watching!..."

Yeah, notice later he starts wrapping a towel around his middle?

I think that every move he makes has a deliberate agenda!☺ I can't keep up. (hide spoiler)]

[Jannene]

Chapter 12 - (view spoiler)[I like Alison. She's nice and not mean like Julia.

What was Harper thinking when she was staring at Reacher? Why was she staring and pointing at his scar? Seem odd for someone who claims isn't interested in him.

You know I got to thinking these women would open a door for a FBI agent. What if Julia is the murderer. She is throwing them off with the bogus profile. Smoke and mirrors with Reacher. Her motive would be all the family money. She is killing other women just so the last one, Alison doesn't stand out. Telling Alison about opening doors and security. She would know not to leave evidence and she would have access to information. Just thinking out loud here.

Why isn't Jodie answering her phone lines? It seems odd that Reacher is trying to protect her and she's not around to find out how the case is doing. She supposedly loves him yet not around for calls. Seems odd. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13 -(view spoiler)[Ok, I take it back. It isn't Julia (I wasn't really convinced), now I think it is Colonel Trent, Reachers friend.

Lisa and Reacher are going to start something. She clearly has the hots for him and he likes her too. It seems like he is giving up on Jodie. Where is she anyway?

Ok, how does the killer get them to do everything he wants. They even seem to kill themselves for him. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14 -(view spoiler)[Reacher and Jodie are over. Now he can go back to his hobo lifestyle. His love 'em and leave'em lifestyle in which he is comfortable. Now it is on with Lisa.

You'd think Jodie would be grateful that he tried to keep her safe not irate as she seemed to have been. (hide spoiler)]

[Almeta]

Jannene wrote: "Chapter 12 - (view spoiler)[I like Alison. She's nice and not mean like Julia.

You know I got to thinking these women would open a door for a FBI agent. What if Julia is the murderer. She is throwing them off with the bogus profile. Smoke and mirrors with Reacher. Her motive would be all the family money. She is killing other women just so the last one, Alison doesn't stand out. Telling Alison about opening doors and security. She would know not to leave evidence and she would have access to information. Just thinking out loud here.

Why isn't Jodie answering her phone lines? It seems odd that Reacher is trying to protect her and she's not around to find out how the case is doing. She supposedly loves him yet not around for calls. Seems odd."

I DO like Alison, but I think she is taking the temptress act a little too far. I get uncomfortable every time she deliberately goes bra-less and seemingly flashes herself in front of Reacher. I don't want Jack to make a regrettable decision!

Never occurred to me that Julia may be the murderer. Good insight.

I figured Jodie wan't answering her phone because the FBI was holding her for ransom for Jack's cooperation. (hide spoiler)]

Jannene wrote: "Chapter 13 -(view spoiler)[[Ok, I take it back. It isn't Julia (I wasn't really convinced), now I think it is Colonel Trent, Reachers friend.

lol! FICKLE! (hide spoiler)]

Jannene wrote: "Chapter 14 -(view spoiler)[You'd think Jodie would be grateful that he tried to keep her safe not irate as she seemed to have been.

I did think it was irresponsible of her to not let Jack know where she was. She had to know he was worried about her, after all he took on this challenge in order to keep her safe. AND she fully well knew that before he left...He actually discussed it all with her first.

I think, as an attorney, she finds his dangerous, scofflaw ways a challenge to her own ethical code. She doesn't like that he has no compunction about "living outside the box"; one in which she so squarely sits. Does she want to live with a man like that? (hide spoiler)]

[Almeta]

Chapter 15 (view spoiler)[I'm baffled by the removal of the bathtub. Can't imagine what that would reveal. Isn't the contents enough?

Again who is the unknown Colonel with THE LIST? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 16 (view spoiler)[I hope they are looking after more women than just Rita Scimeca. Who knows who the next target is.

I suspected that Jack was starting to have doubts about settling down with Jodie. They want different lives. Wanderlust is calling. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 17 and 18 (view spoiler)[Got so caught up in the story that I didn't notice the transition from 17 to 18!

Now the FBI seems to be paying more attention to Reacher, except for Julia Lamarr, who is actually accusing him of lack of cooperation and indirect cause of her sister's death!

Will Doctor Stavley will find out how the women suffocated to death?

I also made a mental note earlier that there was no mention of the disposal of the screw driver. So I wasn't surprised that it was found with the body. BUT will it really mean anything in the end? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 19 (view spoiler)[I think that there is something fishy about Julie Lamarr! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 20 (view spoiler)[lAt last Reacher has the FBI doing things his way and they are going to pay him for it! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 21 (view spoiler)[ Reacher's got it bad. He forgot he actually has an address. Look like he may haave some "traveling money" too.

Funny that Jack took Lisa to Mostros for dinner.

Should Jack be in Jodie's apartment without her knowing that he coming? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22 (view spoiler)[I never expected this plot to be about black market guns! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 23 (view spoiler)[This time, inside the killer's head, I get to see how he operates a bit; what he determines while on surveillance, the logic behind obtaining someone else's cell phone, etc. I like the author's ability to give me a peek into that mind...before he acts. With Reacher, I don't get to understand what HE is thinking until after he does something! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 24 (view spoiler)[Reacher is one scary dude! He got everything he wanted out of McGuire with very little effort! A small demonstration and his threats are taken seriously. (Same thing happened with those two brothers who worked for Petrosian.) (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 25 (view spoiler)[I knew it!:D I knew it! This whole weapons trafficking thing just seemed too mundane for the serial killer's lethal mind. Funny though that Reacher made up a plausible motive, that lead Leighton to getting "his guy", Colonel LaSalle Kroger. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 26 (view spoiler)[Lisa and Jack need to "rein it in"! They are making me nervous. Lisa's being a tease and Jack knows it. He also knows how guilty he already feels. Deep kisses are not in order...Although I fully expect that one of those kisses is going to give Reacher the idea that a person could choke to death on their own "sponge-like" tongue! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 27 (view spoiler)[Trent must really feel indebted to Reacher! ☺ How did Lisa manage to drive on the shoulder and leap in and out of lanes without getting stopped by law enforcement? I would never be that lucky. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 28 (view spoiler)[Now the new theory is that only one woman was the real target and the rest were camouflage? Seems plausible, but how many times is my mind going to be twisted to another theory? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 29 (view spoiler)[Pretty tense and creepy moments. Doesn't look as though Harper and Reacher are going to get there on time! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 30 (view spoiler)[Wow! Of course hindsight is twenty twenty! I'm sorry that Jack is going to get into trouble for this. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 31 (view spoiler)[ Frustrating ending with FBI. The ending with Jodie and Jack did not surprise me. (hide spoiler)]

FINI

[Jannene]

Chapter 15 - Boy this was a long chapter!(view spoiler)[Yay, the bad guy screwed up! I wonder if it is the Guy that Alison turned in. It would make sense. I know...FICKLE!

So Reacher comes off the the genius since he remembers the flaps were down the first time and now they are up. Plus, he makes them call all other ones and the women all got deliveries.

You know, paint costs a lot. The killer has to have some kind of cash. The killer seems to have some OCD. Analyzes way too much! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 16 -(view spoiler)[I'm not sure why Reacher refuses to share what he feels is the motive. So what if they don't listen that is par for the course with them.

Ah, he's sharing feelings with Harper about not wanting to stay in the Army. I bet he never did with Jodie or she would know he wouldn't totally settle down.

I was surprised the killer mails the paint in a washing machine box. It is clever but very odd. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 17-(view spoiler)[I think Julia is forgetting that Reacher is not FBI nor has a stake in the game of finding the guy. I understand she is stressed but get a grip especially if you insist on staying with the case.

I don't understand why Reacher wanted Rita to tell Harper what she did in the Army. I thought it would be some grand reveal on the motive but no. (hide spoiler)]

Almeta's comment "AT THE HALF WAY POINT! How are you doing Jannene? What do you think so far? I like reading about Jack Reacher, but I'm not sure I would want to be a friend. (well I'd want him to be my friend, just to watch my back!) His thought processes are amazingly way beyond me. I respect he has his own code, but I think it would be hard to abide by. He certainly hides any emotion, and sees an ulterior motive in everything! "

I'm doing great Almeta. I think Reacher is a loose cannon but a smart one. He has this sense of entitlement I think. He seems to think he's always right and has a bit of an ego. I couldn't live or be with the man with his own moral code. He would drive me insane.

How come women find him so attractive? Is it the "bad boy" vibes that he gives off? It seems like writers always make the men so darn attractive to women. Harry Bosch is another one of those types of guys. Gabriel Allon in Daniel Silva's books. The Prey series, the main character seems to attract women too. Seems a little too far fetched to me.

[Jannene]

Almeta,

I'm still reading. I have no internet at my hotel so it is hard to check in.

I'm on chapter 23. (view spoiler)[I like how Reacher figured out the motive. I also like how Julia was humbled and realized she was wrong.

I also enjoyed the fact that they figured out how the women die. They must stick the sponge in. Does he take it out?

I laughed when Reacher shows up at the thugs place and they are all bandaged up. Hilarious! It didn't sound like he injured them that badly when Child described the initial confrontation.

I feel bad about Jodie and Reacher. It happens in a lot of relationships. You end up realizing there are things that you just can't live with even though you like the person. However, I don't recall Reacher ever saying "I love you" to Jodie but she said it to him. (hide spoiler)]

Don't give up on me, please.

[Jannene]

I finished! Things sure got interesting. I should have stayed with my hunch and saw it through. This book was very entertaining. I really enjoyed it. Thanks for reading it with me.

[Almeta]

Jannene wrote: "...I finished! Things sure got interesting. I should have stayed with my hunch and saw it through... "

Yeah, it was difficult to ignore your speculation there for a while! Myself, I never suspected.

[Almeta]

Jannene wrote: "...This book was very entertaining. I really enjoyed it. Thanks for reading it with me."

I enjoyed it also. I already have Die Trying and Tripwire checked out from the library, so that I can fill in the series gaps, then I'm going to continue the rest. For some reason I have 61 Hours at home. Must have picked it up at some book sale. It will be a while before I get to # 14 and then 15!☺

Are you going to continue?

I like Reacher, er rather I like reading about him...not an easy guy to like really!☻

[Jannene]

I will definitely continue. I can wait for you to catch up if you want. I feel bad that I took so long reading it.

[Almeta]

Jannene wrote: "I will definitely continue. I can wait for you to catch up if you want. I feel bad that I took so long reading it."

I didn't think that you took long. Hey, we finished it within the first half of a month! That's pretty good.☻