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One Shot (Jack Reacher, No. 9)
This is the third book in the Jack Reacher novels that I have read. The second one, the one that I read but didn't review was Killing Floor. That was the first novel Lee Child wrote with Jack Reacher.One Shot starts with a sniper killing five people in an Indiana town. The evidence is rock solid against an ex-military sniper who only tells his lawyer to "find Jack Reacher." Reacher, as some of you may know, is ex-Military Police, a loner, wanderer. He sees the news of the killings on TV and heads to Indiana from Miami. Apparently, the sniper, James Barr, and Reacher's paths crossed in Kuwait City while both were in the service. Reacher comes to town to bury him. But the evidence against Barr troubles Reacher (even though it is an open and shut case) and he needs to know more. It is the digging for more that lands him in trouble with the police and some nasty, unknown characters. But Reacher can more than handle himself, and everyone misjudges him. That makes for a really entertaining read. Another excellent novel from Lee Child.This is a must read. Lee Child crafts an excellent mystery and Reacher is a great character. I read the last chapter a couple of times, the action and dialog was that good.
One Shot (Jack Reacher, No. 9)
We need a Jack Reacher in real life! This story had me almost cheering on my feet in parts (and I was sitting down reading the book). Jack is a no-nonsense, cut-through-the-garbage, get-to-the-bottom, clean-it-all-up and-set-things-right kind of guy. My kind of guy. I am always delighted to read of Jack's adventures, and this is a great one. I couldn't put it down, which irritated my co-workers to no end. I'm the boss, so tough apples. I continued reading anyway. Wonderful book, wonderful story, an exciting adventure that I hope is never made into a movie. Movies take away the reader's ability to imagine and replace it with someone else's. Who can frighten us better than ourselves. Give this book as a Christmas present to a very good friend who loves action stories. A great book!
One Shot (Jack Reacher, No. 9)
I've read all of Child's 'Jack Reacher' series and I find them one of the best series of thrillers I've come across. But the reviews I've read of his books, comparing Reacher to other characters in mystery fiction, such as Spenser, Travis McGee, and Mike Hammer, miss the essence of Jack Reacher. Reacher is a new version of Robert Howard's 'Conan the Barbarian' set in modern times. He's bigger, badder, and scarier than anyone he runs across, and one is always waiting for the moment when his adversary starts to realize that Reacher is not civilized opponent, but a giant, primitive savage with the instincts of a jungle tiger who will not be stopped or deflected by the niceties of civilized villainy.It's nice to see Conan the Wanderer back again in the guise of Jack Reacher, larger than life, striding through a present day Hyperborean landscape, on his way to....?
One Shot (Jack Reacher, No. 9)
Five people die of gunshots as they leave work and the blame rests on a former military man trained as a sniper. The only person he asks to see is Jack Reacher. No one can find him, but not to worry for Jack is on his way to see the suspect. Jack happened to see the story on television and he's come to fulfill a promise he made the shooter, a man named James Barr.Jack soon realizes that there's more going on here and he decides to find out what it is. It puts him in danger as there are some nasty characters involved in this. It's a tale that keeps you on your toes and eagerly flipping pages to find out how Jack will get out the mess he's in this time. It's a good read, but I've liked a few of the other Reacher books better.
One Shot (Jack Reacher, No. 9)
ONE SHOT is the fifth Lee Child novel that I have read. Although it isn't the best of the bunch, it's definitely a very good read.The plot of the novel is straightforward. A sniper has killed several people in a small city in Indiana. Jack Reacher, the hero of the novel, has a past connection with the sniper, and travels to the city to involve himself in the case. What happens next is a relatively interesting murder mystery.Whether you like this novel depends on whether you like Child's writing style. His books are fun and exciting, but the plotlines are often ludicrous. For example, a key character in the story just happens to develop amnesia at a key moment to advance the storyline. There's also a top marine sharpshooter who just happens to be in the same city and is willing to help Reacher fight the bad guys. And there are at three beautiful women that throw themselves at Reacher in the meantime. Chances of this happening in real life? Less than zero. But that's okay, because the books are not meant to be realistic, anymore than a James Bond movie is realistic.Child also writes in a staccato, rather repetitive style. Characters often "say nothing" or shrug their shoulders a lot. I don't mind this writing style at all, but I know it bugs some readers quite a bit.All in all, Child's books are pure escapist fun. If you enjoy thrillers, I think you should at least try at least one Jack Reacher novel. ONE SHOT is not a bad choice, although I personally prefer KILLING FLOOR (the first book in the series) or ECHO BURNING (the fifth book).
One Shot (Jack Reacher, No. 9)
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Great job of misleading the reader, without insulting the reader's intelligence.The story started off fast, and never stopped. He had me guessing over and over - what happened?The ending is a climax worth waiting for.Child is a great writer, with a great character.