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3.41 AVERAGE
3.41 AVERAGE
I am going to have to update my Best Jack Reacher Books article over on my blog I expect - because I believe this one may squeeze into the top 5!
This one has real Persuader vibes to it which is my all time favourite Reacher novel, complete with a villain just like Paulie. Although not as tough. No-one beats Paulie.
This was an incredible book and a fantastic outing for Reacher. The entire story was so well written and I love that the answers to the mysteries are there for the reader - but we usually can't pick up on them. But Reacher can.
Loved this one. I have a list of Reacher novels I will re-read from time to time, and this one made it on there.
This one has real Persuader vibes to it which is my all time favourite Reacher novel, complete with a villain just like Paulie. Although not as tough. No-one beats Paulie.
This was an incredible book and a fantastic outing for Reacher. The entire story was so well written and I love that the answers to the mysteries are there for the reader - but we usually can't pick up on them. But Reacher can.
Loved this one. I have a list of Reacher novels I will re-read from time to time, and this one made it on there.
SO much better than the first Lee/Andrew collaboration. There were a couple of small things, though.
For some reason, they started the book describing Reacher as "The Stranger". Then, they went back to the beginning of the story and described what happened up to that point, and continued on with the book. Was it a key point of the book? Mmm, pretty much, but there was no reason not to just begin with the beginning of the story.
And I will have to check, but I think that there were several areas with too many descriptions of items in rooms (mostly). Maybe I have just forgotten, but there was just too much detail about minute items that did not further the story, and that seemed unusual.
Otherwise, it was in the much more standard Reacher book format -- walks/rides into town, finds someone (as in most cases, a lady) that needs help, finds a town that has some odd things going on, and is determined to right all the wrongs.
The concerns from the previous book -- no, Reacher did not have his own cell phone. But he did pick up some from the bad guys and used them. And, no, he didn't own a car. He found one and drove it around town a little bit, that's all.
A solid 4.5 story.
For some reason, they started the book describing Reacher as "The Stranger". Then, they went back to the beginning of the story and described what happened up to that point, and continued on with the book. Was it a key point of the book? Mmm, pretty much, but there was no reason not to just begin with the beginning of the story.
And I will have to check, but I think that there were several areas with too many descriptions of items in rooms (mostly). Maybe I have just forgotten, but there was just too much detail about minute items that did not further the story, and that seemed unusual.
Otherwise, it was in the much more standard Reacher book format -- walks/rides into town, finds someone (as in most cases, a lady) that needs help, finds a town that has some odd things going on, and is determined to right all the wrongs.
The concerns from the previous book -- no, Reacher did not have his own cell phone. But he did pick up some from the bad guys and used them. And, no, he didn't own a car. He found one and drove it around town a little bit, that's all.
A solid 4.5 story.
They just seem different. This was an excellent book but just not quite 5 stars. This one was well paced. The bad guys were good. Just not quite there. I gave the last one 5 and I think this one was better but just 4..... I guess I don’t make sense, but Reacher is different. Hopefully Andrew will find the magic soon. I still felt like I know the parts Lee is most involved in. Here’s to next October.
Always reads like an action film, with the standard three character types as in most previous novels - but still a great read!
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
If you like the Jack Reacher series, you'll probably like this one, but I didn't think it was as good as most of them. For one thing, he died right in the beginning. We know it's him even before it's confirmed by the coroner.
The book was mainly Jack Reacher being what he's famous for, but exaggerated in many ways. He's tough, but in this one, he never loses. He's superman, and doesn't even seem to worry about what he's up against. He's all-knowing, but none of that pesky deductive reasoning he normally used, in this one he almost seems to just know what's happening without thinking about it.
In other words, this one seemed to take the easy way out - stick to the formula and give the die-hard fans what they want without taking any chances or thinking too much about plots. A lot like many of the "part II" movies that just take advantage of the popularity of part I.
I did like the bit about transponders, and how they work. It was an interesting concept to use, and I'm not sure I've seen it used in this way in other books. But I'm a bit of a techy, and like things like that.
So, although it was enjoyable as an easy to read book with lots of action, where the good guys always win, it's not one I'd ever reread (although I'm not sure I'd choose this series to reread anyway).
The book was mainly Jack Reacher being what he's famous for, but exaggerated in many ways. He's tough, but in this one, he never loses. He's superman, and doesn't even seem to worry about what he's up against. He's all-knowing, but none of that pesky deductive reasoning he normally used, in this one he almost seems to just know what's happening without thinking about it.
In other words, this one seemed to take the easy way out - stick to the formula and give the die-hard fans what they want without taking any chances or thinking too much about plots. A lot like many of the "part II" movies that just take advantage of the popularity of part I.
I did like the bit about transponders, and how they work. It was an interesting concept to use, and I'm not sure I've seen it used in this way in other books. But I'm a bit of a techy, and like things like that.
So, although it was enjoyable as an easy to read book with lots of action, where the good guys always win, it's not one I'd ever reread (although I'm not sure I'd choose this series to reread anyway).
This is a middling Reacher book - the plot is intricate, but it doesn't yield very many surprises, save for a few high points at the book's climax. The supporting cast doesn't really make much of an impression, save for one exception - who simply doesn't have enough screen time. Still, it's always a thrill to see Reacher go to work, and I doubt this will disappoint fans of the series too much. It's just not the best jumping on point in my opinion.
Sad times
When Lee Child indicated he felt he was aging out of the Reacher novels I had some hope that Andrew could keep it going. I was wrong.
I’m certain it’s hard for a writer to shift to 1st person, and when they do it should be because they can make the dialog consistent, robust and intentional. This wasn’t the case in Better Off Dead (how ironic of title is that?). The dialog is random, feels like it is being created for word count, not that it supports the story line or the main character.
I hope that this hero can be rescued.
When Lee Child indicated he felt he was aging out of the Reacher novels I had some hope that Andrew could keep it going. I was wrong.
I’m certain it’s hard for a writer to shift to 1st person, and when they do it should be because they can make the dialog consistent, robust and intentional. This wasn’t the case in Better Off Dead (how ironic of title is that?). The dialog is random, feels like it is being created for word count, not that it supports the story line or the main character.
I hope that this hero can be rescued.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes