Lee Child is currently one of the most exciting names in crime thriller writing. His series of books about maverick Jack Reacher are now some of the most eagerly awaited. This, the most recent lived up to all my expectations - good plot, plenty of twists and turns, and Reacher at his best.
When a lone sniper assassinates five office workers at the end of the working day the town is shocked. Their fears are abated rapidly with the swift arrest of the shooter, though the police are less sure. The trail was a little too clean, and when they arrested him Barr had only one thing to say - 'Get Reacher'...
When Reacher is summoned he finds Barr a familiar face. Their paths crossed when Reacher was a military policeman and Barr a marine. After Barr commited an awful crime politics and orders from above stopped Reacher from being able to follow through on the punishment he felt was required. Reacher can't imagine what would have made Barr call for him - he was left in no doubt of what would happen if their paths crossed again.
Quickly Reacher realises there is more to this case than the police realise. He begins to investigate and manages to turn up a tangled web of conspiracy - the real question is who gave the order for Barr to shoot, and why? The police begin to suspect there is more to Reacher than they believed, so Reacher must evade them, as well as representatives of the mastermind behind the plot. Will Reacher be able to solve the case in time?
Child weaves a complex but believable plot with ease. I personally found the evidence and forensics fascinating - I never once found myself doubting what I was being told (this doesn't happen often when I'm reading crime novels). Reacher is a rich character who is well supported in this book by a well balanced supporting cast.
This is a fast paced, well written thriller. Make sure you have plenty of time to sit and read it - its very hard to put down!
Rating : 4 out of 5
