I was only vaguely aware of Lee Child and was completely unaware of his creation, Jack Reacher, until late last year when actor Tom Cruise controversially took on the role in the film of the same name. I thought the film, Jack Reacher, was highly entertaining and since then was curious about the books. Recently my wife’s cousin was talking about how much he was enjoying Child’s novels and that reminder sent me to my local library to borrow a copy.
I was immediately swept up into the action and intensity of Child’s novel. From the very start you know this is going to be one interesting story. Child introduces the character and puts him in a situation with a strong emotional hook that not only provides Jack Reacher’s motivation but also provides the hook for the reader to be invested in the actions Jack Reacher chooses to take.
In Killing Floor Jack Reacher, a former military policeman turned drifter, chooses a small town at random and winds up embroiled in a violent murder that later turns out to involve his older brother. The family connection provides Reacher all the impetus he needs to put himself in one dangerous situation after another as he and a handful of local policeman attempt to solve the mystery behind a brutal murder spree.
Though Lee Child’s first Reacher novel has some minor series-debut issues, overall it is an intense, driving narrative that keeps you riveted to the pages until the very end.
MY RATING: 8/10 stars
I was a bit concerned about the book because of hints of violence in the film (which is based on Child’s novel One Shot). One of the things I appreciate about Tom Cruise films is the fact that you can pretty much count on them not crossing the line to gratuitous violence. I had no idea about Child’s novels and early on this one contains some descriptions that I certainly would not want to see acted out onscreen. Graciously these moments are few and far between and they are presented as stories relayed to Jack Reacher as opposed to events that happen “live” in the story. Trust me, it makes a significant difference. With his military training and the details you learn in this novel about his upbringing, it is not surprising that Jack Reacher can be brutally efficient in protecting himself and his interests. But Lee Child, at least in this first novel, errs on the side of being balanced in his presentation, choosing to have his story make an impact because of the characters and not because of over-the-top violence.
Killing Floor has a really strong start and it never really lets up. The pacing is interesting in that it sometimes feels as if it is on a slow-boil and then you look back and realize all the tension that has just passed. Lee Child presents plenty of twists and turns in the story as Jack Reacher ferrets out various details in the case he is investigating. Although he seems occasionally larger than life, Reacher isn’t entirely a one-man-show in this novel, instead having to and choosing to rely on various characters for meaningful assistance.
Additionally of interest, Child works in several musical references that give Jack Reacher a more rounded personality. There are side characters who provide more depth than was expected and some truly evil villains who are revealed as the story progresses.
I really enjoyed this first taste of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels and it certainly will not be my last.
I should check the series out. I haven’t seen the film yet, but I am relieved that the violence isn’t over done. I hate that. I saw a book by Child the other day in the charity shop. May have to go back now.
It is a bit intense in its description at times, but I felt it shifted focus when it needed to and stayed away from the line that I’ve seen so many films cross.
I’m jealous you got to read the first one first. I’ve enjoyed a few Reacher novels out of order. Now you’ve made me want to go to the beginning and read Killing Floor. Guess that’s not a bad thing.
I am curious if there is much character growth in these that would cause a need for them to be read in order. Because I have access to them through the library that is the way I’ll probably go with it.
Its a good one, well worth reading. Would be really interesting for you to see if you feel the author has changed at all in his writing style over the course of the books.
Now that you’ve read this, I think you can see why Cruse was miscast in the part! Barbara is reading the series through, sh’e on book 6 or so now, and enjoying each one.
Certainly from the height standpoint, yes, but I really enjoyed the film. I don’t have a problem with the casting but my opinion is admittedly of little value because I wasn’t a passionate fan of the books before seeing the movie.
I’m not AT ALL a fan of Cruise’s personal life, and as others have pointed out he is often the same in every film, but by and large I do enjoy his action movies a great deal.
There are several books, its going to take me a long time to even catch up to where Barbara is.
I have read this book (a while ago) and enjoyed it. I have the next but have not been motivated to read it yet. Thanks for reminding me.
I’m not in any hurry to get to the next one, but it is nice to know I’ll probably be in for an enjoyable read when I do.
I’ve been reading the JACK REACHER novels for years. Some are better than others. But my favorites are the early books in the series. I read Lee Child’s books in order, too.
That is an interesting take, George. Without spoiling anything, any thoughts as to why you feel the first ones are better?
By the way, Carl, you have to be enjoying the undefeated Chiefs and the Cardinals in the World Series! You live in Sports Heaven!
I am the Chiefs, very much, but am so-so on the Cards. Since we have the Royals here I am a (begrudging) fan of the team and don’t much enjoy the smug pride of Cardinal’s fans (who have every right to be prideful, let me tell you). I was hoping the Tigers would beat the Sox as that is who I would be cheering for. As it is I’m less interested in this series than I have been in a long time.
I’ve read one Lee Child book before, ages ago, and I think it might have been this one. Honestly can’t remember that much about it, except it seemed competently done, and that the hero had to find someone and ended up working round a map clock-wise (or maybe anti). FUnny the things that stay with you, eh?
I was happy with it. Certainly didn’t know what to expect and this isn’t my normal type of read, but glad I read it and will certainly read the next one at some point.