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
