NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Lee Child’s Bad Luck and Trouble. In Lee Child’s astonishing new thriller, ex–military cop Reacher sees more than most people would…and because of that, he’s thrust into an explosive situation that’s about to blow up in his face. For the only way to find the truth—and save two innocent lives—is to do it the way Jack … lives—is to do it the way Jack Reacher does it best: the hard way….
Jack Reacher was alone, the way he liked it, soaking up the hot, electric New York City night, watching a man cross the street to a parked Mercedes and drive it away. The car contained one million dollars in ransom money. And Edward Lane, the man who paid it, will pay even more to get his family back. Lane runs a highly illegal soldiers-for-hire operation. He will use any amount of money and any tool to find his beautiful wife and child. And then he’ll turn Jack Reacher loose with a vengeance—because Reacher is the best man hunter in the world.
On the trail of a vicious kidnapper, Reacher is learning the chilling secrets of his employer’s past…and of a horrific drama in the heart of a nasty little war. He’s beginning to realize that Edward Lane is hiding something. Something dirty. Something big. But Reacher also knows this: he’s already in way too deep to stop now.
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Amazingly, Jack Reacher is sitting in a cafe in New York City, drinking coffee and minding his own business. He watches a man cross the street, get into an illegally parked car, and drive away. He’s sitting in the same cafe the following night when he’s questioned by an ex-military type. From there, Reacher meets with Edward Lane who tells Reacher the illegally parked car contained ransom money paid to whoever kidnapped his wife and family. Ever the investigator, Reacher delves into the situation and meets ex-FBI private investigator, Lauren Paulding who presents a more complicated and troublesome picture of Edward Lane. At no surprise, Reacher attacks the problem in his typical no-nonsense way. Hard Way is one of the better Reacher books and I’ve have enjoyed all the ones I’ve read.
Jack Reacher is his own man, and is quite happy wandering the roads looking to see dying towns and thriving cities, observing everyone. When he comes across an inequity, as he invariably does, (because they are out there to be seen every day by anyone with eyes), he takes care by making things right.
One cannot compare Jack to another writer’s main character who is a hit man or a ‘fixer’. Reacher is neither – simply a likeable character who wants to help when help is needed. He asks nothing for his help.
This story is more complicated than some of his and takes place in Manhattan. Jack is more a small town guy, but he does what he has to before again hitting the road for points unknown.
What makes him so believable is he is the guy we want on our side. The guy we want to run into when our options are eliminated and our future is bleak. When the police can’t, or won’t help.
I have read every Jack Reacher story, (novel and short), – I wish there were dozens more. Lee Childs has made many movies from his books, but I’m happiest just reading the stories. He has achieved great success with his Jack Reacher character, deservedly so.
love all the books in the Jack Reacher series
After reading a Historical novel I started this ‘Reacher’ book. It grabbed me from the first page and never let go throughout the whole book. I HIGHLY recommend this book for tension and suspense !!!
I’m sorry I stopped reading this 10th book at chapter 9 because it was boring & it didn’t have enough action.
You’re either all-in on Reacher, or you’re not. I’m in (except for the last one, The Sentinel, which is flat-out awful). This one is especially tense and curvy, and a pure pleasure all the way.
All Lee Child books are a good read
Jack Reacher is becoming a known entity with each book that I read. He is logical and a straight-forward man who speaks his mind and does what he feels is right and must be done, a true military officer. He is often unwittingly brought into a situation as with this kidnapping. Here he assesses the many factors and concludes that he has wrongly made conclusions — therefore he must rectify them, so he does…The Hard Way. If you are reading about Reacher you will enjoy the twists and turns in this book.
Always, always read Lee Childs; you will never be disappointed.
Every book I have read by Lee Childs was worth what I paid for it ( full price) and an excellent read. Childs writing is first rate and his primary character (Jack Reacher) is a literature original. Jack has inspired several book series beyond himself, some of which I believe are worth reading also. If you want to read Reacher, start with the first book. The character builds as the series number increases. Well worth your money and time.
Jack Reacher, what can I say. One of the best series ever written.
I love the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child & this one didn’t disappoint in any way.
Always satisfying!
Lee Child always comes up with a great story
Love Lee Child’s books, but this book is not the best he has written. Still worth reading, though.
Always interesting to see how Jack Reacher thinks ahead and knows how to read people.
A good Jack Reacher adventure. Starts out one way and takes a 180 turn around. Totally righteous with Jack vs a team of mercenaries.
Love this author and his characte rs
Loved it. Great Jack Reacher book.
Enjoy all the Jack Reacher books.