by

Lee Child

 7 out of 10

"I want to hire you to assassinate the Vice President of the United States"...

Lee Child has written another top notch yarn. Catchy plot, testosterone violence and as usual interesting twists and turns. We are aroused by some delightful intimacy but of course even this is overwhelmed by Child's commitment to bloody and graphic violence.
It is of course an enjoyable experience in an "as long as it doesn't happen to me" way of thinking. Reacher can do no wrong except that in the spirit of Hamlet he is powerless to protect those that he holds near and dear and unlike Hamlet he is in control and mentally unstoppable. Child's hero is not Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt here to 'save the day' for friend and family, though both Pitt and Reacher seem indestructible and gifted. Pitt is gifted with luck while Reacher seems to posses an infinite understanding of everything associated with the dark and violent world he frequents and skills beyond those of normal mortals to deal with all eventualities.

This addition to the Reacher saga adds valuable insights into his psyche, emotional past, lost loves and opportunities. It gives us glimpses into the solitude that drives him and of course gives Child enormous scope for future development. Saving the Vice President of the USA certainly places you up there with Flemings 'James Bond' and Clancy's 'Jack Ryan'. One can only imagine where we will go next. You must come along for the journey. I can't wait - don't miss it. © David K. Evans (2004)

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