Review: Persuader

What can I say? In the seventh installment of this most excellent series, Jack Reacher is doing what he does bestkicking ass and taking no prisoners. Meting out his version of justice. In PERSUADER, the action is more violent, the body count is higher, but the writing is as terse and sharp as usual and the tension never ceases.

It opens with all hell breaking loose. Reacher’s in a sleepy Maine college town, driving along when guns are drawn and shots are fired. A rich kid, Richard Beck, is being kidnapped, and Reacher takes down a cop in the process to save the kid. Later, a deal is struckthe shooting won’t be reported, and Reacher will take refuge at the Becks’ mansion.

As it turns out, nothing is what it seems, and Reacher has very definite reasons for getting close to the Beck family. It turns out they are mixed up with a man known as Quinnthe worst person Reacher ever met, and someone who he killed ten years ago, at least, until Reacher spots him on a Boston street a couple of weeks prior. As the action proceeds, the plot thickenswhat is Beck Sr. really up to? How is Quinn involved? And what does a missing female DEA officer have to do with things?

As already noted in other reviews, PERSUADER marks a return to the first person narrative as in the first book, KILLING FLOOR. It definitely works, and then some. Reacher’s not one for extended metaphors and long monologues so none of that’s here. We get quick, snappy sentences, and though they aren’t all complete, it doesn’t jar, because this is how Reacher is and how he thinks. The scenes are brutal and wonderfully depicted, from the sickening sounds of the first punch to the hail of gunfire. But perhaps what I loved best were the scenes of the past, involving a military officer, Dominique Kohl. Her fate is intertwined with the present day ones, and the shifts back and forth are effortless. Plus it allowed a healthy glimpse into Reacher’s previous life, something which we’ll be treated with more in his next adventure, a prequel.

The back copy of the ARC has it absolutely rightLee Child truly is the best thriller writer you’re not reading, yet. And if not, PERSUADER’s a fine way to get started.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Sarah - RAM

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.

Book Review: Persuader

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.