(1999)Reacher tries to find the true fate of a Vietnam War helicopter pilot whose case appears to be classified due to a dark secret. In the meantime, it appears that this former pilot is running a vicious scam to take over a companies assets. Pretty good second sampling of Child.(PW) Jack Reacher, the hulking ex-soldier readers will remember from Child's first two thrillers, Die Trying and Killing Floor, can kill with his bare hands, and sports chest muscles thick enough to stop bullets. He's actually a dynamo of a character, wily in an innocent sort of way, and the anchor to one of the best new series in thriller fiction. Here, Reacher is incognito, living the life of a drifter and digging swimming pools in Key West. When a PI from New York comes looking for him, and shortly afterwards turns up dead with his fingertips sliced off, Reacher flies north and discovers that the instigator of the search is Leon Garber, his former army commanding officer. But Garber has died the day before Reacher arrives. As Reacher finds out from Jodie Jacob, Garner's beautiful attorney daughter, Garber was helping an elderly couple to locate their son, who supposedly died in a helicopter crash during the Vietnam War. The military won't confirm the death, however, or even classify the soldier as missing in action. Pursuing the search together, Reacher and Jacob narrowly escape murder attempts by a pair of dark-suited thugs who work for an evil corporate loan shark named "Hook" Hobie, who has a hideously disfigured face and a metal hook for a right hand. Hobie is harboring a terrible secret linking him to the couple's vanished son, and he'll kill anyone who tries to discover his diabolical past. A showdown between the two men is inevitable, and when it happens, it's a beaut. Almost as good as Child's skillfully laid surprise ending and the crisp and original dialogue throughout. Reacher is a complex, contemplative brute whose aversion to social and material entanglements entail very peculiar habits and ideas. He never cleans his clothes, preferring to buy new ones (going to a dry cleaner implies a commitment to return); and he's spellbinding whether kicking in doors or just kicking around a thought in his brain.

I've enjoyed all of the Reacher adventures so far and when I saw Tripwire in a local bookstore I immediately bought it.

This one is pretty gritty - Reacher's adversary is such a bad guy that Mr.No would blush :) - but it took me a while to read it through. Reason is .... well i guess romantic part of the novel. I will not put any spoilers here but man did these sections drag on. Again it could be just me but I cannot imagine walking tank like Reacher to go so mushy ..... It just did not feel OK, i don't know. I read Parker novels and John Rain series - and they too have romantic elements when main character meets his true love but here all of these scenes seem a little bit off.

But again it could just be me.

Besides this novel is great, action packed and Reacher is again unstoppable force of nature :)

Recommended for all thriller fans. ( )

I enjoyed this book a lot, not your average Forsyth / Ludlum thriller.

Some of the novel literary techniques added to the experience

1) Jack wondering why being dead had such strange sensations

2) The attention to detail of the antagonist's private life was rather unusual - I'm still wondering what the motive and message in that was.

I am tickled a lot by the quirky Jack, I got Bard to summarise what I don't have time to write as succintly as this

How did Jack Reacher iron in the fictional account in Tripwire, and why is that ironic for Jack Reacher?

Jack Reacher's ironing technique presents a delightfully ironic moment that disrupts his usual gruff and resourceful persona.

1. Deviation from Expected Routine: Military personnel are notoriously known for their impeccably ironed uniforms, a symbol of discipline and pride. Reacher, a former military police officer himself, would presumably understand and even value this practice. Yet, he actively rejects conventional ironing, relying on the unconventional method of placing his clothes under his mattress for smoothing. This unconventional approach clashes with the expected meticulousness associated with his background, creating a humorous discord.

2. Subversion of Masculine Stereotypes: Ironing is often associated with domesticity and chores, tasks stereotypically seen as "feminine." Seeing the formidable, physically imposing figure of Jack Reacher engaged in this activity flips the script on these preconceived notions. It's a subtle but effective way to portray him as someone who defies traditional gender roles, adding a layer of unexpected charm to his character.

3. Hidden Efficiency: While Reacher shuns the "time-wasting" act of ironing, his mattress-pressing technique is arguably just as valid, but achieved through seemingly unorthodox means. This unconventional efficiency reflects his resourcefulness and adaptability, even in seemingly trivial matters. It's a clever way to showcase his intelligence without resorting to the usual action-hero tropes.

4. Heightened Contrast: Imagine this: after a tense escape or daring confrontation, Reacher, battered but undeterred, calmly lays his wrinkled clothes under his mattress for the night. The mundane act sandwiched between thrilling events amplifies the humor and absurdity of the situation. It provides a welcome comic relief, highlighting the character's groundedness and sense of humor amidst the high-stakes adventure.

In conclusion, the method used by Jack Reacher "ironing" is not just a humorous anecdote; it's a microcosm of his unconventional charm. It subtly plays with expectations, defies stereotypes, and showcases his resourceful efficiency, all while providing a well-placed chuckle in the midst of a thrilling narrative. Such is the magic of Lee Child's writing, where even the most unexpected details contribute to the depth and appeal of his beloved literary hero. ( )

Well... there are two things. First is I think I understand what author tried to do here - look into the mind of the really bad person. Second - I think author succeeded too much. The antagonist of this book is plain simply evil. Absolutely without any redeeming qualities even in the department of style. He is just fucking disgusting and too much real. I don't think I have met more really real disgusting character. And there are too much of him in this book. ( )

Decent read ( )