On the lookout for new authors to try, I stumbled across this guy. He writes a series of books with a protagonist named Jack Reacher that sounded somewhat interesting. Has anyone here read these books and how do they compare to Coben, Crais, Connelly and the like?

Jack Reacher kicks ass.

Smart yet unassuming, humble yet capable of anything, Jack Reacher is a character who is a whole lot of fun to read. These books are hard to put down. By all means, read 'em!

Lee is a good writer and a terrific guy. His books are more action-oriented and less focused on the mystery than the authors you cite. He's definitely worth reading.

I was thinking about checking out his Reacher series too. I like Stephen Hunter and David Morrell books (I think I've read everything by both authors - except Hunter's latest, waiting for paperback) so I am betting Child will be right down my alley.

I've picked up Die Trying, which is the second book in the series. As soon as I find the first book, Killing Floor, available at the used book store I'll give him a shot!

For those interested in reading Lee's work, check out his new book, The Enemy, which is a prequel to the rest of the series. It's a very good book and makes a fine intro to his work.

Child's Jack Reacher reminds me a lot of Stephen Hunter's Bob Lee Swagger. I've really fallen way behind on reading the Reacher series. I hope to catch up sometime down the road.

Tom Cruise may play Jack Reacher in the film adaptation of Lee Child's 'One Shot'

Terrible casting choice. And I am a fan of Tom Cruise. Jack Reacher is supposed to be a intimidating force of nature. The only thing Tom can intimidate is a baby kitten.

I keep imagining an 80's Rutger Hauer type as Reacher.

I've only read one of these books, that was left on an airplane. I finished it by the end of the flight. Breezy, dumb read, but a lot of fun. Reacher is like Jack Bauer squared and one of the most ridiculous caricatures of the macho hard-ass I've ever seen as a protagonist.

I wouldn't spend money on it, but it was worth the few hours.