Anyone else a reader of Child's Jack Reacher series? He releases one a year; his latest (and eighth!) came out recently - The Enemy - and delved into Reacher's past...

Excellent books, with one recurring character who is probably one of the ultimate tough guys.

I went to a reading with Child recently, and he proved to be a really nice guy, funny and genuinely appreciative of his success and audience.

I've read KILLING FLOOR, which I thought was a good, dark-edged thriller. I plan to meet Child on Monday in Denver, but I haven't read any of his other books. From what I've heard, Child has become an heir-apparent to Tom Clancy, whose books I couldn't care less about. Can you give me a sense of how Child's books have evolved? Is he still writing mystery/suspense, or is he more about political intrigue now?

Not like Clancy at all; nothing could be further from the truth. His books are definitely thriller/suspense books. The first seven of the series (Killing Floor, Die Trying, Tripwire, The Visitor, Echo Burning, Without Fail and Persuader) to some extent follow a premise: Reacher somehow stumbles into a situation he needs to deal with using all his cunning and training. The most recent, The Enemy, goes back to Reacher's time as an MP and shows what soured him on the military life.

The interesting thing is Child's switch in narrative styles; Killing Floor is pure first person, the nest six books are third person, allowing us to see things that Reacher can't; then its back to first person for the most recent books.

The man is also king of plot twists; and not obvious,telegraphed twists a la Patterson - these are twists that you don't see coming but in retrospect make perfect sense.

I think my favourite aspect of the books is with one notable exception who lasted two books, Reacher is the only recurring character; and that means that noone else is safe. No one.

They're in negotiations at the moment to film Killing Floor - Viggo Mortenson is in the front running (although Jason Statham of Snatch, Italian Job, Transporter & Lock Stock would be perfect if he could just master an American accent).

They're great books and well worth your time - hope you enjoy meeting Lee!!

The Child appearance last night in Denver was fantastic. He's a really sharp guy, and as I listened, I found myself more and more enthusiastic about reading his books. That was one of the better signings I've been to. He didn't read but rather talked about the character and fielded questions.

Lee's books are very good and well worth reading. For anyone interested in the series, starting with his latest (The Enemy, a prequel to the other books) is an excellent idea. Lee writes strong characters and does action as well as or better than anyone.

Started reading this series after this thread reminded me about this author (had read a review somewhere else of the series, then forgot about it for a year or so).

First two books were great, I love the character, has sorta a Lucas Davenport feel to him (from the Prey line). I'm now reading Tripwire, which is apparently further into the series, and so far so good. I would have read them in order, but the stupid B&N I went to only had the first book and this one.

My one complaint is the books are $7.99 and I'm accustomed to paying $5.99 for paperbacks. And I don't believe in the public library (if I'm reading a book, I want it to be mine and not some kid that's puked on it and picked his nose and turned the pages....I'm strange), so it means I buy all the books in a series. Oh well, it's worth it.

Thanks for reminding me about Lee Child.

I'm the same way, have to read them all from the beginning. As for your dislike for paying 7.99, maybe try a used book store in your area. They many times will have used books in excellant condition without the numerous handlings of library books. Also most libraries hold donated book sales a few times a year. The used book store prices tend to be half the cover price, while with the book sales you may have to pay as little as 50 cents for a copy that is as good as new.

Also, I've seen a few of his hardcovers on B&N bargain tables for $5.98. I even found one signed.

After hearing so much about Lee Child, I just finished reading The Killing Floor. (I'm another one who wants to read them in order when possible. ) Thought it was a great read and would seem tailor-made for a movie series.

Just out of curiosity, IF there were a film made, who could you picture in that role?

Just finished the last of the Reacher books (The Enemy). I want to thank this thread for turning me into such a fan (and I'm bumping it in the hope that it draws new people into it just like it did me). Jack Reacher is a wonderfully fleshed out character, and I've added Lee Child to my list of authors that I have to read their new books immediately (Laurel K. Hamilton and John Sandford are my other 2 on this list).

I was thinking about this and couldn't think of anyone, then got the idea that maybe they could do an adaption with a black Reacher, so I started to try to think of a 6-4/6-5 black guy in his thirties and the guy from NYPD Blue who plays "Baldwin Jones" came to mind.

I'm picturing Dolph Lungren for the part physically, but I don't think personality wise he would be a good match.

I've always pictured in my head someone who looks like Thomas Jane (The guy from the updated Punisher). Not quite sure why.

Personality OR acting. I love this series and wouldn't want to see it turn into a low-rent, straight to video action flick. I don't think there is a well-known actor out there who is right for Reacher, but they need to find someone who doesn't seem like a contestant on "Next Action Star" - he has to have the presence and believability as the eminently capable physical/mental force that Reacher is.

Geez, Lucas Davenport, The Kingpin, Red from Shawshank, and Kojak aren't enough for you? What's the point of making a movie from a series of books and then totally rewriting the character?

Man, this is Jack Reacher if I've ever seen him (er, in my head I mean!)

it doesn't seem like a total rewrite to me. So he had a black army dad instead of a white one, and still a french mother since that figures in later. I don't think it would inexorably alter the storylines of the series at all.

Can someone spoil Tripwire for me? I'm a little less than half through but I've found it meandering at times and laughable at others so I've decided not to finish it, but I'd still like to know what happens plot wise. I had read there is a surprise twist or two, something to do with the CEO's wife, and I'd like to know what the deal is with Captain Hook.

Here's where I stopped:

The plot must not have been that bad, if you still want to know what happens!

The plot really isn't too bad, but the pacing is. And it's kind of a mystery too.

Don't get me wrong, I dig Tom Jane as an action star, but he's not quite Reacher. Reacher is 6'5" and almost 250 pounds. Part of the character is how people react to his intimidating size. I'm 6'2" in bare feet and top 300, so I get some of that when I wear my boots.

Clancy Brown
David Morse

Quite a bump.

I read the first novel in the series, and while I did find it a bit long and meandering, I plan to go back and continue with the series.

I found one of these books in an airplane and read through it during my flight: they are absolute literary junk food. Not good for you, but somewhat enjoyable.

I like these stories, but have a couple of issues with Child:
#1, We did NOT lose the war in Viet Nam. The entire tenor of any discussion with Reacher or others, when this subject is breached is colored by the error of this assumption.
There were NO US ground troops in VN when RVN fell to the Communists.
We NEVER lost a major battle in RVN. The "Tet Offensive" was a complete and utter failure by the Communists. I was there, We slaughtered em.
The entire series is tainted by this misinformation. It sets up a philosophical frisson in the Reacher character that just isn't correct. As a warrior, the character Reacher would know this for a fact, and would take issue with anyone who was ignorant enough (especially a soldier) to believe it.
Second thing: In the US, we do not "Pass out" of a school, or training program. We "graduate".
I don't know if that is regional dialect (like way up in the northeast) or UK dialect, but I never heard it before, and I grew up on military posts in the 50's and 60's then spent 13 years (cool, huh?) in the Army, including a year in the Infantry in Viet Nam.

Otherwise I can look at the character quite critically and say he sounds and feels right.
My wife says he reminds her of me, except I am not 6 '2". But about as mean.