Tuesday 30 April 2013

Killing Floor - Lee Child (A Jack Reacher Novel)

 

  
 
 
'Killing Floor' is the first book in the Jack Reacher series written by Lee Child. We meet up with Jack Reacher in Georgia, USA where he has spontaneously disembarked a bus in a remote town. Within hours of arriving in Margrave, Reacher has been arrested for murder and so begins the countdown to find out the truth of what happened in order to clear his name before someone else is killed...
 
The character of Reacher comes across strongly as the narrative is in first person and shows his thought processes as he unofficially investigates the case. His analytical mind is the driving force in the novel along with his relationship with the characters. He forms a romantic attachment with Roscoe and this partnership has an effective balance of 'love-interest' and 'investigative partner' that is believable in the short time that they have known each other. The characters are engaging, vivid and, as a reader, they are key to a crime-thriller as it is a character driven plot.

The plot is filled with suspense and, as with all other Jack Reacher novels, there are many twists that leaves the reader reeling and thinking back over the whole book piecing together the events. There is an urgency throughout the book that builds tension as the climax is reached and finally culminates in the epic resolution.

I have read several of the Jack Reacher novels before a few years ago, but was motivated to reread them again after seeing the film featuring Tom Cruise. I was dubious about seeing the film as Cruise is nothing like I imagine Reacher to be like, but I was glad I went as it got me reading Lee Child's series again.

I would recommend 'Killing Floor' to anyone who likes crime-thrillers, but think it would appeal to anyone who would enjoys a read that mentally stimulates. It is easy to read and would be a great book to read anywhere. The Jack Reacher series does not necessarily need to be read in order but this book introduces Reacher perfectly and sets the scene and character profile for the rest of the books. I couldn't put it down and finished it in a few days so would give it a 5* rating.
 


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