One Shot Review

Delacorte Press, June, 2005
Hardcover, 376 pages
ISBN: 0385336683

Ex-military policeman Jack Reacher enjoys his anonymity. He lives off the grid and likes it that way. But when someone from his past is accused of being the sniper that killed six civilians in cold blood, Reacher knows he has to get involved. When the police arrived to arrest former military sniper James Barr, they find him at home in a dead sleep. But his ID and prints match those found at the scene of the crime, and the DA is ready to prosecute. But when he's interrogated, all Barr will say is that they've got the wrong man and to "get Reacher." Reacher arrives and agrees to help with the defense, although he and Barr are definitely not friends. In fact, it would probably be better for everyone if Barr was found guilty. But Reacher has his own strict code of honor and does what he thinks is right. So while Barr lies in a coma from a jailhouse beating, Reacher sets on the trail to the truth.

Lee Child manipulates the pacing and storyline in expert fashion. After the chilling opening chapter which follows the sniper's movements, it seems clear that Barr is guilty as sin. But things are not quite so simple. As Reacher follows the clues and his instincts, a number of hidden players come to light. This knotty puzzle has some amazing twists and turns, and through it all it is Reacher who effortlessly holds the reader's attention with his brilliant insights, his dry wit and his unique view of the world. This is vintage Reacher; Lee Child is in top form here.

--Claire E. White

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