[.uk] Die Trying (Jack Reacher, No. 2) (ISBN 0425206211)

Amazon.com Review:
Television writer Lee Child's otherwise riveting first thriller, Killing Floor, was criticized by some reviewers because of an unconvincing coincidence at its center. Child addresses that problem in his second book--and thumbs his nose at those reviewers--by having his hero, ex-military policeman Jack Reacher, just happen to be walking by a Chicago dry cleaner when an attractive young FBI agent named Holly Johnson comes out carrying nine expensive outfits and a crutch to support her soccer-injured knee. As Holly stumbles, Reacher grabs her and her garments--which gets him kidnapped along with her by a trio of very determined badguys. "He had no problem with how he had gotten grabbed up in the first place," Child writes. "Just a freak of chance had put him alongside Holly Johnson at the exact time the snatch was going down. He was comfortable with that. He understood freak chances. Life was built out of freak chances, however much people would like to pretend otherwise." Lucky for Holly--whose father just happens to be an Army general and current head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, thus making her a tempting target for a bunch of Montana-based extremists--Reacher still has all the skills and strengths associated with his former occupation. And Child still knows how to write scenes of violent action better than virtually anyone else around. --Dick Adler

Very good outing for Reacher:
As far as thrillers go this was very good. The characters were deep and enthralling, keeping your interest all the way through. There was enough suspense to keep you turning the pages, and plenty of action. If you enjoy Lee Child`s Jack Reacher books then this will please you. I`m a series fan and enjoy Child and Michael Connelly books immensely, if you like that kind of thriller read the `Soft Target` books by Conrad Jones. They are unputdownable!! Back to the review, ten out of ten.

The fun of being in the wrong place at the wrong time:
This is the 3rd Jack Reacher novel I've read and am finding him one of contemporary thriller fiction's most engaging characters.He's an ex-MP who has chosen to become a drifter. So each novel has a different setting within the U.S. He's just short of being a super-hero...no paranormal powers. And he's not out to save the world although he continues to land in situations where he can foil ambitious villains. So yes, these books do require strong suspension of disbelief. But they are certainly fun.This is the only series I can immediately think of which has no continuing characters outside of the protagonist. And I rather like that as a change. Reaher isn't seeking adventure, but adventure or maybe more accurately misadventure finds him. He's not greatly concerned with saving the country from the bad guys. But he's ready to respnd to those who deliberately make him an enemy. So far in my reading his stories, there's always a lady friend around, bbut little regret on either side when they part ways at book's end. One point that quite impressed me in this book was the scene involving a couple of trained attack dogs. His philosophy concerning them, contrary to his reaction to human adversaries, quite touched me. Another point in this specific book which impressed was Lee Child's handling of the mystery subplot, the unknown bad guy. Child doesn't really try to conceal the unknown's identity. As soon as you know there's a hidden enemy in the story, he tosses out strong hints which the alert reader will immediately catch. One which especially made me laugh was a statement at the end of one chapter considering the unknowns and the first sentence in the next chapter which sort of "spills the beans".All in all, this is a book I recommend for pure escapist entertainment. Political conservatives might object to the nut fringe extremist villains, but hey, this is just a thriller, not a political commentery. There's even a subtle hint that Reacher isn't above voting Republican at times although one does wonder how the heck he can be a registered voter. LOL

"Jack Reacher fights a Montana Millitia":
This is the second Jack Reacher Novel, by Lee Child. My Aunt sent me "One Shot" which I loved, so I decided to read the Jack Reacher Novels in sequence. I didn't like this as well as "Killing Floor" but still found it above average. Liked the Kidnapped Female Agent who is the center of the Novel. But I didn't think the book needed two traitors within the bureau. This book is a fun, thrilling read.

Lee Child:
This author writes wonderful stories. I read all of them. You know the man is going to win in the end. But how he gets there is fascinating!

Excellent Service:
I was quite pleased with the service from the company that sent me this book. It was just a few days after I ordered it that I got it in the mail. Thank you so much.