One Shot by Lee Child
by Jenners • 09/18/2010 • 3.5 Stars, C Authors, Fiction, Mystery/Thriller, O Titles • 21 Comments
1 book that I read―One Child by Lee Child
2 words that describe the book―Action Thriller
3 setting where the book took place or characters I met
- Setting: Indianapolis, Indiana, present day
- Jack Reacher―stud and former military investigator―is getting to intimately know a dancer from a cruise ship in South Beach, Miami when he catches a CNN report about a sniper shooting in Indianapolis. Six shots fired, and five left dead. The reported gunman? James Barr. The name is familiar to Reacher―so much so that he immediately makes his way to Indianapolis (via bus … Reacher lives off the grid and doesn’t have a car). Once there, he presents himself to the District Attorney―and is startled to find out the defense team has already been looking for him. It seems that, before lapsing into a coma brought on by a prison fight, Barr asked for Reacher by name. Puzzled by this request because Reacher has not come on friendly terms, Reacher makes his way to the defense attorney’s office.
- Helen Rodin is James Barr’s lawyer―hired by his sister Rosemary who adamantly denies that her brother could not have been the shooter. Despite what appears to be a slam-dunk case against Barr, Rodin reluctantly agrees to help Rosemary defend Barr―despite the mountains of incriminating evidence against him. After all, a newly minted lawyer can’t be too choosy about her cases. Oh … and one other thing: the DA that is prosecuting Barr happens to be Helen’s father. When Reacher appears in her office, they begin examining the evidence and find some things that don’t quite add up.
4 things I liked or disliked about the book
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I’m always up for a good thriller so when Sandy at You’ve GOTTA Read This! recently extolled the virtues of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series, I thought I’d give a try. I wasn’t disappointed. The book moves along at a face pace, and reading it was like going to see an action movie. And goody for me … there are 15 Jack Reacher books out there for the picking. (One Shot happened to be the 9th book, but Sandy said it was OK to read them out of order.)
- If you like a little hubba hubba in your action heroes, then Jack Reacher is your man. He’s quite the ladies man, with at least two hook-ups in this book and one implied. For a clue as to why he’s such a stud, here is the description provided on the Lee Child/Jack Reacher web site. (Note: It is worth going over there to check out the photos of both Child and Reacher in the site header. Lee Child is pretty good-looking, and there is a nice little shot of “Reacher” walking down a road in jeans and with his abs showing. Just saying!)
Measurements: 6’5″, 220-250 lbs., 50″ chest
Hair: Dirty-blond
Eyes: Ice blue
Clothing: 3XLT coat, 95 cm. pants’ inseam
- It cracked me up to have an action hero who gets to the action via Greyhound Bus and who has to walk everywhere. Although this is my first Reacher book, it is implied the Reacher doesn’t have a home base and can’t be tracked down unless he wants you to find him. I’m sure this is explained in one of the books, but it made for a bit of a chuckle from me as he was forever taking these epic walks to get places.
- As with most books of this type, it is best not to think too hard about the plot and to just go with it. Of course everything is stacked against our hero. Of course there are evil forces at work that need to be uncovered and unmasked. Of course this is a bit of mystery as to who exactly is working for the bad guys. I thought the plot was pretty decent as far as these books go, and there were some exciting action sequences. But if you’re looking for something more than just escapist action, you’re not going to find it here.
5 stars or less for my rating:
I’m giving the book 3.5 stars. Would I read another Jack Reacher book again? Yes indeed. Do I think this is a book I’m going to remember in two months? Not a chance! But that isn’t the point of these types of books, is it? If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller with lots of action and a studly hero, this book would be an excellent choice. It is the quintessential “airplane” book and a good one to read between heavier books. And, if you have a reluctant male reader in your home, he might like this too. (I’m looking at you, Mr. Jenners!)
The Whys and Wheres: I got this book for a quarter (!) at my library’s used book store. I had another Reacher book in my hands but was sweet-talked out of it by an elderly lady who was snapping up books left and right and eyeing my pile of books with envy. Jeesh … I think she might have mugged me in the parking lot if I hadn’t been so nice!
This would make a great airplane read. And Lee Child is one handsome guy based on the website you linked me to. I can’t resist a fast-paced thriller so I do look forward to reading some of the books in this series. I already had it on my list after reading Sandy’s review and now your review has solidified it’s place on my list.
Sandy got me hooked too. And Lee Child is quite the looker!
I read an article (can’t remember where) which said we should keep reading notebooks because if we can’t remember what a book was about a few months after reading it, we were just wasting our time. I disagree. I purposefully don’t take notes…I just figure the ones I remember everything about are the good ones. The others don’t waste my time…many times, they are just plain fun!
Exactly! Some books are for pure entertainment and they won’t stay with you long but that doesn’t mean they are a waste of time. They provided a few hours of mindless entertainment and that is really all I can ask for.
I could have sworn that you told ME about Jack Reacher – I know I've read one of his books – I thought it was based on your recommendation. I read Echo Burning…I liked it.
But I don't remember reading about the physical attributes of Mr. Reacher…based on your description, I think I would have remembered that.
If it wasn't you, who told me about him?
hey jenners,
another spot on review! i feel exactly the
same about this reacher guy. an entertaining
fast read. nothing to think through, although
i do learn how to do something novel with
each book.
1. identify a suicide bomber
2. load a rifle
3. decipher clues
4. lift cars with one hand.
You got a bargain for sure, I haven't read any of these, but I agree sometimes you need something to read between heavy reading and heavy days. Can't post anything today I'm not reading too much this week, too much work. I'll get back to it though.
I'm not familiar with this series, but I do like the occasional action/thriller. My husband likes books like this, too, (not the studly hero part) so maybe I should look into one of them for him.
You're hysterical!! I do adore Reacher but I'm not sure I could live with him.
I think it's time to crack into another one though.
Thanks for the reminder.
I haven't read any of Mr. Reacher's books but maybe I'll start with a different one first!
Sounds like a good one and Jack Reacher sounds like a great hero.
awsome about getting the book for a quarter!
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
I've never read a Lee Childs novel, but an old boss loved his writing.
Jenn of Jenn's Bookshelves loves these books too. Books like this don't have to stick with us – entertainment while we're reading them is enough.
Hubba Bubba indeed – many thanks for a great review. Many of my friends are into this series and are always trying to get me to read the books, after your review I may well do so.
You are dead on! It isn't about the evil deeds and the evil doers…it is about Reacher. As much as I love this series, I can't discern one book from the other. Actually one or two do stick in my mind as particularly memorable, one is when he was still in the military. But it is all good. If you need a little tittilation by the pool one afternoon, Jack's your man.
Lol, I've seen those little old ladies at the library book sale. You're such a softie!! Loved the review – it will make me eventually get around to reading one of his books some day. Checked out Reacher's measurements – I think he's bigger than my refrigerator. That's a lot of man!
haven't read any of these but am on a series kick as of late. i can't get away from clive cussler audio books because i'm mad for scott brick. i've been listening to adventure thrillers for months now. well, that and cozy mysteries (diane mott davidson's goldy schultz series). i know i could never read these books, but the audio book narrators have me hooked on their voices.
I've read a book that he wrote with Douglas Preston but I've never read anything by just him. I do have one or two books that he wrote though…
I always take my husband with me to those kind of sales. It can get ugly!
Just when Mr. Reacher's stats were getting me all hot and bothered, along comes the mood-killing redundancy of "pants' inseam." As opposed to those other kinds of inseams? And must we be forced to contemplate the possessive form of "pants"? I say if we must get out the tape measure, we might as well just cut to the chase.
I've read a couple of Jack Reacher novels – great entertainment.
I agree with your point No 4 and was saying something similar today in a review I'm preparing.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Ha, ha, loved your comment: "Would I read another Jack Reacher book again? Yes indeed. Do I think this is a book I'm going to remember in two months? Not a chance!" I **know*** I have read and even reviewed this book, but when I read your summary, I thought, hmm, I read THAT?!!! I had to double-check (it's not on my blog; I gave it a 3 word review in Library Thing!). These books are definitely ones you can pick up for a "break" between more serious books. Again and again! :–)