Helpful Score: 7
Lee Child has an amazing talent for presenting an incredible story in a series while allowing each book to stand alone. One will not ruin another. This book gave quite a bit of background information on Reacher while spinning a good tale. Reacher seems to always land himself in the middle of some wild, beyond the imagination, yet plausible situations. He handles the situations in a way that can be brutal but always in favor of the "good guys." When a villian gets what is coming to him (and maybe a little extra just because Reacher can), I always think a silent victorious, "YES!" Child gives us all of that while allowing Reacher to have a little romance on the side as well.
Helpful Score: 4
A friend of mine has talked about Lee Child's books quite a bit lately so I thought I'd give one a try. Overall not a bad story. I did have it pretty much figured out from the get go so as I moved through the story, there was not much suspense. However, I did enjoy the path from beginning to end. The middle slowed down and made it hard to pick up for a little bit, but the last third of the book picked up nicely and was very enjoyable. Jack Reacher intrigues me as a character and I'm looking forward to more of his adventures.
Helpful Score: 3
This is my first Jack Reacher book and Lee Child novel. I picked up a Lee Child mystery with high hopes based on several reviews...but sad to say, I was a little disappointed. Perhaps it is only this series so I won't give up on other Lee Child books, but as a crime mystery, there were so many implausible scenarios. for example:
1) why does the chief of detectives, finley, allow a vagrant, unknown person (Jack Reacher) involved in the investigation of (spoiler alert!) his own brother? jack reacher wasn't just interested, at times, he was very involved and thought all the theories that it made the chief of detective look pretty stupid (even if finley is supposed to be smart).
2) actions of the antagonist(s) prove they are extremely violent and hold a lot of power in the town of margrave. yet from the actions of jack reacher, finley & roscoe during the investigations, they seem to forget this (in fact, their lack of caution leads one character to her unlikely demise in, yet again, an improbably airport scene). that either makes them idiots, but definitely does not lend credence to jack reacher's military police background, or even finley's 20 yr beat as a boston cop
3) so the "plot" or motives of the antagonists is revealed, it is kind of odd that several clues from years ago were not picked up by the chief of detective, that it had to take jack reacher, a newcomer, about 4 days to figure out.
it was enjoyable, a bit unrealistic. jack reacher is not one of my favorites, if compared to michael connelly's harry bosch.
1) why does the chief of detectives, finley, allow a vagrant, unknown person (Jack Reacher) involved in the investigation of (spoiler alert!) his own brother? jack reacher wasn't just interested, at times, he was very involved and thought all the theories that it made the chief of detective look pretty stupid (even if finley is supposed to be smart).
2) actions of the antagonist(s) prove they are extremely violent and hold a lot of power in the town of margrave. yet from the actions of jack reacher, finley & roscoe during the investigations, they seem to forget this (in fact, their lack of caution leads one character to her unlikely demise in, yet again, an improbably airport scene). that either makes them idiots, but definitely does not lend credence to jack reacher's military police background, or even finley's 20 yr beat as a boston cop
3) so the "plot" or motives of the antagonists is revealed, it is kind of odd that several clues from years ago were not picked up by the chief of detective, that it had to take jack reacher, a newcomer, about 4 days to figure out.
it was enjoyable, a bit unrealistic. jack reacher is not one of my favorites, if compared to michael connelly's harry bosch.
Helpful Score: 3
A real page turner. Lee Child is a fantastic writer who careful plot and nonstop action leaves you breathless and wanting more more Jack Reacher novels. Loved this book.
Helpful Score: 3
Although I love mysteries and thrillers, this book was just too graphic in its details of violence. I couldn't finish it so my rating is not entirely fair. Really, it is just me and there are lots of people who would love this.
Helpful Score: 2
Very suspenseful novel about an ex-military cop who ends up "saving the day" in a small town in Georgia. Nonstop action. I had a hard time putting this book down and really liked the main character, Jack Reacher. Lee Child has a winner and I'm hooked. I will definitely read the rest of the Jack Reacher series.
Helpful Score: 2
This is the first Jack Reacher book. There are some gory parts, but it is a thrilling read.
Helpful Score: 2
In this novel Jack Reacher finds himself passing through Margrave, Georgia and in less than an hour is arrested for murder. After a short stay in jail he convinces the officials that he is innocent and decides to stay and help them figure out who did it. This book kept me guessing all the way through it and it was hard to put down.
Helpful Score: 2
I love this character and have a running list of all titles. They grab you from the first line and leave you wanted more
Helpful Score: 2
Love all Lee Child's novels. Reacher, the drifter was just passing through Margrave, GA. In less than an hour he's arrested for murder and embroiled in clearing himself, finding the real killer and getting the ..... heck out of that town. Terrific thriller.
Helpful Score: 2
This is the first Jack Reacher novel and also the first that I have read but it definitely won't be the last. This one was full of action and kept the pages turning. Reacher is a great character - not really a cop or PI - but a drifter who was formally an MP in the army. I really liked Childs' writing style as well. A lot of short sentences and fast dialog keeping the pace moving. The story itself was a little far-fetched at times and included a few coincidences and implausibilities but I would still recommend this one highly! I think Reacher may be one of my new favorite characters. Can't wait to read the next one.
Helpful Score: 2
This book is excellent--fast paced, interesting, lots of action. Of course, the hero Jack Reacher has almost supernatural powers
Helpful Score: 1
4 Stars.
The Killing Floor introduces one of my favorite characters of all, Jack Reacher. Lee Child builds Investigative Suspense that kept me turning the pages and not wanting to put the book down for sleep or other mundane tasks as eating. Once hooked on Jack Reacher's style of solving mysteries you will want to read all Lee Child's books as I have.
The Killing Floor introduces one of my favorite characters of all, Jack Reacher. Lee Child builds Investigative Suspense that kept me turning the pages and not wanting to put the book down for sleep or other mundane tasks as eating. Once hooked on Jack Reacher's style of solving mysteries you will want to read all Lee Child's books as I have.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a re-read for me. Reacher is one of my favorite characters. If you are a first time Lee Child reader, I definitely recommend all of the Reacher books.
Helpful Score: 1
SUSPENSE AND ACTION.... this story left my stomach knotted
Helpful Score: 1
Another great action packed adventure about Jack Reacher. Some of the technical parts are hard to follow since I have never been in the Army. However, it still made for a good read.
Helpful Score: 1
Great page-turner, with some literary merit/enjoyment as well as the story line itself. Reacher is a good-guy loner, who is near-superhuman, but it's not QUITE oversold, which makes the story a really good read. I'm looking forward to reading more Jack Reacher stories.
Helpful Score: 1
This is my very favorite Lee book!! I read it all in one day cause I couldnt put it down! Very well written and fast paced. Dont let this one slip by unread!
Helpful Score: 1
Terrific. This is the new author's introduction to a very intriguing character, Jack Reacher. Reacher is a mystery man; a wanderer. That's very appealing to all of us with a wanderlust. The prison scene is highly entertaining. I like the way the author explains the reasoning the character uses before acting. The coincidence of Reacher stumbling into the very town where his brother was killed the night before is most unbelievable. I think the author needed to find a way to keep an indifferent Jack Reacher involved in the unravelling plot. Likewise, how he detatches Reacher from his main squeeze is a little messy. That's ok, it launches the whole series.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is very fast paced and high suspense. The characters are well written to the point that you can visualize them. The main character, Jack Reacher, is at times ruthless, but appears to be a man who has deliberately chosen his current life. The author pulls you into this complex character and leaves you wanting to know more about Reacher - more specifics about his past, his seeming champion of the "underdog" or for undoing what is wrong. He seems to be a modern day metaphor for the old gunslinger casually wandering into town, encountering the bad guys and feeling obligated to ridding the town of their influence. My intent is to read the Reacher series in order because I think Lee Child will be developing this character through each book. Lee Child writes good narrative and keeps the dialogue clean and crisp. It is easy to see this novel as a movie - it's that vivid!
Helpful Score: 1
Lee Child's first book, "The Killing Floor" is a terrific introduction to the character, Jack Reacher. For me, this is one of those "edge of your seat" reads. Reacher has a very analytical mind and this alone keeps you reading the book to see where the plot goes.
Helpful Score: 1
My first Lee Child book, but it will not be my last. I have already ordered the next two in the Jack Reacher series. I plan on reading the whole lot!
I wanted to re-read the first of the Jack Reacher books because the current one (The Affair) takes place just before the events of The Killing Floor. It's still good -- and a reminder why I've read all of the Reacher books.
Helpful Score: 1
The first of the Jack Reacher series gives you a glimpse of the writing skills of this author. It was doubly insightful for me as I had started reading Lee Child beginning with a book closer to the eighth or ninth in the series. As with so many authors in this genre, the inclusion of detailed descriptions (of varied degrees) of the sexual activities of characters in the book seem to, either by the author or someone who has the author's ear, hold to the belief it is a requisite for selling books. The book in the middle of the series is light on those details compared to Killing Floor and suffers not in any way, as upon completing it I could not wait to read them all in order. Lee Child writes so well, that while I had difficulty finding a used copy of Killing FloorIng I ended up reading half of book two before obtaining book one. While it is true that those details of one's bedroom activities sells books, there are whole genres to prove it, Lee Child proves it is not a requisite. We all have different tastes but I personally am thankful Lee Child believes so. Jack Reacher is a bear of a man, and for those of us men who walk in the atmospheric region six feet and under, Reacher's size is part of what makes him a man's man. While not a saint, Reacher has a set of mores acceptable to the realists in society. If you mess with women, children, or the weak you will live, or maybe not, to regret it. Reacher's desire for anonymity while trying to see and experience all of the states of the U.S.A. make him an endearing character, (who doesn't want to tell the government to take a hike when it comes to personal privacy and rights.) Reacher is believable as one of the best of investigators (because he needs help and makes mistakes while eventually getting to the truth) and an action hero (who never stays around for the fame or glory or the tough questions the authorities will inevitability want to ask). It is on to the next adventure. Let's hope there are many more to come. Well done Lee Child.
Helpful Score: 1
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Now that Reacher is out of the service he's back in MS and wrapped up in more hair-raisin trouble.
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful Lee Child mystery.
Helpful Score: 1
A must read first book. Look forward to all his other books.
Helpful Score: 1
this is the first of the jack reacher novels, and exciting from the start!
Helpful Score: 1
This first Jack Reacher novel was engrossing and fun to read. It combines a puzzle mystery with romance and action, some of which is quite violent (caution to the squeamish). Very well written and organized, with clearly drawn characters and locations. The secondary story (an interesting one about dead musician Blind Blake) created eddies in the storyline, little breathers from the tension of the main story.
Another great Jack Reacher adventure. It looks like this one is the first one in the series, but each adventure stands alone. You don't need to read them in order to enjoy them.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but I will definitely be reading more!! The main character, Jack Reacher, is a true hero.
JACK REACHER NOVEL THAT JUST DOES NOT STOP. STARTS WIDE OPEN AND ENDS THE SAME WAY.
Great read...grabs you right from the start. Like all of Lee Childs' books, action from start to finish!!!
His first but not his best.
After hearing so much about Jack Reacher, I figured I better give Child a try. I read 407 pages in a day and a half, ending the reading slump I had been in for a few weeks. (Which is very serious for me!)
This book has several twists and turns, and surprised me at many places. Unfortunately, I figured out the last player before they were exposed. It wasn't glaringly obvious, but didn't take a rocket scientist to get their either. All in all I was very impressed with his writing style. Not to mention the little crush I now have on Jack Reacher.
I'll be starting the next in the series shortly. If for no other reason than to continue my journey with this rough and tumble man while listening to some serious blues in my head. (Read it, you'll get the reference!)
This book has several twists and turns, and surprised me at many places. Unfortunately, I figured out the last player before they were exposed. It wasn't glaringly obvious, but didn't take a rocket scientist to get their either. All in all I was very impressed with his writing style. Not to mention the little crush I now have on Jack Reacher.
I'll be starting the next in the series shortly. If for no other reason than to continue my journey with this rough and tumble man while listening to some serious blues in my head. (Read it, you'll get the reference!)
Great Book!! One of the best!!
Awesome - right to the last page!
Excellent...I could hardly put it down.
My first book by Lee Child. I enjoy Jack Reacher - will definitely read the rest.
Well written whodunit. Author won a writing award for this book.
Good Book!
Good Book. Everything I would expect from Lee Child.
Extremely graphic.
Child is the Best!
This is a mystery adventure that is beyond your wildest dreams! From the first page to the last, you feel every emotion that Jack Reacher feels, you actually take his place in this complex thriller. Once you start reading, you cannot put this book down.
Aother great hero like Mitch Rapp
This book has an amazingly high body count but still manages to be one of the best reads out there. This is the beginning of the Jack Reacher series and it's a series you just don't want to miss.
Marlene W. (KansasSunflower) -
Another wonderful Jack Reacher novel. The character was fleshed out for me, but I haven't been reading them in order. I enjoyed it a lot.
very good. pace is quick and reads fast.
Child is by far one of my absolute favorite authors. His books that revolve around the character Jack Reacher are absolute great reads. Even for those that normally would not be interested in murder mystery style books, Jack Reacher is a character that is fun to follow along with.
Usual Reacher mayhem. Great stuff!
Great book -- good mystery, good characters. Reacher's introduction is excellent, and let's you in on some of his emotional realities.
Terrific, Fascinating, Brutal...Lee Child knows what he's doing
Good book, losts of twist. I think men would like this book better than I did.
I loved this book and recommended it to several people, it was one I could not put down!
Excellent early read by Lee Child. It is old enough to not interfer with the later Jack Reacher Novels. Seems like another character entirely. I throughly enjoyed the ride!
Couldn't put this one down--excellent and fast paced story. This is the first in the Jack Reacher series--I will be reading more.
My first Jack Reacher book and I am hooked!! Can't wait to read the next one.
This was a good mystery featuring Jack Reacher who finds himself in the middle of an ongoing plot that threatens a small town. I liked how Jack and his new friends figure out the mystery and eventually outwit the criminals and I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Die Trying.
Lee Child is one of my favorite mystery writers. His Jack Reacher books are always 'stay up all night page turners'. This is the first but they do not need to be read in order. If you haven't read Child, give him a try.
I read this back in 2006 but after watching the recent Jack Reacher Prime Video series, I had to read it again so that I could compare the two. It was a page turner in 2006 and it was a page turner again. The fact that I knew the twists in the plot didn't lessen my appreciation of the book. I've read some reviews that say the plot is unrealistic - of course it is! It's an action adventure novel! If you're looking for realism, read historical fiction or biographies.
I appreciated that the mythos of Jack Reacher was explained in the edition that I read.
All in all, a page turner that I'd recommend d!
I appreciated that the mythos of Jack Reacher was explained in the edition that I read.
All in all, a page turner that I'd recommend d!
"Combines high suspense with almost nonstop action. Reacher is a wonderfully epic hero: tough, taciturn, yet vulnerable. From its jolting opening scene to its fiery final confrontation, Killing Floor is irresestible."
-People
-People
Great "Jack Reacher" thriller.
Vince
Vince
Awesome book!! First in the series. I can't wait to read more.
The first Jack Reacher story -- and a good one.
I liked it.. Starts off real good from the get go :)
According to the author profile on the back page, this is the first book in the "Jack Reacher" series. I have read several others. As with all of them, I could not put this down! Excellent story!
After finishing the Elvis Cole series by Robert Crais and the Harry Bosch series by Michael Connelly I was looking for another series to dive into. After several rejects a friend recommended Lee Child. I'm glad he did, as Child is a good storyteller and Jack Reacher is an interesting character. I'm nearing the end of Book One and looking forward to Book Two. Not many authors make it this far with me.
A nice quick read but a little over the top. It's like a Sylvester Stallone or Bruce Lee movie where one guy continues to beat the odds in fights 30 to 1. It gets old pretty quickly. Even if the other guys have machine guns and they have him surrounded, Reacher still manages to get away. I have a feeling all of the books follow the same formula: Guy minding his own business gets pulled into solve a crime. Has short lived passionate love affair but can't stay in one place so he leaves her behind (or she gets killed by the bad guys). Leaves town to go back to his peaceful life after saving the day. The book was well written but I don't think I'll read another Reacher novel.
Es-military policeman Jack Reacher is a drifter, just passing through. He is in Margrave, GA, for less than a half hour when four policeman arrive, shoyguns in hand, to arrest him for murder. All Jack knows is he didn't kill anybody. Not in their town - and not for a long time....
This was Lee Child's first novel and it's good. I have a feeling he is just going to get better as he writes more and I have his book #2, The Enemy here to check out my theory.
Really enjoyed this book, it kept my attention. I can't wait to read the next one!
Loved it. Couldn't put it down.
Great book!
What a great book! Lee Childs really knows how to get your attention and keep it. A real page turner!
I always enjoy reading about Jack Reacher. A great story that doesn't give away the ending.
This is author Lee Child's first novel --- a NY Times bestseller and a great read. [D]
Great suspense and thriller. A lot of mystery to this novel. I am anxious to read more by this author.
first of the reacher novels - if you are a fan of this "hero" then you need to see him at the beginning.
Clancy, Flynn, Hunter, now Child. Great writers. Enjoyed this first Child title.
I think this was one of his best. Kept me reading.
Glad I finally got to starting to read this series. Very interesting characters. Look forward to continuing to read the series.
Another gripping Jack Reacher novel. Kept me up all night reading - I leterally could not put it down until the last page had been devoured!
Edge of the seat thriller. I stayed up late to read it.
a good read action packed
Great book. It's the first in the Jack Reacher series and I loved it. I couldn't put it down.
Great hero in Jack Reacher. Had to get used to incomplete sentences.
A friend of mine told me about the "Reacher" books. I ordered this one and quickly read thru it. I found it to be very fast paced and alot of fun to read.
This book was probably the most intense I have ever read, it also is one, if not the, Best book I've ever read.
This is the first Jack Reacher novel. I came to this book because of the recently released Tom Cruise movie.
Jack Reacher is a recently discharged Military Police Officer who is bumming around the country and who finds himself embroiled in a murder investigation.
I found the book to be a bit tedious, I think it could have been about 200 pages shorter, gotten the same information across, and been a more compelling read.
Jack Reacher is a recently discharged Military Police Officer who is bumming around the country and who finds himself embroiled in a murder investigation.
I found the book to be a bit tedious, I think it could have been about 200 pages shorter, gotten the same information across, and been a more compelling read.
Introducing Jack Reacher, move over Alex Cross, Stone Barrington, Myron Bolitar here he comes!!
What a great character Jack Reacher is. Second to Myron Bolitar, Jack Reacher is a man I could have a crush on!
Kept me on my toes. Haven't seen the recent Jack Reacher movie but as I was reading this I kept visualizing Tom Cruz at Jack. Have Book 2 in the series and am looking forward to reading that one.
Excellent book. Jack Reacher is a complex character, and the story keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The 1st Jack Reacher book is a great start to loving the character. Jack shows up in a town on his search for a blue singer from the past only to find himself accused of murder. Jack uncovers what's wrong with the town he's landed in and tries to make things right. Great story with lots of excitement along the way. Can't wait to read the next one (Die Trying) which is already sitting on my bookself.
The Jack Reacher character has become a mainstay for this author. It's a character that everyone can relate to. Another great read.
Awsome!! Lee Child's first book, and a must read! Couldnt put it down.
Killing Floor is the exciting first novel in Lee Childs Jack Reacher series, and it does not disappoint. From the opening scene where Reacher is arrested for a murder he didnt commit to the conclusion where he confronts the storys villainsthose responsible for the murders of at least ten people, including Reachers brother Joethe writing is taut and believable. Reacher here isnt a superman like he comes across in later novels; here, he projects confidence while sometimes harboring doubt. He also gets a love interest in this novel, a police officer named Roscoe, but Reachers chosen profession of wanderer makes their love a lost cause.
I enjoyed this book, the first in the series. On to the second book for me.
Ex-military policeman Jack Reacher is a drifter. He's just passing through Margrave, Georgia, and in less than an hour, he's arrested for murder. Not much of a welcome. All Reacher knows is that he didn't kill anybody. At least not here. Not lately. But he doesn't stand a chance of convincing anyone. Not in Margrave, Georgia. Not a chance in hell.
Lee Child's Bench Mark novel of Jack Reacher is the boarding ticket for action, plot,hard and fast reading that fulfills the tough guy action hero that readers have been waiting for - and Jack Reacher doesn't let you down in Lee Child's 'Killing Floor'.
I enjoyed this paperback copy because it has an introduction by the author telling you how he developed this wonderful character and started his writing career. I love the story. Reacher is awesome because he always wins in the ends. But he is not perfect. He doesn't do laundry or drive well. I enjoy the fact that he always win. It is satisfying to know the story will always come out OK. This is the first in the series and just like Nevada Barr says on the back cover "Lee Child grabs you with his first line and never loosens his grip".
Fast paced book. It hooks you in and you don't want to put it down. I will most definitely be reading more about Jack Reacher.
I have read all the Reacher books. Fun stories
Just getting started on the Jack Reacher books. Am really enjoying the character.
enjoyable read
Great book. Kept my interest and hated to put it down. Can't wait to read the next Jack Reacher book by Lee Child. (Not a lot of unnecessary swearing and sex, but it is violent.)
I like it.
I could not put it down. Lee Child writes books that keep you guessing and not wanting to stop reading.
Great read.........makes one think!
The first book in the series featuring Jack Reacher, an ex-military policeman.
One of the best book I've read
A wonderful Jack Reacher novel...****
another terrific Jack Reacher book...how I wish he would just walk into my neighborhood!!
Ex-military policeman Jack Reacher is a drifter; just passing through. He is in Margrave, George for less than half an hour when four policemen arrive, shotguns in hand, to arrest him for murder. All Jack knows is he didn't kill anybody. Not in their town.. and not for a long time...
This is a complex thrill with layer upon layer of mystery and violence and intrigue. A long unsettling trip that leaves your brain buzzing and your stomach knotted.
This is a complex thrill with layer upon layer of mystery and violence and intrigue. A long unsettling trip that leaves your brain buzzing and your stomach knotted.
Lee Childs always does such a good job.
Lee Child's main character, Jack Reacher, is wonderful - tough but caring. Wonderful first novel by this author.
Good Read !!!
This is an autographed copy of the book!
Ordinarily I'm not much on adventure/violence thrillers, but I had heard outraged comments that Tom Cruise is to play Jack Reacher in the movies, so I wanted to see what the fuss was about. To my surprise, this is a very good book. Lee Child really knows how to structure a story. It held my interest to the end.
And now that I've read the book, I can agree -- unless he grows a foot or two, or they use Lord of the Rings style special effects on him -- no disrespect to his acting abilities, but Tom Cruise can't be the Jack Reacher of the books.
I'm going get some more books in this series.
And now that I've read the book, I can agree -- unless he grows a foot or two, or they use Lord of the Rings style special effects on him -- no disrespect to his acting abilities, but Tom Cruise can't be the Jack Reacher of the books.
I'm going get some more books in this series.
Good first gook of Jack Reacher
I enjoyed the book and have begun reading the entire series.
This is the first book in the Jack Reacher series -- got me hooked right off the bat!
great story. another good jack tale.
We meet Jack Reacher just as he is being arrested. The story develops quickly. The back stories come out in a good succession and with just enough to keep you asking 'WHAT ELSE IS THERE'. The characters make sense to the story, even if they are obscure references that do not seem to play an integral part. I will continue to read more about JACK REACHER.
Would have liked it to go a little faster.
Well I have found a new author and a character I enjoy. Jack Reacher is very interesting, not alot of wasted time describing the sex. More focus on the mystery. THis was the second one I read and now I need to read them all. If you enjoy Patterson, or Deaver I think you will enjoy this series as well. Can't wait to start the next one in order.
good read
The author's remarks about this series explains why they are very good
When Jack Reacher first shows up in Margrave, Georgia, the local cops arrest him for murder. While Jack is still reeling from the obviously false accusation, he finds out that the dead man is his own estranged brother. Then, it seems that anyone else that he's made contact with is also dead. The town-wide conspiracy has Jack running in circles, but with a little help from the new (and not yet corrupted) chief of detectives, and a young female officer who's taken a shine to him, he may be able to figure out just what is going on in this strange town
Killing Floor is the first Jack Reacher book for Lee Child.
Ex-military policeman Jack Reacher is a drifter, just passing through. He is in Margrave, Georgia, for less than a half hour when four policemen arrive, shotguns in hand, to arrest him for murder. All Jack knows is he didn't kill anybody. Not in their town, and not for a long time.
It's a pretty good book. One of the early ones.
Excellent!!!
