The Hard Way

This Reacher story lacked much of the macho interplay that we have come to expect between our superhero and the cast of bad guys. But what was lacking in the first 10 hours or so is more than made up for in a riveting final 90 minutes. I continue to be a fan of narrator Dick Hill but he went a bit overboard with his interpretation of Hobart. Injuries left Hobart unable to speak clearly and Hill did his voice so well that it was difficult, and sometimes impossible, to discern what he was saying on first listen. Other than that annoyance, Hill did his usual splendid job. I've reviewed all the Reacher novels in chronological order and this one doesn't differ from the rest. Escapism with a larger-than-life hero who doesn't take hostages. Violent good prevails over violent evil.

I have read many of Lee Child's books, but never listened to one before. Listening to this book made me realize what a very skilled writer he is. Of course, Dick Hill's remarkable narration had something to do with it, and I highly recommend this audio book. The book is well-paced and carefully constructed to lead up to a finish that will make you go lock yourself in the bathroom so that no one disturbs you during the last few chapters! Fortunately, Dick Hill narrates many, many books on this site, and there are still more Jack Reacher novels I haven't read or listened to. Happy New Year!

This was my first novel by Lee Child and it won't be my last. It captured my attention from the beginning because it is so different. There is a quiet intensity in the main character, Reacher. He's like a soda can be shaken up most of the story and you know at some point...
Dick Hill does a fantastic job of interpreting the main character.

I will listen to The Hard Way again. The story is, of course, implausible but the characters are wonderful, fully developed, and the events are well crafted and thought out.

I usually listen to my audio books while on road trips, but I had to keep listening to this one when I got back to my desk at work. I could not wait to find out what happened next.

Dick Hill has a great voice for Reacher. I have only listened to him as Reacher, but his voice is powerful, strong & clipped which adds another layer to the character.

Yes!

An excellent continuation to the Reacher series. I'm not overly critical and if you've enjoyed the previous selections then this one will be an excellent addition to your library. It is Reacher doing what he does, and the love interest was more plausible than in previous additions. I'd buy it again.

Not as good as other Reacher books, but it kept my interest.

It’s mostly police style investigating. Not enough smart things were being done, either by the bad guys or the good guys. The husband was wealthy and could have put tracking devices on the car, or had video/pictures taken near the car. There is almost no action until the end of the book. The best Reacher stories have been thrillers, with a bad guy plotting and trying to harm Reacher. This is not a thriller. It’s mostly just solving the mystery with some action at the end. But because I like the character Reacher so much, I was ok with this. I didn’t feel a need for it to be over.

I noticed some reviewers complain that the phrase “Reacher said nothing” is overused in these books. I disagree. He’s the “silent type.” Studies have shown that most women use twice as many (or more) words per day than most men. In that sense, it fits. Reacher is not as talkative as others.

I was disappointed that the author did not show one scene. A female does something stupid which allows the bad guys to capture her and others. We don’t see how it happened. It was told, not shown. In one scene the good guys are safe in their house. In the next scene they are tied up in another location and being hurt by the bad guys.

I had one other problem. I almost wish I had not read the book because one back story was too horrible for me. Two soldiers were captured and kept in an African prison for five years, with body amputations and repulsive living conditions. I’ve read a lot of fiction with bad guys doing horrible things, but other books did not bother me the way this did. I’m not sure why, but it kept me awake at night.

The ending was pleasant and feel good.

Picking up a "Reacher", my brain begins the process of gearing for overdrive, a slow acceleration building to an finish both agonizing and justified. Not this one. As I listened I realized this one was different. The quest was methodical and having come from the area described in the story, I was hooked. I will listen to this one again.

One of my favorites of the action books I've read.

Well researched, mixed with sense of decency against the bad guys. Reacher is just one cool dude.

Awesome

Makes me laugh and cheer on the good guy. Bad guys get what they deserve'

A great escape from everyday life. Addictive! Read this series!

i started reading the jack reacher series from the very first book and i have enjoyed all of them so far

Part of a series and it is a very easy listen. I listen to books when I am running so I do not want something that requires to much concentraton.

Kept me on the edge of my run.

All were well done.