The Visitor by Lee Child

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Jack Reacher becomes embroiled in the FBI's hunt for a serial killer in the fourth in Lee Child's series.

Following the events of 'Tripwire', Reacher is attempting to live a normal life, with a fixed address and in a steady relationship with Jodie, returning from the previous novel. But when Reacher sees injustice, he cannot resist righting the wrong in his own way. He soon finds himself arrested - but the FBI appear to suspect him of another crime. Two women are dead, both ex-Army, found immersed in baths of paint, causes of death unknown. The FBI's Behavioural Science Unit's profile indicates the perpetrator is someone a lot like Reacher.

Drawn deeper into the investigation against his will, Reacher initially resists cooperating, but soon becomes driven to find the killer responsible as the body count rises. But he also finds himself facing his own personal challenge - he misses his days of freedom, which he has turned his back on because of his feelings for Jodie.

With each development, the killer still seems to be far ahead - clever, resourceful and cunning - but Reacher strives on, fitting the pieces together. But will he be in time to save the next victim?

The third in the series, 'Tripwire', was brilliant, but 'The Visitor' may have even topped that. Intense and thrilling, the novel builds to a tense climax with a satisfying and perfectly illustrated twist. With action-packed scenes, psychological insights, gang wars and even a crime-busting partner for Reacher in the form of Harper, the FBI agent assigned to watch his every move, this is a mash-up of thriller sub-genres with Reacher as the (anti-) hero at its heart. His methods may at times be questionable, but he is always on the side of justice.

Reacher's personal struggles develop a greater emotional depth and give the reader further insight into the character we first met in 'Killing Floor' shortly after he left the Army. I will soon be diving eagerly into 'Echo Burning' to find out what's next.



View all my reviews