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Jack Reacher #30
Exit Strategy
The page-turning new Jack Reacher thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling authors Lee Child and Andrew Child.
Reacher makes his way towards the entrance of a coffee shop. A young, stressed-looking guy in a suit brushes against him. Instinctively Reacher checks the pocket holding his cash and passport. There's no problem. Nothing is missing. But later in the day he finds something new has appeared in another pocket. A cryptic note. Reacher figures the guy in the suit must have planted it during their brief contact. Impressed by the guy's technique and intrigued by the message, he decides to find out more...
Reacher makes his way towards the entrance of a coffee shop. A young, stressed-looking guy in a suit brushes against him. Instinctively Reacher checks the pocket holding his cash and passport. There's no problem. Nothing is missing. But later in the day he finds something new has appeared in another pocket. A cryptic note. Reacher figures the guy in the suit must have planted it during their brief contact. Impressed by the guy's technique and intrigued by the message, he decides to find out more...
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2025
5733 people are currently reading
16231 people want to read
About the author
Lee Child
443 books34.4k followersLee Child was born October 29th, 1954 in Coventry, England, but spent his formative years in the nearby city of Birmingham. By coincidence he won a scholarship to the same high school that JRR Tolkien had attended. He went to law school in Sheffield, England, and after part-time work in the theater he joined Granada Television in Manchester for what turned out to be an eighteen-year career as a presentation director during British TV's "golden age." During his tenure his company made Brideshead Revisited, The Jewel in the Crown, Prime Suspect, and Cracker. But he was fired in 1995 at the age of 40 as a result of corporate restructuring. Always a voracious reader, he decided to see an opportunity where others might have seen a crisis and bought six dollars' worth of paper and pencils and sat down to write a book, Killing Floor, the first in the Jack Reacher series.
Killing Floor was an immediate success and launched the series which has grown in sales and impact with every new installment. The first Jack Reacher movie, based on the novel One Shot and starring Tom Cruise and Rosamund Pike, was released in December 2012.
Lee has three homes—an apartment in Manhattan, a country house in the south of France, and whatever airplane cabin he happens to be in while traveling between the two. In the US he drives a supercharged Jaguar, which was built in Jaguar's Browns Lane plant, thirty yards from the hospital in which he was born.
Lee spends his spare time reading, listening to music, and watching the Yankees, Aston Villa, or Marseilles soccer. He is married with a grown-up daughter. He is tall and slim, despite an appalling diet and a refusal to exercise.
Killing Floor was an immediate success and launched the series which has grown in sales and impact with every new installment. The first Jack Reacher movie, based on the novel One Shot and starring Tom Cruise and Rosamund Pike, was released in December 2012.
Lee has three homes—an apartment in Manhattan, a country house in the south of France, and whatever airplane cabin he happens to be in while traveling between the two. In the US he drives a supercharged Jaguar, which was built in Jaguar's Browns Lane plant, thirty yards from the hospital in which he was born.
Lee spends his spare time reading, listening to music, and watching the Yankees, Aston Villa, or Marseilles soccer. He is married with a grown-up daughter. He is tall and slim, despite an appalling diet and a refusal to exercise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 906 reviews
November 5, 2025
As a long-time fan of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels, I always look forward to diving into a new installment, and Exit Strategy certainly had all the ingredients of a great Reacher story — a gritty setup, high stakes, and Reacher’s trademark no-nonsense approach to justice. Unfortunately, while it’s still a readable and fast-paced thriller, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the earlier books in the series.
The biggest issue for me was the lack of depth. Previous Reacher novels often balance action with an underlying sense of intelligence and atmosphere — you can feel the towns, the tension, and the people. Here, things felt thinner. The plot, while serviceable, comes across as a bit undercooked. It moves briskly but never fully grips, as if the pieces are there but the emotional weight isn’t.
The supporting cast also didn’t help matters. One of the strengths of the Reacher books has always been how the side characters — often vulnerable, flawed, or quietly brave — bring color and humanity to Reacher’s solitary world. In Exit Strategy, they just didn’t land. Most felt either forgettable or simply not very likable, which made it harder to invest in their fates or the overall story.
That said, Reacher himself remains compelling — stoic, sharp, and driven by his own moral compass. The action scenes are clean and effective, and the writing style is as crisp as ever. Lee (and now Andrew) Child know how to build momentum, and that craftsmanship is still on display.
Overall, Exit Strategy isn’t a bad book — it’s a decent thriller that longtime fans will probably still enjoy. But compared to the best of the series, it feels like it’s running on autopilot. A decent read, but not one that lingers after you turn the last page.
The biggest issue for me was the lack of depth. Previous Reacher novels often balance action with an underlying sense of intelligence and atmosphere — you can feel the towns, the tension, and the people. Here, things felt thinner. The plot, while serviceable, comes across as a bit undercooked. It moves briskly but never fully grips, as if the pieces are there but the emotional weight isn’t.
The supporting cast also didn’t help matters. One of the strengths of the Reacher books has always been how the side characters — often vulnerable, flawed, or quietly brave — bring color and humanity to Reacher’s solitary world. In Exit Strategy, they just didn’t land. Most felt either forgettable or simply not very likable, which made it harder to invest in their fates or the overall story.
That said, Reacher himself remains compelling — stoic, sharp, and driven by his own moral compass. The action scenes are clean and effective, and the writing style is as crisp as ever. Lee (and now Andrew) Child know how to build momentum, and that craftsmanship is still on display.
Overall, Exit Strategy isn’t a bad book — it’s a decent thriller that longtime fans will probably still enjoy. But compared to the best of the series, it feels like it’s running on autopilot. A decent read, but not one that lingers after you turn the last page.
November 9, 2025
Started as a true Reacher book. When it came to the finale it was jumbled, thin and all over the place.
I personally think Lee Child should write on his own or retire Reacher. The writing between him and his brother isn’t working.
I personally think Lee Child should write on his own or retire Reacher. The writing between him and his brother isn’t working.
December 2, 2025
I cannot help but be disappointed with Lee Child’s last endeavor, Exit Strategy. It seemed like a fairly good start with some typical Reacher solutions for people not behaving. But then the plot sunk down into a bog in the middle of his writing. At times I had to fight to stay awake to get through the next chapter.
I thought about giving this literary attempt a 2/5 but instead gave a 3/5 out of respect for his prior writings.
I thought about giving this literary attempt a 2/5 but instead gave a 3/5 out of respect for his prior writings.
November 14, 2025
This book is dedicated ‘For everyone who has stood with Reacher through his first thirty adventures.’ Well that will be me. I always pre-order on Amazon. Use to wait to read so as to reduce the gap until the next one. But now read as I receive.
Having met Mr Child at a book signing I have a great affinity with him. Unfortunately, this book is not as strong as the previous ones. His first -‘Killing Floor’ being my benchmark.
Couldn’t feel close to Reacher or the subordinate characters. The story was also convoluted and difficult to follow at times. Usually I don’t want a book to end quickly. This time I did.
But yes I will still be pre-ordering the next book and waiting for the new Reacher series on tv.
Having met Mr Child at a book signing I have a great affinity with him. Unfortunately, this book is not as strong as the previous ones. His first -‘Killing Floor’ being my benchmark.
Couldn’t feel close to Reacher or the subordinate characters. The story was also convoluted and difficult to follow at times. Usually I don’t want a book to end quickly. This time I did.
But yes I will still be pre-ordering the next book and waiting for the new Reacher series on tv.
November 25, 2025
The new book from the Child Brothers about jack Reacher..
Jack Reacher is in Baltimore having his usual Gallons of Black coffee in the coffee shop..
First he helps an elderly couple get there money back as a scam is in effect.
He’s now in the store to buy a new coat , when he checks his pockets of his other coat and finds a note that was put in his pocket when he left the coffee shop.
Because he’s reacher he can’t ignore the note..
he is now involved in a business that he can’t ignore.
He makes it his mission..
This book was a just ok for me.
Jack Reacher is in Baltimore having his usual Gallons of Black coffee in the coffee shop..
First he helps an elderly couple get there money back as a scam is in effect.
He’s now in the store to buy a new coat , when he checks his pockets of his other coat and finds a note that was put in his pocket when he left the coffee shop.
Because he’s reacher he can’t ignore the note..
he is now involved in a business that he can’t ignore.
He makes it his mission..
This book was a just ok for me.
November 25, 2025
Jack Reacher was on the move again. First stop the coffee shop, and after his full fix of caffeine, he was boarding the next bus, destination unknown. But life had a way of changing plans, and when Reacher witnessed what he knew was a scam, he dealt with it, refunding the couple concerned. When he went to a nearby store to buy a coat, he discovered a note in his pocket, a plea for help. And so began Reacher's next adventure, full of corruption, anger, brute force and murder.
Exit Strategy is the 30th in the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child and now, his brother Andrew Child. I was really looking forward to this new book, as I do with them all. I've read the series since the beginning. But since the author's brother has been involved with the writing, the depth to the stories just doesn't seem to be there. I want to still love these books; I love Reacher's character. It was a quick read with a good plot, and one I still recommend to fans.
Exit Strategy is the 30th in the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child and now, his brother Andrew Child. I was really looking forward to this new book, as I do with them all. I've read the series since the beginning. But since the author's brother has been involved with the writing, the depth to the stories just doesn't seem to be there. I want to still love these books; I love Reacher's character. It was a quick read with a good plot, and one I still recommend to fans.
November 17, 2025
The End of 'Reacher Said Nothing'?
A review of the Random House Audio (November 11, 2025) narrated by Scott Brick and released simultaneously with the Bantam hardcover/eBook.
I have to confess that I often became distracted while listening to this audiobook. Veteran narrator Scott Brick was fine, but the plot bogged down during its investigation stages. The opening was fine and had Reacher doing his usual saving of innocents, in this case from some financial scammers that he overhears in a coffee shop. A case of mistaken identity then draws him into a smuggling conspiracy in which he feels some obligation to assist one of its victims, a fellow veteran.
The main villain is of course mercenary and ruthless and proves it in several instances. The final reveal of the conspiracy was both ridiculous and macabre though. There was an enormous amount of time spent on investigating an apparent heist which in the end didn't even seem that important. A further ally joins forces with our duo and the finale becomes a rescue mission, but the comeuppance somehow fell short.
The old Reacher magic was missing in this one even though the plots should be cookie cutter by now. Perhaps it was just too convoluted and complicated for what in the end was an absurd payoff. Lee Child's plots were somehow simpler and more straightforward. Reacher as the Shane / Yojimbo / Man with No Name (and/or No Middle Initial) comes into a corrupt town/situation and saves the innocents and pummels the culprits and then hitchhikes out of town into the sunset. Andrew Child is taking the formula and making it needlessly complex.
Reacher Statistics
Toothbrush mentions = 1, A single mention. Reacher takes inventory of his pockets at one point and mentions his toothbrush, expired passport, ATM card and some cash. There was no line to top my all time favourite from Blue Moon (Reacher #24 2019): "Reacher was already packed and ready to go. His toothbrush was in his pocket."
The previous book was a harbinger that change was coming to the standard laconic Reacher response: "Reacher said nothing." In Too Deep (Reacher #29 2024) had many instances of "Reacher didn't reply" and other variations.
This book went all the way with 4 "Reacher didn't reply", 1 "Reacher didn't respond", 1 "Reacher didn't answer," 1 "Reacher shook his head," & 1 "He didn't say anything." My count may be off of course as I could only make intermittent notes during the audiobook playback.
There were also several instances of other characters who "didn't reply," "didn't answer," and "didn't speak."
Only towards the very end there was a single instance of "Reacher said nothing," as if in a benediction for the old time fans.
Soundtrack
Reacher attends a concert early in the book where an unnamed blues band that he likes is one of the openers. He leaves without listening to the headline act. Later in the story he listens to Junior Wells' Waitin' on the Night Train which you can hear on YouTube here or on Spotify here.
Trivia and Links
It was revealed in the press publicity around The Secret (Reacher #28 - 2023) that it was the final collaboration between brothers Lee and Andrew Child in the handover of the continuation series and that Andrew Child had a 4-book contract to write the books solo from then on. Exit Strategy is the 2nd of those. For marketing purposes the books are listed under Lee Child's name alongside that of Andrew Child.
Andrew Child is interviewed at the Poisoned Pen Press bookstore on the release of Exit Strategy and you can see the interview on their YouTube channel here.
A review of the Random House Audio (November 11, 2025) narrated by Scott Brick and released simultaneously with the Bantam hardcover/eBook.
I have to confess that I often became distracted while listening to this audiobook. Veteran narrator Scott Brick was fine, but the plot bogged down during its investigation stages. The opening was fine and had Reacher doing his usual saving of innocents, in this case from some financial scammers that he overhears in a coffee shop. A case of mistaken identity then draws him into a smuggling conspiracy in which he feels some obligation to assist one of its victims, a fellow veteran.
The main villain is of course mercenary and ruthless and proves it in several instances. The final reveal of the conspiracy was both ridiculous and macabre though. There was an enormous amount of time spent on investigating an apparent heist which in the end didn't even seem that important. A further ally joins forces with our duo and the finale becomes a rescue mission, but the comeuppance somehow fell short.
The old Reacher magic was missing in this one even though the plots should be cookie cutter by now. Perhaps it was just too convoluted and complicated for what in the end was an absurd payoff. Lee Child's plots were somehow simpler and more straightforward. Reacher as the Shane / Yojimbo / Man with No Name (and/or No Middle Initial) comes into a corrupt town/situation and saves the innocents and pummels the culprits and then hitchhikes out of town into the sunset. Andrew Child is taking the formula and making it needlessly complex.
Reacher Statistics
Toothbrush mentions = 1, A single mention. Reacher takes inventory of his pockets at one point and mentions his toothbrush, expired passport, ATM card and some cash. There was no line to top my all time favourite from Blue Moon (Reacher #24 2019): "Reacher was already packed and ready to go. His toothbrush was in his pocket."
The previous book was a harbinger that change was coming to the standard laconic Reacher response: "Reacher said nothing." In Too Deep (Reacher #29 2024) had many instances of "Reacher didn't reply" and other variations.
This book went all the way with 4 "Reacher didn't reply", 1 "Reacher didn't respond", 1 "Reacher didn't answer," 1 "Reacher shook his head," & 1 "He didn't say anything." My count may be off of course as I could only make intermittent notes during the audiobook playback.
There were also several instances of other characters who "didn't reply," "didn't answer," and "didn't speak."
Only towards the very end there was a single instance of "Reacher said nothing," as if in a benediction for the old time fans.
Soundtrack
Reacher attends a concert early in the book where an unnamed blues band that he likes is one of the openers. He leaves without listening to the headline act. Later in the story he listens to Junior Wells' Waitin' on the Night Train which you can hear on YouTube here or on Spotify here.
Trivia and Links
It was revealed in the press publicity around The Secret (Reacher #28 - 2023) that it was the final collaboration between brothers Lee and Andrew Child in the handover of the continuation series and that Andrew Child had a 4-book contract to write the books solo from then on. Exit Strategy is the 2nd of those. For marketing purposes the books are listed under Lee Child's name alongside that of Andrew Child.
Andrew Child is interviewed at the Poisoned Pen Press bookstore on the release of Exit Strategy and you can see the interview on their YouTube channel here.
November 13, 2025
There used to be some anticipation about the arrival of a new Reacher... you buy it, get home, and commence to reading the shit out of it. Since these books became a co-production, the prospects have become hit and miss. This one is mostly a miss. The story is hard to follow at many junctures, with some plot threads thrown in for no real reason at all, and the rush to a conclusion comes without the satisfaction of seeing a good tale come to an end. These books are starting to remove the singular character of its hero... he's starting to feel like so many other heroes in so many other series.
January 8, 2026
Barely adequate and in decline for this former exciting hero.
November 13, 2025
Jack Reacher needs a modern reboot. In the current timeline he’s 65 years old and he’s been unemployed for going on 30 years. While his physical exploits have always been on the unbelievable side, and I’d argue that’s a big part of his appeal, it’s getting difficult to suspend disbelief in what used to be a somewhat grounded, if occasionally sensational, series of mysteries.
The physical aspect is actually the least of my concerns with the series and why I think it needs a reboot (I think timeline shift might be a better term for what it needs than reboot). Reacher’s complete ignorance of technology isn’t quaint IMO, it’s actually quite annoying. When paired with the writing of Andrew Child, who never met a conversation that he didn’t turn into an expository vomit fest and seems to mistake confoundedness for complexity, it makes Reacher seem like a dumb oaf who falls ass backward in and out of trouble. It’s Mr. Bean in the physique of Arnold Schwarzenegger. I think that’s a disservice to the legacy of Reacher. His physicality and violence have always been a fun aspect of the character, but it’s his mind that’s always brought me back. It’s been a while since we’ve really gotten to see Sherlock Homeless in all of his glory.
Late stage Reacher books have all been pretty bad, but I found myself looking forward to this just to have a new story with familiar character that I’ve come to like very much. But I didn’t enjoy this installment at all. I’m sure Andrew Child is a great guy, but he doesn’t have the talent of his brother. Reacher needs a new overseer who can do for him what Martin Campbell’s Casino Royale did for James Bond. If it’s just going to be more of this, I think I may be done, and that makes me sad.
The physical aspect is actually the least of my concerns with the series and why I think it needs a reboot (I think timeline shift might be a better term for what it needs than reboot). Reacher’s complete ignorance of technology isn’t quaint IMO, it’s actually quite annoying. When paired with the writing of Andrew Child, who never met a conversation that he didn’t turn into an expository vomit fest and seems to mistake confoundedness for complexity, it makes Reacher seem like a dumb oaf who falls ass backward in and out of trouble. It’s Mr. Bean in the physique of Arnold Schwarzenegger. I think that’s a disservice to the legacy of Reacher. His physicality and violence have always been a fun aspect of the character, but it’s his mind that’s always brought me back. It’s been a while since we’ve really gotten to see Sherlock Homeless in all of his glory.
Late stage Reacher books have all been pretty bad, but I found myself looking forward to this just to have a new story with familiar character that I’ve come to like very much. But I didn’t enjoy this installment at all. I’m sure Andrew Child is a great guy, but he doesn’t have the talent of his brother. Reacher needs a new overseer who can do for him what Martin Campbell’s Casino Royale did for James Bond. If it’s just going to be more of this, I think I may be done, and that makes me sad.
November 13, 2025
A completely indifferent book. I don't know if it was Lee Child or his brother Andrew who wrote the book - probably Andrew, but it's not good. The action is of course "full speed ahead", and there are broken bones and crushed skulls, but that's not enough to make a good book. Goodbye Reacher, this is the last book I will read from the hands of the Child brothers.
November 11, 2025
That was utter garbage! It didn't even deserve 1 star.
December 25, 2025
This used to be that time of year when Lee Child would publish his annual outing with one of my favorite fictional heroes, Jack Reacher. Those days are gone and the transition from big brother to younger brother has completed with Andrew now fully in control of the Reacher novels while Lee focuses his attention on the popular Amazon Reacher streaming series.
With Andrew responsible for the novels, some things have remained the same while other things have changed. Andrew is definitely not Lee (in fairness, nor should he be), and his changes haven’t always been subtle to the millions of Reacher fans. In my personal opinion, it’s taken Andrew several books to develop his own rhythm with the character and his behaviors. The result is that Andrew’s version of Reacher is not necessarily Lee’s Reacher. As a reader, you can choose to like that or not. It’s just the reality of the situation. Just like the authors who continued popular series by Tom Clancy, Robert B. Parker, Vince Flynn, and Stieg Larsson, there are always tradeoffs involved and it’s is no different with Reacher.
This year, Andrew has delivered his sixth Reacher novel - “Exit Strategy”, which continues much of the same approach, style, and plotting as his previous two to three Reacher adventures. For me personally, there continues to be some more incremental improvement with each one of his outings. Reacher’s intelligence from earlier books has returned, as well as his sarcastic banter. In addition, Andrew’s plotting has gotten stronger and more complex, providing a better overall story. That isn’t to say that there aren’t some trade-offs in style and a few problems that I continue to struggle with, but I will save that for later.
“Exit Strategy” starts off with Reacher stepping a coffee shop in Baltimore. He just wants some a coffee and some refills before moving on. However, it wouldn’t be Reacher if he didn’t witness an interesting interaction that bothers him and by the time he leaves, he becomes involved in two separate instigating events that propel the novel forward.
One outcome finds Reacher on the wrong side of a local gangster by disrupting his ongoing scam operations that involve ripping off seniors. Word is sent out on the streets to find Reacher so those better skilled can come take care of him.
The other outcome and even more important involves a note that a stranger was somehow able to slip into Reacher’s pocket. That takes a rare skill and has Reacher’s attention. Even more so are the words in the note, which plead with him for help because the writer’s life is in serious danger, and sets a time and place for them to meet. The last word written in shaky letters really peaks Reacher’s interest – “please.
When Reacher meets up with the note’s owner, it kicks off a mystery that our hero cannot help trying to solve, especially when he feels justice needs to be done. Before he knows it, Reacher will find himself chasing down a conspiracy that involves illegal shipping and transportation, compromised political alliances, and military sponsored actions that could lead to unforgiveable international chaos...
Just another day in the life for Reacher…
Like the last three books, this was an easy and fast read. In some ways too fast. Most of that is because this book is only 304 pages in length (and larger font size to hit that mark). I’ve noticed that Andrew’s novels are definitely shorter in length, his writing style more focused with shorter sentences and fewer words, and less time spent on transition moments and scene descriptions.
For me, the plotting and pacing were good, most of the time. Andrew captures much of the same plot development style and flow as his brother, Lee. Andrew’s plots have become more complex and intricate over the last three books. He ties thing together well, peeling the onion in layers, and every time you think that you have things figured out, he’s usually one or two steps ahead of you.
However, at the same time, I still feel that Andrew comes across as a bit too clinical and mechanical in instances throughout the novel, making Reacher feel like a caricature of himself. In some ways, there are chapters that read like a detailed outline – what needs to happen – rather than a fleshed out immersive scene, activity, or chapter. I appreciate that Andrew walks us through each of Reacher’s fights and has him talking more, but some of the action sequences come across so clinical that it takes any sense of emotion.
And let’s be honest, with Andre’s books, I never get the sense that Reacher is truly in danger or going to get hurt. I don’t fell like he’s truly tested or challenged much, no matter what the opposition is. I don’t think there’s ever been a moment in his six Reacher novels that I ever felt Reacher was at risk. He’s turned into a version of Superman that makes me feel like he’s too invincible, and that’s contributed to him losing his edge a bit for me.
This is why it’s important to realize that Andrew writes Reacher differently than Lee. That is reality and it isn’t going to change anytime soon. Andrew’s Reacher is focused more on his physical skills and instinctual strengths. I especially appreciated in this book how Reacher used his analytical skills more, which reminded me more of Lee Child’s writing, and I really enjoyed the “smart” Reacher working through the clues and figuring things out before the other characters did.
Another component of this one is that it feels like Andrew favors smart bad guys rather than imposing bad guys. There’s nothing wrong with that, except in this case once it comes down to the final confrontation, it felt a little weak and took away from the adversary being as compelling and strong as I would have preferred. It wasn’t a bad ending, but the bad guy turned out to be rather whiny and weak when it mattered most. Mechanically Andrew got all of the pieces connected, but emotionally, it still felt a little bit lacking when it came to experiencing a strong payoff.
That being said, we, I continue to come to terms with my understanding that Andrew is not Lee and cannot be Lee. He is his own writer. I fully understand that some Reacher fans will learn to enjoy Andrew’s version of Reacher and others will never be satisfied with Andrew, choosing rather to pick it apart. Although it probably doesn’t feel that way after reading my review, I am probably somewhere in the middle. Lee was certainly burnt out on writing Reacher. That was clear in his later interviews, so it was time to move on.
For me, the bigger problem that we face with Reacher is different. It’s not so much a change from Lee to Andrew as authors, as much as it is the aging and saturation of Reacher. “Exit Strategy” is the 30th Reacher novel. Let me repeat that. The 30th Reacher novel. That’s a lot of books, folks, covering a lot of adventures, storylines, plot twists, mysteries to resolve, and bad guys to defeat. My problem is really less about Andrew’s style and more about trying to keep Reacher fresh, finding worthy adversaries, and conflict that challenges him both physically and mentally. That’s a lot harder to do when you’re writing book number 30. Lee Child himself decided he was done after 24 books because he quite honestly ran out of ideas. When readers complain the series has lost something, I tend to think the truth actually lies less with Andrew and more with the fact that having 30 books published makes it awful hard to maintain momentum and quality.
If that is the case, in addition to taking over a well-loved literary character, the task of coming up with new ideas becomes a tougher task than an easier one for Andrew. To me, that is the real challenge. Keeping Reacher fresh and exciting while not deviating too far from his well-established mythos is a really hard thing to do. It is the same problems that writers face when carrying on the works of authors who have passed away, like Spenser, Jack Ryan, Mitch Rapp, and Lisbeth Salander. Talk about an impossible challenge.
The reality is there’s already a lot of Reacher novels and stories. The good news is that Andrew has been there with Lee since day one of the creation and birth of Reacher. If anyone has a chance of keeping Reacher relevant and worth reading, he’s our best chance. For me, I am going to appreciate the ride as long as I can, because like Reacher, I am aging too. I’m in my 60’s now and reflection has become a bigger part of my life. My thought is, let’s enjoy it while we can.
For me, “Exit Strategy” was a steady 3-star read for me and we’ll see what the future brings with a sense of skeptical optimism.
With Andrew responsible for the novels, some things have remained the same while other things have changed. Andrew is definitely not Lee (in fairness, nor should he be), and his changes haven’t always been subtle to the millions of Reacher fans. In my personal opinion, it’s taken Andrew several books to develop his own rhythm with the character and his behaviors. The result is that Andrew’s version of Reacher is not necessarily Lee’s Reacher. As a reader, you can choose to like that or not. It’s just the reality of the situation. Just like the authors who continued popular series by Tom Clancy, Robert B. Parker, Vince Flynn, and Stieg Larsson, there are always tradeoffs involved and it’s is no different with Reacher.
This year, Andrew has delivered his sixth Reacher novel - “Exit Strategy”, which continues much of the same approach, style, and plotting as his previous two to three Reacher adventures. For me personally, there continues to be some more incremental improvement with each one of his outings. Reacher’s intelligence from earlier books has returned, as well as his sarcastic banter. In addition, Andrew’s plotting has gotten stronger and more complex, providing a better overall story. That isn’t to say that there aren’t some trade-offs in style and a few problems that I continue to struggle with, but I will save that for later.
“Exit Strategy” starts off with Reacher stepping a coffee shop in Baltimore. He just wants some a coffee and some refills before moving on. However, it wouldn’t be Reacher if he didn’t witness an interesting interaction that bothers him and by the time he leaves, he becomes involved in two separate instigating events that propel the novel forward.
One outcome finds Reacher on the wrong side of a local gangster by disrupting his ongoing scam operations that involve ripping off seniors. Word is sent out on the streets to find Reacher so those better skilled can come take care of him.
The other outcome and even more important involves a note that a stranger was somehow able to slip into Reacher’s pocket. That takes a rare skill and has Reacher’s attention. Even more so are the words in the note, which plead with him for help because the writer’s life is in serious danger, and sets a time and place for them to meet. The last word written in shaky letters really peaks Reacher’s interest – “please.
When Reacher meets up with the note’s owner, it kicks off a mystery that our hero cannot help trying to solve, especially when he feels justice needs to be done. Before he knows it, Reacher will find himself chasing down a conspiracy that involves illegal shipping and transportation, compromised political alliances, and military sponsored actions that could lead to unforgiveable international chaos...
Just another day in the life for Reacher…
Like the last three books, this was an easy and fast read. In some ways too fast. Most of that is because this book is only 304 pages in length (and larger font size to hit that mark). I’ve noticed that Andrew’s novels are definitely shorter in length, his writing style more focused with shorter sentences and fewer words, and less time spent on transition moments and scene descriptions.
For me, the plotting and pacing were good, most of the time. Andrew captures much of the same plot development style and flow as his brother, Lee. Andrew’s plots have become more complex and intricate over the last three books. He ties thing together well, peeling the onion in layers, and every time you think that you have things figured out, he’s usually one or two steps ahead of you.
However, at the same time, I still feel that Andrew comes across as a bit too clinical and mechanical in instances throughout the novel, making Reacher feel like a caricature of himself. In some ways, there are chapters that read like a detailed outline – what needs to happen – rather than a fleshed out immersive scene, activity, or chapter. I appreciate that Andrew walks us through each of Reacher’s fights and has him talking more, but some of the action sequences come across so clinical that it takes any sense of emotion.
And let’s be honest, with Andre’s books, I never get the sense that Reacher is truly in danger or going to get hurt. I don’t fell like he’s truly tested or challenged much, no matter what the opposition is. I don’t think there’s ever been a moment in his six Reacher novels that I ever felt Reacher was at risk. He’s turned into a version of Superman that makes me feel like he’s too invincible, and that’s contributed to him losing his edge a bit for me.
This is why it’s important to realize that Andrew writes Reacher differently than Lee. That is reality and it isn’t going to change anytime soon. Andrew’s Reacher is focused more on his physical skills and instinctual strengths. I especially appreciated in this book how Reacher used his analytical skills more, which reminded me more of Lee Child’s writing, and I really enjoyed the “smart” Reacher working through the clues and figuring things out before the other characters did.
Another component of this one is that it feels like Andrew favors smart bad guys rather than imposing bad guys. There’s nothing wrong with that, except in this case once it comes down to the final confrontation, it felt a little weak and took away from the adversary being as compelling and strong as I would have preferred. It wasn’t a bad ending, but the bad guy turned out to be rather whiny and weak when it mattered most. Mechanically Andrew got all of the pieces connected, but emotionally, it still felt a little bit lacking when it came to experiencing a strong payoff.
That being said, we, I continue to come to terms with my understanding that Andrew is not Lee and cannot be Lee. He is his own writer. I fully understand that some Reacher fans will learn to enjoy Andrew’s version of Reacher and others will never be satisfied with Andrew, choosing rather to pick it apart. Although it probably doesn’t feel that way after reading my review, I am probably somewhere in the middle. Lee was certainly burnt out on writing Reacher. That was clear in his later interviews, so it was time to move on.
For me, the bigger problem that we face with Reacher is different. It’s not so much a change from Lee to Andrew as authors, as much as it is the aging and saturation of Reacher. “Exit Strategy” is the 30th Reacher novel. Let me repeat that. The 30th Reacher novel. That’s a lot of books, folks, covering a lot of adventures, storylines, plot twists, mysteries to resolve, and bad guys to defeat. My problem is really less about Andrew’s style and more about trying to keep Reacher fresh, finding worthy adversaries, and conflict that challenges him both physically and mentally. That’s a lot harder to do when you’re writing book number 30. Lee Child himself decided he was done after 24 books because he quite honestly ran out of ideas. When readers complain the series has lost something, I tend to think the truth actually lies less with Andrew and more with the fact that having 30 books published makes it awful hard to maintain momentum and quality.
If that is the case, in addition to taking over a well-loved literary character, the task of coming up with new ideas becomes a tougher task than an easier one for Andrew. To me, that is the real challenge. Keeping Reacher fresh and exciting while not deviating too far from his well-established mythos is a really hard thing to do. It is the same problems that writers face when carrying on the works of authors who have passed away, like Spenser, Jack Ryan, Mitch Rapp, and Lisbeth Salander. Talk about an impossible challenge.
The reality is there’s already a lot of Reacher novels and stories. The good news is that Andrew has been there with Lee since day one of the creation and birth of Reacher. If anyone has a chance of keeping Reacher relevant and worth reading, he’s our best chance. For me, I am going to appreciate the ride as long as I can, because like Reacher, I am aging too. I’m in my 60’s now and reflection has become a bigger part of my life. My thought is, let’s enjoy it while we can.
For me, “Exit Strategy” was a steady 3-star read for me and we’ll see what the future brings with a sense of skeptical optimism.
November 17, 2025
The last 3 books written by Lee Child and Andrew Child have gone steadily downhill. The last book, In Too Deep, was a disappointment but nothing compared to the latest. I could not believe the Jack Reacher character could get worse.
Exit Strategy is very slow paced. Very thin plot. Incoherent at times. Written in a very juvenile manner. Supporting characters are thin to say the least. Far, far too much dialogue and not near enough action. Jack Reacher is a quiet reserved kinda man, not the yappy character in this book.
Am I disappointed in the slow and continued degradation of the Jack Reacher character? Absolutely!
Lee...you need to put Andrew out to pasture before you lose all your fans.
Exit Strategy is very slow paced. Very thin plot. Incoherent at times. Written in a very juvenile manner. Supporting characters are thin to say the least. Far, far too much dialogue and not near enough action. Jack Reacher is a quiet reserved kinda man, not the yappy character in this book.
Am I disappointed in the slow and continued degradation of the Jack Reacher character? Absolutely!
Lee...you need to put Andrew out to pasture before you lose all your fans.
November 4, 2025
It's OK if you're a fan, but it's all rather thin.
November 18, 2025
This book was unbelievably bad. It shines a light on how special the reacher books were when they first came out. The plot is ridiculous. The character development is so shallow that you can’t care about anybody including reacher. And reacher doesn’t even seem like himself.
November 27, 2025
A decent story, but it's not really Reacher since Andrew took over the writing. His Reacher is just a blunt instrument rather than the investigative genius he showed glimpses of when his brother was writing the series.
November 29, 2025
Jack Reacher's 30th outing has a nice, twisty plot that keeps the reader turning the pages late into the night (or early into the morning, as was my experience). There are a couple of interesting characters I wish had been fleshed out more, and there isn't much in the way of setting, but those are more quibbles in this context; the Reacher novels are all about plot.
My only major complaint is one I've felt for the last few of the novels in this long-running series: Reacher seems to be more violent, with less compunction, than ever before. Granted, the people he kills or completely disables (though it's usually "kills") are bad guys, but Reacher acting as judge, jury and executioner is a bit much, especially when the body count is so high. Reacher otherwise seems to have a pretty strong moral code, so it seems odd that he never reflects on the taking of a life. This won't stop me from reading new Reacher novels as they come along, but it is disturbing.
My only major complaint is one I've felt for the last few of the novels in this long-running series: Reacher seems to be more violent, with less compunction, than ever before. Granted, the people he kills or completely disables (though it's usually "kills") are bad guys, but Reacher acting as judge, jury and executioner is a bit much, especially when the body count is so high. Reacher otherwise seems to have a pretty strong moral code, so it seems odd that he never reflects on the taking of a life. This won't stop me from reading new Reacher novels as they come along, but it is disturbing.
December 23, 2025
In the latest stage of his never ending rambling across the United States, Jack Reacher finds himself in Baltimore. Whilst leaving a coffee shop, someone sticks a note in his pocket requesting help. At first, Reacher isn't interested, but, when he finds there could be a matter of national security at stake, he decides to get involved. He soon discovers that the whole matter is linked to a private security firm which is attempting to foment a false flag military operation on the Turkish=Armenian border, purely to make money. Reacher's deep seated loathing of the "war for profit" ethos makes him doubly determined to punish those responsible.
This is now the 30th novel in the series (and the 6th co-written one). Most series begin to fade well before this landmark. And, it has to be admitted, this one is beginning to show its age. Although the novel was well-written and enjoyable enough, I felt it hardly reached the heights of some of its predecessors.
This is now the 30th novel in the series (and the 6th co-written one). Most series begin to fade well before this landmark. And, it has to be admitted, this one is beginning to show its age. Although the novel was well-written and enjoyable enough, I felt it hardly reached the heights of some of its predecessors.
November 18, 2025
Not up to Lee Child standards
I have read all of the Reacher stories!. This is not up to the Lee Child standards. First, the plot is totally convoluted - impossible to follow. Second, I read the entire book and still not sure of the plot.
I have read all of the Reacher stories!. This is not up to the Lee Child standards. First, the plot is totally convoluted - impossible to follow. Second, I read the entire book and still not sure of the plot.
December 3, 2025
Moments showing the Reacher I’ve loved. Dang it!
November 12, 2025
The plot trips over its own feet at times, but there’s plenty of action to keep you entertained.
December 13, 2025
This sucks. Just like the last one. Made it to 40% before quitting. Too many characters, Teacher's dumb sidekick gets all the focus. If Lee doesn't want to write anymore, fine, but Andrew Child is not good.
Read
January 18, 2026The next latest instalment, the 30th novel! Fan boy excitement, I will get my copy at a Lee Child speaking event in Chester (Nov'25)
Finished - review to follow
Finished - review to follow
December 18, 2025
Just finished reading “Exit Strategy,” the 30th book in the Reacher series. In this installment Reacher finds himself in Baltimore, intending only to pass through. His plans change when he stops to help a fellow veteran, and, as always, that decision pulls him into a fast paced story filled with action.
I listened to the audiobook from Audible, which runs nine hours and forty eight minutes. Scott Brick delivers a strong narration that suits the pace and tone of the novel. Even so, I cannot help but miss Dick Hill, who was the voice of Reacher from the beginning until his retirement. Hill’s narration defined the character for me, and while Brick is excellent, Hill will always be Reacher in my mind.
I listened to the audiobook from Audible, which runs nine hours and forty eight minutes. Scott Brick delivers a strong narration that suits the pace and tone of the novel. Even so, I cannot help but miss Dick Hill, who was the voice of Reacher from the beginning until his retirement. Hill’s narration defined the character for me, and while Brick is excellent, Hill will always be Reacher in my mind.
November 20, 2025
It was the better than the last one but I read these now more out of habit than expectation that they'll be any good.
November 17, 2025
A quick read due to the large font and huge margins. A bit of a thin story.
November 15, 2025
Meh. Servicable. Some murderous fights. Plot feels like a stretch. More interchangeable "bad ass" female characters who are made for TV and are forgettable.
Reacher is like Frankensteins Monster in this. After 30 books, we know what we are in for.
The series is a hit and a money maker, but I wouldnt put this in the best 10 or 20 Reacher books, and Ive read them all. Its all getting a little too familiar.
Reacher is like Frankensteins Monster in this. After 30 books, we know what we are in for.
The series is a hit and a money maker, but I wouldnt put this in the best 10 or 20 Reacher books, and Ive read them all. Its all getting a little too familiar.
November 19, 2025
If you are a "Reacher Creature" you know how it goes. New book in the series released you drop the others you are reading and jump in. This probably rates a 3.5 but rounded up in view of the longevity of the series, this being #30.
The reason the rating isn't higher is because the tales are now being written by Lee and his brother Andrew and there is a bit of unevenness in the transition. This one is a bit overpopulated meaning when a character pops up it causes a pause with a "who is this again and why should I care?" moment.
The plot is a bit convoluted and contorted and Reacher seems to be a bit more sadistic than in previous books (not that the baddies weren't warned or don't deserve it) but still a worthy read that moves right along. Until next year then ...
The reason the rating isn't higher is because the tales are now being written by Lee and his brother Andrew and there is a bit of unevenness in the transition. This one is a bit overpopulated meaning when a character pops up it causes a pause with a "who is this again and why should I care?" moment.
The plot is a bit convoluted and contorted and Reacher seems to be a bit more sadistic than in previous books (not that the baddies weren't warned or don't deserve it) but still a worthy read that moves right along. Until next year then ...
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