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THE NEEDLE (A Joe Reacher Thriller)
A USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Set in the Reacher universe by permission of Lee Child.
HE FOLLOWED THE MONEY. IT LED TO MURDER.
It is 1989. Joe Reacher is asked to investigate the brutal murder of a Treasury Agent. What begins as a routine investigation soon unravels into something far more dangerous—because the trail of secrets leads straight into Joe’s own past.
As Reacher digs deeper, he discovers a web of deception, betrayal and murder.
Packed with action, suspense, and relentless twists, The Needle will keep you hooked until the shocking finale you’ll never see coming.
Set in the Reacher universe by permission of Lee Child.
HE FOLLOWED THE MONEY. IT LED TO MURDER.
It is 1989. Joe Reacher is asked to investigate the brutal murder of a Treasury Agent. What begins as a routine investigation soon unravels into something far more dangerous—because the trail of secrets leads straight into Joe’s own past.
As Reacher digs deeper, he discovers a web of deception, betrayal and murder.
Packed with action, suspense, and relentless twists, The Needle will keep you hooked until the shocking finale you’ll never see coming.
Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2025
About the author
Dan Ames
277 books501 followersDan Ames is an international bestselling author and winner of the Independent Book Award for Crime Fiction. He is the author of The JACK REACHER Cases. You can learn more about him at authordanames.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 15, 2025
For all Reacher fans, check this out! Dan Ames one of my long time favorite authors has come up with a brand new series in the Reacherverse. The Needle is the first book about Joe Reacher Jacks brother. It is as always with Ames work well written and he captures the Reacher essence. I had a really good time reading this book and to my surprise it was longer than usual from this author. It means more Reacher for the public. I loved the story and was surprised by a few twists along the way. This will be highly recommended reading. Thanks Dan for the advance copy.
June 15, 2026
Overall I enjoyed this first Joe Reacher novel. I never imagined Joe going on a rescue mission to North Korea with an enigmatic man of action who in many ways reminded me of Jack Reacher & who always stayed a couple steps ahead of his enemies and even Joe, too.
Joe’s character did not seem to match Jack’s description of Joe as a “stone cold killer”. I also think Joe was portrayed as.having confidence issues when his services were loaned out to the US Treasury department. Joe wonders why they didn’t get
His brother Jack ? For heaven’s sake, being the smart man that he should be, Joe should have the confidence that he was highly qualified with transferable skills from his experience in military intelligence.
I think there was a missed opportunity for director Jenkins & Joe’s military intelligence superior to extol Joe’s skill set that made him an ideal candidate. I wondered why Jenkins did not consider any of his. In-house Treasury agents for the job.
I liked the inclusion of the Eurasian junior agent, Ivy Harper. I enjoyed her eagerness and resourcefulness.
I wondered how Joe determined that Ivy was part Japanese opposed to any other Asiatic ethnicity by just looking at her. Ivy brought some humorous elements to the story which was fun, but at the same time it made me feel slightly concerned about stereotyping Asians as being bad drivers and poor shooting skills due to poor vision or coordination. Law enforcers generally have to periodically qualify their skills to carry arms. Since Ivy was authorized to carry a gun, her skill should have been somewhat better than as portrayed. Joe even wondered if Ivy could drive? Sorry, but that is a demeaning assumption on Joe’s part.
I think the author did a good job of describing the time period of the story including available technology. I enjoyed the adventure especially the mystery of the identity of the Man known as “Wells” and what he was up to? What was his game plan? The author did an excellent job of keeping me intrigued throughout the story. Looking forward to reading the next Joe Reacher adventure.
Joe’s character did not seem to match Jack’s description of Joe as a “stone cold killer”. I also think Joe was portrayed as.having confidence issues when his services were loaned out to the US Treasury department. Joe wonders why they didn’t get
His brother Jack ? For heaven’s sake, being the smart man that he should be, Joe should have the confidence that he was highly qualified with transferable skills from his experience in military intelligence.
I think there was a missed opportunity for director Jenkins & Joe’s military intelligence superior to extol Joe’s skill set that made him an ideal candidate. I wondered why Jenkins did not consider any of his. In-house Treasury agents for the job.
I liked the inclusion of the Eurasian junior agent, Ivy Harper. I enjoyed her eagerness and resourcefulness.
I wondered how Joe determined that Ivy was part Japanese opposed to any other Asiatic ethnicity by just looking at her. Ivy brought some humorous elements to the story which was fun, but at the same time it made me feel slightly concerned about stereotyping Asians as being bad drivers and poor shooting skills due to poor vision or coordination. Law enforcers generally have to periodically qualify their skills to carry arms. Since Ivy was authorized to carry a gun, her skill should have been somewhat better than as portrayed. Joe even wondered if Ivy could drive? Sorry, but that is a demeaning assumption on Joe’s part.
I think the author did a good job of describing the time period of the story including available technology. I enjoyed the adventure especially the mystery of the identity of the Man known as “Wells” and what he was up to? What was his game plan? The author did an excellent job of keeping me intrigued throughout the story. Looking forward to reading the next Joe Reacher adventure.
March 31, 2025
Joe Reacher is a military intelligence agent. A very good one too. But asked to investigate the death of a a treasury agent? That somehow does not really make all that much sense? But he'll do his best.
And does.
Except clues are almost non existent and Joe really has to think creatively in order to try clues so deeply hidden that even I marveled at what his creative thinking accomplished.
Another character, that of Newby Treasury agent Ivy also impressed and drafted to assist Joe, she also display some rare developing talents that fits in brilliantly with how Joe does the investigation.
Oh boy! And did that develop in a dangerous pursuit for clues and the teal culprits.
Small wonder I read this thriller in one sitting as I got thorougly caught up in this intriguing plot by author Dan Ames of The Needle.
Enjoy!
And does.
Except clues are almost non existent and Joe really has to think creatively in order to try clues so deeply hidden that even I marveled at what his creative thinking accomplished.
Another character, that of Newby Treasury agent Ivy also impressed and drafted to assist Joe, she also display some rare developing talents that fits in brilliantly with how Joe does the investigation.
Oh boy! And did that develop in a dangerous pursuit for clues and the teal culprits.
Small wonder I read this thriller in one sitting as I got thorougly caught up in this intriguing plot by author Dan Ames of The Needle.
Enjoy!
July 2, 2025
Amateur and dreadful
Cliché to the extreme. Over describing every detail to the point of boredom, it seems this author's best friend is a thesaurus. Gratuitous sex scenes were revolting and inappropriate. I'm sorry Childs gave permission for his characters to be used so poorly.
Cliché to the extreme. Over describing every detail to the point of boredom, it seems this author's best friend is a thesaurus. Gratuitous sex scenes were revolting and inappropriate. I'm sorry Childs gave permission for his characters to be used so poorly.
March 12, 2025
Wow! Unbelievable story. In this new series we get to go back in time with Joe Reacher, Jack Reacher’s brother, whose back story is relatively unknown to Reacher fans. It’s 1991 and computers and all the technical wizardry associated with them are just coming into use. Already known for his investigative skills, Joe is transferred to investigate the murder of a Treasury Agent with whom he had history in the CIA in 1989. From the first page the reader is thrown into a frantic chase for clues and suspects, all the while dodging the feeling that his life may be forfeited in his pursuit for justice. Like all other stories by this author, the story continually twists; you never know where you are going around the next turn. Really hard to put down once you start. After the zinger at the end, I am looking forward to where we go next.
March 31, 2025
Fantastic start to this new series featuring Joe Reacher, Jack's little brother. This story takes us back in time before everyone had access to the internet and it was necessary to go to the library to look up information. We get to see how Joe's investigative skills work and how he processes data to determine the next steps in his investigation into the death of a Treasury agent. When he's assigned a newer agent to assist him, he a little reluctant at first but she turns out to be a valuable resource.
This is a very well-written story that will keep you guessing as to what will happen next and how all the various threads will tie together. There is plenty of action, betrayal, secrets, and twists.
This is a very well-written story that will keep you guessing as to what will happen next and how all the various threads will tie together. There is plenty of action, betrayal, secrets, and twists.
March 23, 2025
Wow oh wow! This is a new series by this author and it is well written and very powerful. Anyone that knows the Jack Reacher series has read about brother Joe Reacher. This new series features Joe. Very little is known about Joe until now. This story is good. It starts off fast and just keeps going. As with anything this author writes I am so sorry when it comes to the end. This book happens to be a full length book so anyone reading this is in for a treat. Joe is different in many ways from his brother but just as dynamic. If you love the Jack books you will love the Joe books too.
I am part of the advance team for this author and I am so lucky. Thanks for a great read!
I am part of the advance team for this author and I am so lucky. Thanks for a great read!
June 28, 2025
HA ! Jack Reacher's brother Joe Reacher investigates forgery
In the time frame of late 1980s, early 1990s, Russia changed leaders. Technology and intelligence changed. Joe Reacher had to visit real libraries and museums to find historic data. Telephone booths still existed and worked. In the meantime, KGB, CIA, FBI , agents of North Korea , and independently financed forces sought the person and plates to make fake one-hundred dollar bills. What a great way to get rich and undermine nations. Hmmmm!
In the time frame of late 1980s, early 1990s, Russia changed leaders. Technology and intelligence changed. Joe Reacher had to visit real libraries and museums to find historic data. Telephone booths still existed and worked. In the meantime, KGB, CIA, FBI , agents of North Korea , and independently financed forces sought the person and plates to make fake one-hundred dollar bills. What a great way to get rich and undermine nations. Hmmmm!
May 17, 2025
( Format : ebook )
"There was something about money..."
Jack Teacher had a brother, Joe. This series is about him and this is book one.
As always, Dan Ames' writing is sharp, fast moving, and addictive as Joe is called in to investigate the death of a treasury agent. Longer than his usual novellas, fans of both the original Jack Reacher stories and the shorter thriller books by Ames are sure to enjoy this one.
Thanks, Dan, for the ARC.
"There was something about money..."
Jack Teacher had a brother, Joe. This series is about him and this is book one.
As always, Dan Ames' writing is sharp, fast moving, and addictive as Joe is called in to investigate the death of a treasury agent. Longer than his usual novellas, fans of both the original Jack Reacher stories and the shorter thriller books by Ames are sure to enjoy this one.
Thanks, Dan, for the ARC.
September 3, 2025
Mr. Ames has found a great subject to write about
Joe Reacher is a great character to build a series around! He is a different person than his brother and that makes him a good series character! This story is a well written and details a course of action for Joe! All the various characters are there for a reason and Mr. Ames brings them to a believable conclusion! Thanks writing this and I cannot wait to read the other adventures in this series!
Joe Reacher is a great character to build a series around! He is a different person than his brother and that makes him a good series character! This story is a well written and details a course of action for Joe! All the various characters are there for a reason and Mr. Ames brings them to a believable conclusion! Thanks writing this and I cannot wait to read the other adventures in this series!
June 9, 2026
I gave this story a three star rating because Mr. Ames forgot about one of the antagonists.
But if I mention any more I'll wreck the story for any reader who reads this review.
The other complaint I'd like to offer up is that while Joe Reacher is the older brother of Jack Reacher - Joe Reacher tends to get his clock cleaned a whole lot more than Jack Reacher gets. Jack Reacher pummels his antagonists while Joe gets pummelled by his antagonists.
So Mr Ames needs to work on that.
And the best way to work on that is to get an EDITOR and PROOF READER.
But if I mention any more I'll wreck the story for any reader who reads this review.
The other complaint I'd like to offer up is that while Joe Reacher is the older brother of Jack Reacher - Joe Reacher tends to get his clock cleaned a whole lot more than Jack Reacher gets. Jack Reacher pummels his antagonists while Joe gets pummelled by his antagonists.
So Mr Ames needs to work on that.
And the best way to work on that is to get an EDITOR and PROOF READER.
March 19, 2025
An investigative thriller with a well written storyline and an outstanding cast of realistic characters. A real page turner with plenty of action, lots of suspense, and several twists. Highly recommended and enjoyable read with an excellent finish. Bring on more adventures with Joe Reacher as an investigator.
March 31, 2025
The Needle - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Joe Reacher's on loan to the Treasury, hunting the twisted killer of one agent and trying find another who's missing.
What follows is a battle between spies on both sides of the Iron Curtain, as the eponymous Needle is under threat.
Who will make it out alive?
Read Dan Ames' excellent thriller The Needle to get the answers!
Joe Reacher's on loan to the Treasury, hunting the twisted killer of one agent and trying find another who's missing.
What follows is a battle between spies on both sides of the Iron Curtain, as the eponymous Needle is under threat.
Who will make it out alive?
Read Dan Ames' excellent thriller The Needle to get the answers!
April 1, 2025
I found this latest book by the author mesmerizing trying to catch each word's meaning. I read it one day, the plot flows and the characters are great. I recommend this latest book by the author, as well as all he has written.
November 12, 2025
He's Reacher, no doubt about it.
An amusing tale of how Joe ended up running the Treasury counterfeit department. Full of interesting characters and plot twists.
I definitely need to read about one of my favorite characters.
An amusing tale of how Joe ended up running the Treasury counterfeit department. Full of interesting characters and plot twists.
I definitely need to read about one of my favorite characters.
November 25, 2025
Good knowing he's out there
This was more a mystery than a thriller but it was really good - I did get entangled in the tall weeds a little bit but still I like the characters especially Ivy.
This was more a mystery than a thriller but it was really good - I did get entangled in the tall weeds a little bit but still I like the characters especially Ivy.
May 30, 2026
A true thriller!
Chose this with skepticism, thinking it was probably another want-a-be book that hoped to be like Jack Reacher. Let me say that it stands alone as an excellent read! Seriously, pick a time that you don't need to be up early and jump in, you'll be up all night.
Chose this with skepticism, thinking it was probably another want-a-be book that hoped to be like Jack Reacher. Let me say that it stands alone as an excellent read! Seriously, pick a time that you don't need to be up early and jump in, you'll be up all night.
June 9, 2026
reaching
Interesting premise and a logical back story to the first Reacher story. But slow, plodding, overly detailed for no good reasons (e.g. a paragraph on salad nicoise?) and lacking in the engaging style of Lee Child’s best Reacher stories.
Interesting premise and a logical back story to the first Reacher story. But slow, plodding, overly detailed for no good reasons (e.g. a paragraph on salad nicoise?) and lacking in the engaging style of Lee Child’s best Reacher stories.
July 31, 2026
hoorah!
Joe isn’t his brother, he’s his own man. Competent, laid back until the action begins, and prepared for contingencies. Very entertaining, well written, kudos to the author and proofreader
Joe isn’t his brother, he’s his own man. Competent, laid back until the action begins, and prepared for contingencies. Very entertaining, well written, kudos to the author and proofreader
April 11, 2025
Absolutely amazing once again. Any book Dan Ames writes is it to be missed. Joe Reacher is a superb character to keep you intrigued. Full of danger and suspense. Don’t miss out.
April 28, 2025
Joe
Good old reacher, and now his brother who seems quite similar . Joe seems to find himself in the same situation with plenty of bad characters and a great ending.
Good old reacher, and now his brother who seems quite similar . Joe seems to find himself in the same situation with plenty of bad characters and a great ending.
May 24, 2025
A fast paced thriller
Good read. Moves fast. Only negative is that the ending seemed contrived. Breaking a prisoner out of North Korea, no fighter pursuit?
Good read. Moves fast. Only negative is that the ending seemed contrived. Breaking a prisoner out of North Korea, no fighter pursuit?
June 12, 2025
good reads
Never put it down after I started reading.
Any Reacher story is worth the time to enjoy it.
Thanks Lee
Never put it down after I started reading.
Any Reacher story is worth the time to enjoy it.
Thanks Lee
June 17, 2025
It's a fast read and entertaining.
July 13, 2025
Joe is just as good as Jack Reacher
Fun, engaging, suspenseful, and twisted. Ames’s style merges with Child’s nicely in this story, but with his own flavor of story telling.
Fun, engaging, suspenseful, and twisted. Ames’s style merges with Child’s nicely in this story, but with his own flavor of story telling.
August 7, 2025
good read
Good read-fast paced action that kept you guessing. Didn’t rely on jack reacher to keep the story going. Looking forward to book 2.
Good read-fast paced action that kept you guessing. Didn’t rely on jack reacher to keep the story going. Looking forward to book 2.
November 10, 2025
This book was five stars until "the plot thickened" and it went off the rails of believability. Very disappointed by that.
February 15, 2026
Joe Reacher
I liked this because it wasn't trying to copy the Jack Reacher storyline. Reacher fans are well aware of Joe and this one is sort of setting the stage for his saga.
I liked this because it wasn't trying to copy the Jack Reacher storyline. Reacher fans are well aware of Joe and this one is sort of setting the stage for his saga.
February 28, 2026
Not Jack but Joe held my attention. Joe is a more cerebral than Jack and a lot less hands on.
March 22, 2026
mostly lifeless
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews