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Jack Reacher #30
Exit Strategy
Win a free print copy of this book!
11 days and 16:43:45
20 copies available
U.S. only
Jack Reacher will make three stops today. Not all of them were planned for.
First – a Baltimore coffee shop. A seat in the corner, facing the door. Black coffee, two refills, no messing about. A minor interruption from two of the customers, but nothing he can’t deal with swiftly. As he leaves, a young guy brushes against him in the doorway. Instinctively Reacher checks the pocket holding his cash and passport. There's no problem. Nothing is missing.
Second – a store to buy a coat. Nothing fancy. Something he can ditch when he heads to warmer climes. Large enough to fit a man the size of a bank vault. As he pulls out his cash, he finds something new in his pocket. A handwritten note. A desperate plea for help.
Third – wherever this bend in the road takes him. Impressed by the guy's technique and intrigued by the message, Reacher makes it his mission to find out more . . .
First – a Baltimore coffee shop. A seat in the corner, facing the door. Black coffee, two refills, no messing about. A minor interruption from two of the customers, but nothing he can’t deal with swiftly. As he leaves, a young guy brushes against him in the doorway. Instinctively Reacher checks the pocket holding his cash and passport. There's no problem. Nothing is missing.
Second – a store to buy a coat. Nothing fancy. Something he can ditch when he heads to warmer climes. Large enough to fit a man the size of a bank vault. As he pulls out his cash, he finds something new in his pocket. A handwritten note. A desperate plea for help.
Third – wherever this bend in the road takes him. Impressed by the guy's technique and intrigued by the message, Reacher makes it his mission to find out more . . .
339 pages, Paperback
Published November 5, 2025
3994 people are currently reading
15044 people want to read
About the author
Lee Child
442 books34k 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 116 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 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 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.
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 4, 2025
It's OK if you're a fan, but it's all rather thin.
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.
November 12, 2025
The plot trips over its own feet at times, but there’s plenty of action to keep you entertained.
on_shelf_tbr
August 22, 2025The next latest instalment, the 30th novel! Fan boy excitement, I will get my copy at a Lee Child speaking event in Chester (Nov'25)
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 17, 2025
A quick read due to the large font and huge margins. A bit of a thin story.
November 11, 2025
That was utter garbage! It didn't even deserve 1 star.
November 16, 2025
Not the same Reacher *spoilers*
I’ve read every Reacher book since I binged the first five while sick and could only lay down and read for several days. If this had been the first book I read, I would have moved on and not read a second. Maybe I am mis-remembering but it feels wrong the amount of kills Reacher racked up that seemed purposefully. Severely injure? Yes. Purposefully kill when no longer threatened? I don’t remember him as that much of an anti-hero until the new writer took over. I liked Lee’s writing style. I liked how succinct Lee’s style was. Always straight the point. This version I was skipping over paragraphs of over explaining. Reacher has always been a man of few words too but this version seems to discuss in much more detail. It’s been over 10 years since I read the early books, I may go back and reread just to get a feel for the original character again. Overall wouldn’t recommend the book or story whether it was Reacher or another character. I didn’t feel for any of the characters in the story and none seemed worth helping. I wouldn’t root for this Reacher. I thought Reacher got pulled into these things because he fought for the underdog getting bullied or witnessed something so wrong he couldn’t let it stand. I didn’t feel the beginning of this would have drawn Reacher in. And subplot with the cabs? Why was that included? Overall just not good storytelling IMO
I’ve read every Reacher book since I binged the first five while sick and could only lay down and read for several days. If this had been the first book I read, I would have moved on and not read a second. Maybe I am mis-remembering but it feels wrong the amount of kills Reacher racked up that seemed purposefully. Severely injure? Yes. Purposefully kill when no longer threatened? I don’t remember him as that much of an anti-hero until the new writer took over. I liked Lee’s writing style. I liked how succinct Lee’s style was. Always straight the point. This version I was skipping over paragraphs of over explaining. Reacher has always been a man of few words too but this version seems to discuss in much more detail. It’s been over 10 years since I read the early books, I may go back and reread just to get a feel for the original character again. Overall wouldn’t recommend the book or story whether it was Reacher or another character. I didn’t feel for any of the characters in the story and none seemed worth helping. I wouldn’t root for this Reacher. I thought Reacher got pulled into these things because he fought for the underdog getting bullied or witnessed something so wrong he couldn’t let it stand. I didn’t feel the beginning of this would have drawn Reacher in. And subplot with the cabs? Why was that included? Overall just not good storytelling IMO
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 ...
November 13, 2025
More Andrew than Lee
Didn't read like a Reacher novel, he was almost a bit part player. Weak and dissatisfying might be the last I buy.
Didn't read like a Reacher novel, he was almost a bit part player. Weak and dissatisfying might be the last I buy.
November 6, 2025
4⭐ – Reacher’s Still Got It!
The last few Andrew/Lee Child books have been a bit hit or miss for me, but never bad. Exit Strategy really pulled me back in—it’s sharp, fast-paced, and has Reacher feeling like his classic self again. The story’s tight, the action hits just right, and I tore through it in no time.
A fun, focused read that reminds me why I keep coming back to this series.
Reacher’s still got it—and I’m here for it!
The last few Andrew/Lee Child books have been a bit hit or miss for me, but never bad. Exit Strategy really pulled me back in—it’s sharp, fast-paced, and has Reacher feeling like his classic self again. The story’s tight, the action hits just right, and I tore through it in no time.
A fun, focused read that reminds me why I keep coming back to this series.
Reacher’s still got it—and I’m here for it!
November 15, 2025
Lee Child begins the latest Jack Reacher thriller EXIT STRATEGY, co-written with his brother Andrew, by thanking everyone who stood by Reacher through his first thirty adventures. If you are a fan of high-octane adventure and non-stop action you are in the right place. If this is your first time with a Reacher novel in your hands, and there is no problem with that as they are all individual stories, then you will be hugging yourself with glee before this one is over and quickly seeking out the entire back catalogue to see what you have missed.
Our giant nomad is starting his day in innocent fashion at a coffee shop in Baltimore. He will quickly get involved in not only a scam to rip off elderly people with a bogus investment scheme but also will be part of a case of mistaken identity where he is drawn into a situation with a person who is in desperate need of help from some really bad people. Sounds like a typical day for Jack Reacher and he is more than up for it!
The man that left the note for Reacher was Nathan Gilmour, recent hire at the Port Administration location in the Baltimore shipyards. The mistaken identity is that Gilmour was told he would be meeting the ‘largest man at the coffee shop’ and, at the moment he arrived, that person happened to be Reacher. Ironically, the actual person Gilmour was to meet had a heart attack and died on the walk to the place. Reacher follows through with the request for help and goes to the abandoned warehouse location at the date and time indicated on the note. He meets up with Gilmour, who is quite nervous, and convinces him that he was not the intended recipient of the note. When he learns that Gilmour was also retired from the Military Police, he decides to help him. It turns out Gilmour was being blackmailed by some people who paid off his enormous gambling debt in exchange for his being hired into his new job where he is able to share access to certain shipments of cargo arriving at the Port.
Of course, all of this occurs after Reacher inserted himself into the situation with the two elderly people that were being scammed. He not only got them their money back but also beat up the trio behind the scam. Later on, he would also take on a quartet of thugs wielding bike chains that represented the same thieves with the expected carnage left behind in Reacher’s wake. The big villain in this story and the one extorting Gilmour and others to guarantee the delivery of the incoming cargo was an ex-military type named Morgan Strickland who operated a private Military Contracting company that was really shady and about to bring about the deaths of many people in an alleged skirmish taking place in Armenia that was all a ruse. Once Reacher and Gilmour learn this, through a lot of crafty investigating and another line of bodies left behind, they will not stand for it and intend to keep this unnamed delivery from making its way into Strickland’s hands.
New allies are made along the way, and everything finishes in a grand battle at a secretive underground mine which was the clandestine operations center for Strickland’s organization. As is typical, Reacher seeks no credit and makes his way on to a bus heading to the first destination that comes up. I really enjoyed how Child and Child held the meaning behind the title EXIT STRATEGY for the last line of the novel, and it is quite poignant. Another Reacher adventure not to be missed!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
Our giant nomad is starting his day in innocent fashion at a coffee shop in Baltimore. He will quickly get involved in not only a scam to rip off elderly people with a bogus investment scheme but also will be part of a case of mistaken identity where he is drawn into a situation with a person who is in desperate need of help from some really bad people. Sounds like a typical day for Jack Reacher and he is more than up for it!
The man that left the note for Reacher was Nathan Gilmour, recent hire at the Port Administration location in the Baltimore shipyards. The mistaken identity is that Gilmour was told he would be meeting the ‘largest man at the coffee shop’ and, at the moment he arrived, that person happened to be Reacher. Ironically, the actual person Gilmour was to meet had a heart attack and died on the walk to the place. Reacher follows through with the request for help and goes to the abandoned warehouse location at the date and time indicated on the note. He meets up with Gilmour, who is quite nervous, and convinces him that he was not the intended recipient of the note. When he learns that Gilmour was also retired from the Military Police, he decides to help him. It turns out Gilmour was being blackmailed by some people who paid off his enormous gambling debt in exchange for his being hired into his new job where he is able to share access to certain shipments of cargo arriving at the Port.
Of course, all of this occurs after Reacher inserted himself into the situation with the two elderly people that were being scammed. He not only got them their money back but also beat up the trio behind the scam. Later on, he would also take on a quartet of thugs wielding bike chains that represented the same thieves with the expected carnage left behind in Reacher’s wake. The big villain in this story and the one extorting Gilmour and others to guarantee the delivery of the incoming cargo was an ex-military type named Morgan Strickland who operated a private Military Contracting company that was really shady and about to bring about the deaths of many people in an alleged skirmish taking place in Armenia that was all a ruse. Once Reacher and Gilmour learn this, through a lot of crafty investigating and another line of bodies left behind, they will not stand for it and intend to keep this unnamed delivery from making its way into Strickland’s hands.
New allies are made along the way, and everything finishes in a grand battle at a secretive underground mine which was the clandestine operations center for Strickland’s organization. As is typical, Reacher seeks no credit and makes his way on to a bus heading to the first destination that comes up. I really enjoyed how Child and Child held the meaning behind the title EXIT STRATEGY for the last line of the novel, and it is quite poignant. Another Reacher adventure not to be missed!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
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 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 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.
November 18, 2025
I’ve read every reacher book and the last two have been disappointing. the voice of lee child has been lost and diluted in relation to those he wrote himself. yes it’s a rip roaring yarn but feels like someone has written a lee child book about reacher but is not lee child. sorry.
November 17, 2025
love me some reacher
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 15, 2025
It was TERRIBLE. It read like those books that promote with “if you like Reacher, You’ll love this new guy even more”. You never do. It was confusing, boring and not engaging at all. Generally I rate past Reacher books 7/10 to 9/10. 1/10 is about right for this one.
November 16, 2025
Lee Child begins EXIT STRATEGY --- which he wrote with his brother, Andrew Child --- by thanking everyone who stood by Jack Reacher through these 30 books. If you’re a fan of high-octane adventure and non-stop action, you’re in the right place. If you’re a newcomer to this series, you’ll be hugging yourself with glee before it’s over and quickly seeking out the previous 29 installments.
Our giant nomad is starting his day in innocent fashion at a coffee shop in Baltimore. Not only will he get involved in a scam to rip off elderly people with a bogus investment scheme, he will be part of a case of mistaken identity where he is drawn into a situation with a person who is in desperate need of help from some really bad people. It sounds like a typical day for Reacher, and he is more than ready for whatever comes his way.
The man who leaves Reacher a note is Nathan Gilmour, a recent hire at the Port Administration location in the Baltimore shipyards. He was told to look for the largest man in the coffee shop. At the moment he arrived, that person happened to be Reacher. It turns out that the individual Gilmour was supposed to connect with had a heart attack and died on his way there.
Reacher follows through with the request for help and goes to the abandoned warehouse at the date and time indicated on the note. He meets up with Gilmour, who is quite nervous, and convinces him that he was not the intended recipient. When he learns that the man is also retired from the military police, he decides to help him. It turns out that Gilmour is being blackmailed by some people who paid off his enormous gambling debt in exchange for his being hired for this new job, where he is able to share access to certain cargo shipments arriving at the port.
Of course, all of this occurs after Reacher inserts himself into the situation involving two elderly people who were being scammed. Not only did he get them their money back, he beat up the trio behind the deception.
The big villain in this story, and the one extorting Gilmour and others to guarantee the delivery of the incoming cargo, is Morgan Strickland, who operates a private military contracting company that is quite shady and is prepared to bring about the deaths of many people in a skirmish taking place in Armenia, which is all a ruse. Once Reacher and Gilmour become privy to what's going on, through a lot of crafty investigating and another line of bodies left behind, they will not stand for it and intend to keep this unnamed delivery from making its way into Strickland’s hands.
New allies are made along the way, and everything finishes in a grand battle at a secretive underground mine, which is the clandestine operations center for Strickland’s organization. As is typical, Reacher seeks no credit and makes his way onto a bus heading to the first destination that comes up.
I really enjoyed how Lee and Andrew waited until the last line of the book to explain the meaning of the title. It is quite poignant. EXIT STRATEGY is another Reacher adventure not to be missed!
Reviewed by Ray Palen
Our giant nomad is starting his day in innocent fashion at a coffee shop in Baltimore. Not only will he get involved in a scam to rip off elderly people with a bogus investment scheme, he will be part of a case of mistaken identity where he is drawn into a situation with a person who is in desperate need of help from some really bad people. It sounds like a typical day for Reacher, and he is more than ready for whatever comes his way.
The man who leaves Reacher a note is Nathan Gilmour, a recent hire at the Port Administration location in the Baltimore shipyards. He was told to look for the largest man in the coffee shop. At the moment he arrived, that person happened to be Reacher. It turns out that the individual Gilmour was supposed to connect with had a heart attack and died on his way there.
Reacher follows through with the request for help and goes to the abandoned warehouse at the date and time indicated on the note. He meets up with Gilmour, who is quite nervous, and convinces him that he was not the intended recipient. When he learns that the man is also retired from the military police, he decides to help him. It turns out that Gilmour is being blackmailed by some people who paid off his enormous gambling debt in exchange for his being hired for this new job, where he is able to share access to certain cargo shipments arriving at the port.
Of course, all of this occurs after Reacher inserts himself into the situation involving two elderly people who were being scammed. Not only did he get them their money back, he beat up the trio behind the deception.
The big villain in this story, and the one extorting Gilmour and others to guarantee the delivery of the incoming cargo, is Morgan Strickland, who operates a private military contracting company that is quite shady and is prepared to bring about the deaths of many people in a skirmish taking place in Armenia, which is all a ruse. Once Reacher and Gilmour become privy to what's going on, through a lot of crafty investigating and another line of bodies left behind, they will not stand for it and intend to keep this unnamed delivery from making its way into Strickland’s hands.
New allies are made along the way, and everything finishes in a grand battle at a secretive underground mine, which is the clandestine operations center for Strickland’s organization. As is typical, Reacher seeks no credit and makes his way onto a bus heading to the first destination that comes up.
I really enjoyed how Lee and Andrew waited until the last line of the book to explain the meaning of the title. It is quite poignant. EXIT STRATEGY is another Reacher adventure not to be missed!
Reviewed by Ray Palen
November 17, 2025
The first Reacher novel was published in 1997, or 28 years ago. Recently, Lee Child has turned over the Reacher character to his brother, Andrew. Now, I just looked on Goodreads and Andrew Child has no publishing history prior to being gifted Reacher from his brother. Lee Child is about 71. Andrew Child is about 57. Now wouldn't you think that if Andrew Child were a talented author, he would have published SOMETHING before being handed Reacher? This stinks so clearly of Lee Child saying "Hey younger brother, I'll give the franchise to you, because obviously I don't care if you can write or not, which means I also really don't care about my readers, since it really is all about the money, money, money!"
Based on the two stars and the opening paragraph, my opinion on this book is pretty obvious. But I'll add some more details. Details - always welcome in a book. In Exit Strategy, Andrew Child seems to think details mean describing the architecture and interior design of every building the characters enter. Yes, the inanimate objects in this book have more depth than the characters. Also, if I recall correctly, Lee Child's novels had fairly straight-forward plots that were told primarily from Reacher's viewpoint. Andrew seems to think the more the merrier. Russian gangsters operating a fleet of taxi cabs? Check. Grifters running such obvious scams that my parents (who are dead, by the way) would see through them? Check. Same grifters who have such big egos that they will upend their entire criminal enterprise to chase one guy (Reacher) who kept them from a $10k score? Check. Plots that are hinted at in the first 2/3 of the book, which then become the main plot when the plots from the first 2/3 come to a crashing end? Check.
The only positive thing I can say is that at least I get my books from the library, so I'm not directly contributing to the blatant cash grab. And it's probably safe to say I won't be indirectly contributing in the future, because there are SO MANY better books to read. #30 seems like a good place to quit reading Andrew's version of Reacher.
Based on the two stars and the opening paragraph, my opinion on this book is pretty obvious. But I'll add some more details. Details - always welcome in a book. In Exit Strategy, Andrew Child seems to think details mean describing the architecture and interior design of every building the characters enter. Yes, the inanimate objects in this book have more depth than the characters. Also, if I recall correctly, Lee Child's novels had fairly straight-forward plots that were told primarily from Reacher's viewpoint. Andrew seems to think the more the merrier. Russian gangsters operating a fleet of taxi cabs? Check. Grifters running such obvious scams that my parents (who are dead, by the way) would see through them? Check. Same grifters who have such big egos that they will upend their entire criminal enterprise to chase one guy (Reacher) who kept them from a $10k score? Check. Plots that are hinted at in the first 2/3 of the book, which then become the main plot when the plots from the first 2/3 come to a crashing end? Check.
The only positive thing I can say is that at least I get my books from the library, so I'm not directly contributing to the blatant cash grab. And it's probably safe to say I won't be indirectly contributing in the future, because there are SO MANY better books to read. #30 seems like a good place to quit reading Andrew's version of Reacher.
November 10, 2025
Exit Strategy is the thirtieth thriller in the Jack Reacher novels and once again this addictive series continues. Some of us, just cannot get enough of Reacher, the all-American hero created and written by a bloke from Coventry.
Reacher is in Baltimore for a concert and needs a new coat, but first he needs coffee, where he sits in the corner watching the door and what else is going on within the coffee shop. He notices that two people are being ripped off by a con artist. A minor distraction which he deals with before moving on.
As he leaves the coffee shop someone brushes past him in the doorway and he feels as if he has just been pickpocketed, but everything is there. When he is about to dump his old coat, he finds a handwritten note in his pocket asking for help. He decides to that out of interest he will go and see who wants the help, but not before checking everything out. But he will still go to the concert he came to town for.
What he hears does not impress him and as he leaves there are some gentlemen outside who wish to discuss his intervention from earlier in the day. Reacher does give them the opportunity to walk away. In the end he goes with the person who wants help and whole new world of pain opens up, but not for Reacher.
When Reacher finds out what is happening and how some mad privateer is trying to make a war and money from it, they have crossed the line. Reacher is the avenging angel before he is on his merry way once again.
Reacher is the hero we all want on our side. He bangs heads, kicks butt and takes no prisoners, he does what every reader would love to do, taking names and kicking ass. Reacher reaches more readers than any Booker Prize winner will ever do.
Reacher is in Baltimore for a concert and needs a new coat, but first he needs coffee, where he sits in the corner watching the door and what else is going on within the coffee shop. He notices that two people are being ripped off by a con artist. A minor distraction which he deals with before moving on.
As he leaves the coffee shop someone brushes past him in the doorway and he feels as if he has just been pickpocketed, but everything is there. When he is about to dump his old coat, he finds a handwritten note in his pocket asking for help. He decides to that out of interest he will go and see who wants the help, but not before checking everything out. But he will still go to the concert he came to town for.
What he hears does not impress him and as he leaves there are some gentlemen outside who wish to discuss his intervention from earlier in the day. Reacher does give them the opportunity to walk away. In the end he goes with the person who wants help and whole new world of pain opens up, but not for Reacher.
When Reacher finds out what is happening and how some mad privateer is trying to make a war and money from it, they have crossed the line. Reacher is the avenging angel before he is on his merry way once again.
Reacher is the hero we all want on our side. He bangs heads, kicks butt and takes no prisoners, he does what every reader would love to do, taking names and kicking ass. Reacher reaches more readers than any Booker Prize winner will ever do.
November 14, 2025
“Exit Strategy” by Lee Child (2025) First Edition
Overall Rating 7/10 – Not Quite Strategically Perfect
Plot
Reacher is mistaken for a “contact” in a diner and is surreptitiously handed a note. When he decides to return the note, he finds himself in a world of treachery involving a pseudo army, the Pentagon, a Shipping company and a whole bunch of people seemingly double-crossing each other.
Writing Style
Very punchy prose. Easy to read, fast punctuation, to the point and not embellished. Uniquely Lee Child and Jack Reacher.
Point of View/Voice
Written in the 3rd Person / Past Tense (Standard Convention)
Critique
Not quite up to standard and some notable changes.
The first thing I noticed was that there was a distinct lurch towards involving more females into the plot. I am a great fan of including female characters but I am utterly against the inclusion of any demographic for the sake of political correctness. I am not sure what exactly is going on in this novel, but it raps of political correctness, and that is disappointing.
The plot itself just wouldn’t gel properly in my head as I read through the book. I don’t really know why but it didn’t seem to just flow right for me. Certainly, there were logic flaws here and there, and it seemed like the thought process the author had gone through wasn’t quite deep enough.
On a positive note, there was a line that was distinctly “Bosch” and I saw this as being a “nod” to Michael Connelly (nice thought if it was). There was a similar thing in his predecessor book, where he appeared to be giving a “nod” to David Baldacci.
I could also easily see this becoming a Reacher Film or Series.
Still, Reacher was Reacher and the flavour is still strong.
Overall Rating 7/10 – Not Quite Strategically Perfect
Plot
Reacher is mistaken for a “contact” in a diner and is surreptitiously handed a note. When he decides to return the note, he finds himself in a world of treachery involving a pseudo army, the Pentagon, a Shipping company and a whole bunch of people seemingly double-crossing each other.
Writing Style
Very punchy prose. Easy to read, fast punctuation, to the point and not embellished. Uniquely Lee Child and Jack Reacher.
Point of View/Voice
Written in the 3rd Person / Past Tense (Standard Convention)
Critique
Not quite up to standard and some notable changes.
The first thing I noticed was that there was a distinct lurch towards involving more females into the plot. I am a great fan of including female characters but I am utterly against the inclusion of any demographic for the sake of political correctness. I am not sure what exactly is going on in this novel, but it raps of political correctness, and that is disappointing.
The plot itself just wouldn’t gel properly in my head as I read through the book. I don’t really know why but it didn’t seem to just flow right for me. Certainly, there were logic flaws here and there, and it seemed like the thought process the author had gone through wasn’t quite deep enough.
On a positive note, there was a line that was distinctly “Bosch” and I saw this as being a “nod” to Michael Connelly (nice thought if it was). There was a similar thing in his predecessor book, where he appeared to be giving a “nod” to David Baldacci.
I could also easily see this becoming a Reacher Film or Series.
Still, Reacher was Reacher and the flavour is still strong.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2025
I liked it okay, but it wasn't as good as past books. Where this one ends, is typcially where a new plot twist opens in the past books. You think you have it figured out and it's wrapping up, only for the real bad thing to be revealed. Not in this one.
Also, I don't feel like Reacher, felt like Reacher. It's been a while since I read all the past books, but to my memory, he never gets super emotional. He might have a cold anger, a conviction to see somethign done, a dislike or a situation or behavior, but he's usually calm and collected. Coldly analyzing the situation. With a couple of notable exceptions. In this book, he "flares with rage" a couple of times, but it doesn't really mean anything. By the time the action starts, he's back to cold an calculating.
There were also multiple times that characters made firm decisions, like "I'm out of here. Not staying for this. Nothing can stop me from leaving." Reacher: I'm staying. Other characters, well then I'm staying too. I wouldn't leave. Because of my convictions. It's weird.
Generally, I thought it took a dive in quality when Andrew started writing. I didn't think it was because he was a bad writer, but because he was finding his legs. People were used to Lee's writing and were probably hyper critical because they were upset about the change. I thought he was finding his legs and the books were getting better with each one he wrote. This one was pretty "meh" for me. Just average. Not bad, but far from the usual quality.
Also, I don't feel like Reacher, felt like Reacher. It's been a while since I read all the past books, but to my memory, he never gets super emotional. He might have a cold anger, a conviction to see somethign done, a dislike or a situation or behavior, but he's usually calm and collected. Coldly analyzing the situation. With a couple of notable exceptions. In this book, he "flares with rage" a couple of times, but it doesn't really mean anything. By the time the action starts, he's back to cold an calculating.
There were also multiple times that characters made firm decisions, like "I'm out of here. Not staying for this. Nothing can stop me from leaving." Reacher: I'm staying. Other characters, well then I'm staying too. I wouldn't leave. Because of my convictions. It's weird.
Generally, I thought it took a dive in quality when Andrew started writing. I didn't think it was because he was a bad writer, but because he was finding his legs. People were used to Lee's writing and were probably hyper critical because they were upset about the change. I thought he was finding his legs and the books were getting better with each one he wrote. This one was pretty "meh" for me. Just average. Not bad, but far from the usual quality.
November 18, 2025
I may have said this the last time I read a Reacher novel, but generally you know what you're getting when a new one from Lee Child and his brother hits the shelves.
30 books in now, so there's a lot that's happened already to our wandering ex-military policeman, but he always finds something new to get involved in!
As a fan, I always put these new releases high up on my reading list, and while it's never groundbreaking any more, the books are solid reads. However since Andrew joined Lee as co-author, there's been something a little off, maybe missing from a couple of the books, not all but some. This one though, I thought was right back up there. Not necessarily with the best solo Lee efforts, but for me the best with both Lee & Andrew at the helm.
I got through this pretty quickly, kept wanting to read and find out what happened next as Reacher and the other characters try to get to the bottom of the issues. Reacher is his usual self, hard hitting, thoughtful and righteous, always the guy you want on your side.
I did also enjoy the nods to the authors football fandom with Steve McClaren and David Moyes making an appearance as character names, certainly made me chuckle early on.
As I mentioned earlier, the best of the bunch from the Child brothers as a pairing, but I'm dreading the day Andrew takes over totally, as it could change the formula that fans know and love....
Full marks for me, I loved it 5/5
30 books in now, so there's a lot that's happened already to our wandering ex-military policeman, but he always finds something new to get involved in!
As a fan, I always put these new releases high up on my reading list, and while it's never groundbreaking any more, the books are solid reads. However since Andrew joined Lee as co-author, there's been something a little off, maybe missing from a couple of the books, not all but some. This one though, I thought was right back up there. Not necessarily with the best solo Lee efforts, but for me the best with both Lee & Andrew at the helm.
I got through this pretty quickly, kept wanting to read and find out what happened next as Reacher and the other characters try to get to the bottom of the issues. Reacher is his usual self, hard hitting, thoughtful and righteous, always the guy you want on your side.
I did also enjoy the nods to the authors football fandom with Steve McClaren and David Moyes making an appearance as character names, certainly made me chuckle early on.
As I mentioned earlier, the best of the bunch from the Child brothers as a pairing, but I'm dreading the day Andrew takes over totally, as it could change the formula that fans know and love....
Full marks for me, I loved it 5/5
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