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The Jack Reacher Experiment #1
Dead Ringer
A Jack Reacher duplicate?
In 2057, human cloning is still illegal. But that doesn't mean it isn't happening...
Former United States Navy Master at Arms Rock Wahlman is about to discover some things about himself that he never would have imagined. Some things that nobody would have imagined. Some disturbing things. Unsettling. Life-altering…
And life-threatening.
The use of story situations and supporting characters from the Jack Reacher universe authorized by Lee Child.
Note: While the name Jack Reacher and some of the supporting characters and story situations are used with author Lee Child’s permission, the Jack Reacher character remains offstage in The Jack Reacher Experiment thrillers.
In 2057, human cloning is still illegal. But that doesn't mean it isn't happening...
Former United States Navy Master at Arms Rock Wahlman is about to discover some things about himself that he never would have imagined. Some things that nobody would have imagined. Some disturbing things. Unsettling. Life-altering…
And life-threatening.
The use of story situations and supporting characters from the Jack Reacher universe authorized by Lee Child.
Note: While the name Jack Reacher and some of the supporting characters and story situations are used with author Lee Child’s permission, the Jack Reacher character remains offstage in The Jack Reacher Experiment thrillers.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2017
375 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 28, 2022
A short, fun read. The Jack Reacher saga continues. Through a clone of Reacher set in the future named Wahlman. After the US Army kills the other Reacher clone named Renfro in the opening scene, their mercenary hit squad comes after Wahlman to tie up the clandestine cloning project.
October 12, 2020
Jack Reacher clone, 100 years after he is dead and gone.
It's 2o98 and Rock Wahlman is a Jack Reacher clone, but he doesn't know it. It is bad for him. I won't spoil it.
The story was short and it was good. It takes place in New Orleans. It didn't feel special to me, just a Jack Reacher type of story, drifter, ex-military police, etc, etc.
I am already reading the second book. There are nine in the series and they are all short.
I guess I kept wondering what is different in 2098, it felt just like now, 2020ish. Almost 80 years in the future, that would be 1940 if we turned the clock back. Maybe the author will add some scientific advancements in later, but I don't see even a hint so far. Could be they missed an opportunity to really make the stories special.
I'll keep reading the series. I do recommend it so far.
Review by Mike Slavin author of award-winning Kill Crime (action-packed thriller on Amazon to buy or KU. As of this writing 93% 5 and 4-star reviews on Amazon with 320+ reviews)
It's 2o98 and Rock Wahlman is a Jack Reacher clone, but he doesn't know it. It is bad for him. I won't spoil it.
The story was short and it was good. It takes place in New Orleans. It didn't feel special to me, just a Jack Reacher type of story, drifter, ex-military police, etc, etc.
I am already reading the second book. There are nine in the series and they are all short.
I guess I kept wondering what is different in 2098, it felt just like now, 2020ish. Almost 80 years in the future, that would be 1940 if we turned the clock back. Maybe the author will add some scientific advancements in later, but I don't see even a hint so far. Could be they missed an opportunity to really make the stories special.
I'll keep reading the series. I do recommend it so far.
Review by Mike Slavin author of award-winning Kill Crime (action-packed thriller on Amazon to buy or KU. As of this writing 93% 5 and 4-star reviews on Amazon with 320+ reviews)
December 25, 2020
Dead Ringer. Jude Hardin
Rock Wahlman's entire life is a lie. No relatives have ever tried to make contact with him. No mother, no father, raised in an orphanage. He witnessed a traffic accident in the middle of nowhere. A trucker who lost control of his truck, crashed into the railings on a bridge and falls in the water. Rock dives down and manages to remove him from the cab, but it's too late. He drowned. Then Rock notices something strange. The guy looks just like him. His twin. Upon further investigation he didn't die from drowning. He was stabbed. From here this story unfolds. People are dying near him but we're they the actual targets? Or was he? A DNA test is done on
the dead trucker as well as Rock, but their appears to be a mistake. The DNA from the trucker matches his and a guy named Jack Reacher. This is an amazing read!! Action, intrigue, deceit. Powerful forces want Rock Wahlman dead.
Rock Wahlman's entire life is a lie. No relatives have ever tried to make contact with him. No mother, no father, raised in an orphanage. He witnessed a traffic accident in the middle of nowhere. A trucker who lost control of his truck, crashed into the railings on a bridge and falls in the water. Rock dives down and manages to remove him from the cab, but it's too late. He drowned. Then Rock notices something strange. The guy looks just like him. His twin. Upon further investigation he didn't die from drowning. He was stabbed. From here this story unfolds. People are dying near him but we're they the actual targets? Or was he? A DNA test is done on
the dead trucker as well as Rock, but their appears to be a mistake. The DNA from the trucker matches his and a guy named Jack Reacher. This is an amazing read!! Action, intrigue, deceit. Powerful forces want Rock Wahlman dead.
April 20, 2021
Jack Reacher is the protagonist of a phenomenally successful series by Lee Child. He’s likeable, interesting, and very different than everyone you know. So it’s not surprising that other authors would like to play in Lee Child’s sandbox. What is surprising is that this spinoff series has such a strong first book.
Rock Whalman is a clone of Jack Reacher, created in a black book army program that they now wish to pretend never happened. So they are killing off the clones, including Rock. This gives Rock the chance to do all the fascinating things Reacher does in his books as he tries to survive a group of assassins who are tracking him down.
It’s a concept that could have fallen on its face, but it doesn’t. The book is exciting from beginning to end. It’s almost like you’re reading an adventure about Jack Reacher.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
Rock Whalman is a clone of Jack Reacher, created in a black book army program that they now wish to pretend never happened. So they are killing off the clones, including Rock. This gives Rock the chance to do all the fascinating things Reacher does in his books as he tries to survive a group of assassins who are tracking him down.
It’s a concept that could have fallen on its face, but it doesn’t. The book is exciting from beginning to end. It’s almost like you’re reading an adventure about Jack Reacher.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
January 25, 2018
I have read Jack Reacher novels and throughly enjoyed them. This new writer , using the same methodology as the Reacher novels, is as entertaining as those original books.
Although, these new books are set in 100 years from the original Jack Reacher stories were set. I don't want to give away too much of the storyline, which this first book in this series does explain, as the story unravels.
If you are a Jack Reacher fan, I suggest you try this series. I believe you will be happy you have.
I have written this review after reading the first book of the 3 book boxed set.
Although, these new books are set in 100 years from the original Jack Reacher stories were set. I don't want to give away too much of the storyline, which this first book in this series does explain, as the story unravels.
If you are a Jack Reacher fan, I suggest you try this series. I believe you will be happy you have.
I have written this review after reading the first book of the 3 book boxed set.
December 17, 2020
Kind of odd that Jack R books has sprouted so many other authors to write books about sons/clones etc. However, with Lee's retirement, I'll try anything Reacher related!
July 11, 2024
It was okay, I am big fan of the Reacher series. This just seemed like a lower grade knock-off. I don't foresee reading anymore of the series.
January 4, 2024
First, I want to state I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the rest in the series and the other two Reacher Series Jude has penned. Second a few years ago I read my first Reacher novel. I had picked up one for my dad, and after giving the back a read, I grabbed the eBook for myself. In under a year I had read all the Reacher Novels in print and all the books in the Hunt for Jack Reacher by Diane Capri. Since then, I have read 38 books in the Reacher universe and am expanding out to the three series by Jude Hardin now.
The description of this book:
“Meet Jack Reacher's genetic duplicate. And the assassins determined to track him down...
Rock Wahlman: Forty-one years old, United States Navy Master at Arms, E-8, retired.
Grew up in an orphanage, recently discovered that he is the product of a human cloning experiment, an exact genetic duplicate of a former army officer named Jack Reacher.
Now someone wants all evidence of the experiment to be erased, which means that someone wants Wahlman to be erased.
He’s on the run, desperate to survive, desperate to learn the truth about why all this is happening…”
Even death can’t keep Reacher down, in a manner of speaking. Rock Wahlman is a clone of Reacher, but he is not the only one. On the night his life goes sideways, he tries and saves a man after his rig goes off the road and into water. The man he pulls from the water looks just like him. Having been raised in an orphanage this raises some questions. After an attempt on his life, he starts putting together the pieces. His life may have been different than Reacher’s but his determination when he is threatened is the same.
This is a well written story. That stays true to the original character and universe. A fun read in what looks like it will be an excellent series. Even if this volume had not been set in the Reacher Universe I would have loved it. The fact that it is only adds to the mystique that is Jack Reacher. It was great read an leaves you desperate for the next installment in this series. An excellent thriller, a volume I can easily recommend to fans of Reacher or anyone who love a god action thriller.
The description of this book:
“Meet Jack Reacher's genetic duplicate. And the assassins determined to track him down...
Rock Wahlman: Forty-one years old, United States Navy Master at Arms, E-8, retired.
Grew up in an orphanage, recently discovered that he is the product of a human cloning experiment, an exact genetic duplicate of a former army officer named Jack Reacher.
Now someone wants all evidence of the experiment to be erased, which means that someone wants Wahlman to be erased.
He’s on the run, desperate to survive, desperate to learn the truth about why all this is happening…”
Even death can’t keep Reacher down, in a manner of speaking. Rock Wahlman is a clone of Reacher, but he is not the only one. On the night his life goes sideways, he tries and saves a man after his rig goes off the road and into water. The man he pulls from the water looks just like him. Having been raised in an orphanage this raises some questions. After an attempt on his life, he starts putting together the pieces. His life may have been different than Reacher’s but his determination when he is threatened is the same.
This is a well written story. That stays true to the original character and universe. A fun read in what looks like it will be an excellent series. Even if this volume had not been set in the Reacher Universe I would have loved it. The fact that it is only adds to the mystique that is Jack Reacher. It was great read an leaves you desperate for the next installment in this series. An excellent thriller, a volume I can easily recommend to fans of Reacher or anyone who love a god action thriller.
March 7, 2019
Sort of a fan-fiction offshoot of the Jack Reacher novels, The Jack Reacher Experiment is a series following the future adventures (these books take place in 2057) of Rock Wahlman, who turns out to be a genetic clone of Jack Reacher, a fact that now has him being hunted by some very dangerous people.
This first book in the series hits the ground running in both the action and homage departments, as an incredible coincidence mirroring the first Jack Reacher novel's equally impossible plot device has the retired Navy Master of Arms nearly run over by a truck whose stabbed-to-death driver looks exactly like him. A lot happens in a short time after that, sort of a refreshing change of pace reminiscent of the days when men's adventure novels clocked in at under two hundred pages. I've only read a couple of Jack Reacher novels, so there might be more allusions and nods to other aspects of the series that I didn't recognize, but even without them this is a tight action novel that does a great job at setting up what promises to be an interesting - and fun - series.
This first book in the series hits the ground running in both the action and homage departments, as an incredible coincidence mirroring the first Jack Reacher novel's equally impossible plot device has the retired Navy Master of Arms nearly run over by a truck whose stabbed-to-death driver looks exactly like him. A lot happens in a short time after that, sort of a refreshing change of pace reminiscent of the days when men's adventure novels clocked in at under two hundred pages. I've only read a couple of Jack Reacher novels, so there might be more allusions and nods to other aspects of the series that I didn't recognize, but even without them this is a tight action novel that does a great job at setting up what promises to be an interesting - and fun - series.
July 15, 2018
It's hard for me to be objective. I wanted to like it because there's Jack Reacher connected somehow. But I'm not so sure about this novel - because there are a lot of things I didn't like too much in the plot and in the way the main character behaves. I mean, I keep comparing him with Jack Reacher and I cannot understand if, when he does something I don't think JR would have done the same way, is a wanted thing or not. And (warning, a very light spoiler ahead) the "let's talk" near the end - uh - seriously?
But I've liked the novel enough to want more - so my critics are indeed milder than they may look.
One last note: the author said that the (physical) book is lendable and despite the fact that any physical book is (I buy the object - not just the license for it as for an e-book) I appreciated his intentions
Let's see what's next
But I've liked the novel enough to want more - so my critics are indeed milder than they may look.
One last note: the author said that the (physical) book is lendable and despite the fact that any physical book is (I buy the object - not just the license for it as for an e-book) I appreciated his intentions
Let's see what's next
January 2, 2020
Annoying Local Person Complaints: There is no fall in New Orleans. It's hot or cold. We don't have an inbetween. It sounds great, but it doesn't exist.
Slidell is St. Tammany PD. He wouldn't be pulled in by NOPD in the Slidell canal. Unless in the miraculous future it IS Orleans Parish. In that case, you should know, University hospital isn't currently down the street like portrayed in the book.
Why is this guy going from an accident in Slidell to the city, to maybe the West Bank do some car work, to the North Shore, back to the city, etc? I kept trying to figure out why someone who didn't live here needed to travel all of those miles. I know that's part of living here and over analyzing.
Also, the Navy doesn't USE service numbers anymore, considering that each person has an assigned social security number.
Other than that, quirky novel.
Slidell is St. Tammany PD. He wouldn't be pulled in by NOPD in the Slidell canal. Unless in the miraculous future it IS Orleans Parish. In that case, you should know, University hospital isn't currently down the street like portrayed in the book.
Why is this guy going from an accident in Slidell to the city, to maybe the West Bank do some car work, to the North Shore, back to the city, etc? I kept trying to figure out why someone who didn't live here needed to travel all of those miles. I know that's part of living here and over analyzing.
Also, the Navy doesn't USE service numbers anymore, considering that each person has an assigned social security number.
Other than that, quirky novel.
July 3, 2024
Rock Wahlman, 41, was raised in orphanages and never knew his family.
On his way to a meeting with a lawyer to receive an inheritance from his late grandfather things get strange.
He sees a truck crash into a river and he gets the dead driver (Darrell Renfro) out. The driver is his doppelganger, the only difference between them is a scar.
And, it soon becomes clear, someone really wants to kill Rock.
The series title 'The Jack Reacher Experiment' gives the game away - both Rock and Darrell are Jack Reacher clones.
“Wahlman had been thinking about that, thinking he might like to learn more about Jack Reacher someday … if anything had ever been written about (him).”
“Dead Ringer” is set in 2098 though you wouldn't think so as it seems remarkably like the present day.
The book is really another Reacher clone, and not a bad one.
3 Stars.
On his way to a meeting with a lawyer to receive an inheritance from his late grandfather things get strange.
He sees a truck crash into a river and he gets the dead driver (Darrell Renfro) out. The driver is his doppelganger, the only difference between them is a scar.
And, it soon becomes clear, someone really wants to kill Rock.
The series title 'The Jack Reacher Experiment' gives the game away - both Rock and Darrell are Jack Reacher clones.
“Wahlman had been thinking about that, thinking he might like to learn more about Jack Reacher someday … if anything had ever been written about (him).”
“Dead Ringer” is set in 2098 though you wouldn't think so as it seems remarkably like the present day.
The book is really another Reacher clone, and not a bad one.
3 Stars.
January 22, 2026
Not impressed. I've seen better written stories in Fan Fiction. Was this self-published? The sentence structure was atrocious. The storyline wasn't bad, but some of the situations were cliche. Maybe I'm burned out. I've been reading a lot of Jack Reacher themed books recently, and they're starting to run together. Not confusing the storylines necessarily, but some of the authors are painful to read. I don't consider myself a grammar snob, but at least get it close for Pete's sake.
My main disappointment is that, though some of the books have decent plot themes, I'm having a lot of issues with the grammar and incorrect word usage. How many times can someone use "and" in one sentence? In the first Rock Wahlman (cliche much?) story, Mr. Hardin attempted a new world record.
There are eight more stories in this series. God! I hope they're better than this first entry.
My main disappointment is that, though some of the books have decent plot themes, I'm having a lot of issues with the grammar and incorrect word usage. How many times can someone use "and" in one sentence? In the first Rock Wahlman (cliche much?) story, Mr. Hardin attempted a new world record.
There are eight more stories in this series. God! I hope they're better than this first entry.
May 30, 2017
from another source: In 2057, human cloning is still illegal. But that doesn't mean it isn't happening...
Former United States Navy Master at Arms Rock Wahlman is about to discover some things about himself that he never would have imagined. Some things that nobody would have imagined. Some disturbing things. Unsettling. Life-altering…And life-threatening.
The use of story situations and supporting characters from the Jack Reacher universe authorized by Lee Child. Note: While the name Jack Reacher and some of the supporting characters and story situations are used with author Lee Child’s permission, the Jack Reacher character remains offstage in The Jack Reacher Experiment thrillers. (less)
Former United States Navy Master at Arms Rock Wahlman is about to discover some things about himself that he never would have imagined. Some things that nobody would have imagined. Some disturbing things. Unsettling. Life-altering…And life-threatening.
The use of story situations and supporting characters from the Jack Reacher universe authorized by Lee Child. Note: While the name Jack Reacher and some of the supporting characters and story situations are used with author Lee Child’s permission, the Jack Reacher character remains offstage in The Jack Reacher Experiment thrillers. (less)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2018
Yes, it was predictable. I haven't read a romance yet that isn't. But the characters were well developed and likable, the plot slow and steady, and the ending, well you guessed it, HEA, for now. It was just a one night stand after all. Very enjoyable story with enough spice and passion to hold your interest when you're spending a rainy night in bed. I look forward to more by Collins. This author knows when to be raw and when to be tender. No ending, but a heck of a good start.
May 29, 2024
Interesting short novel.
Without too many spoilers; somewhere in the near future. A former Navy mastered arms (MP) - a man working on getting his PI license stumbles upon a dying Man. The dying man is his exact double.
As the story builds, We find out that Rock and the dead man are clones of Jack Reacher.
After that point in time it is essentially a Jack Reacher novel with a different Jack Reacher.
Note: This guy does a better job Than Lee Child's brother.
Without too many spoilers; somewhere in the near future. A former Navy mastered arms (MP) - a man working on getting his PI license stumbles upon a dying Man. The dying man is his exact double.
As the story builds, We find out that Rock and the dead man are clones of Jack Reacher.
After that point in time it is essentially a Jack Reacher novel with a different Jack Reacher.
Note: This guy does a better job Than Lee Child's brother.
December 31, 2018
It felt too simple for me. The story is okay, but lacks the polish that could make it a much better story. Perhaps sending it through an editor would help. It shows in simple ways like using the character name too frequently from the start. Written in a previously popular universe, I think it could use some work to get up to speed.
January 25, 2020
Cloned!
I like this book but I cannot deal with it taking place in 2057! There’s no updated Technology in it! 2027 OK... that would be ok. Anyway, it’s a good story. I didn’t find out it was 2057 until I was almost finished and that’s why it threw me! Nothing to indicate it was so far into the future. I’m going to read the next one... I liked it.
I like this book but I cannot deal with it taking place in 2057! There’s no updated Technology in it! 2027 OK... that would be ok. Anyway, it’s a good story. I didn’t find out it was 2057 until I was almost finished and that’s why it threw me! Nothing to indicate it was so far into the future. I’m going to read the next one... I liked it.
October 2, 2020
Not quite up to Lee Child when it comes to excitement and storytelling, Dead Ringer, the first installment in the Jack Reacher Experiment series was still an entertaining read. Somewhat reminiscent of the old B movie, popcorn thrillers I enjoyed in my youth. Literature, it is not, but entertaining it is in this pandemically challenged world.
April 19, 2018
It wasn't too bad. The writing is like it's been written by a 10 year old boy. Having said that, it was entertaining enough and a quick read. But I won't be reading any more in the series. I think I'll go back to Lee Child.
March 14, 2019
Unputdownable.
I am so I surprised to be at the end of this book. I don't think I read it at leisure like I normally do but read it all in one go. Super good fast paced exciting read. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Jack Reacher himself would be proud!
I am so I surprised to be at the end of this book. I don't think I read it at leisure like I normally do but read it all in one go. Super good fast paced exciting read. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Jack Reacher himself would be proud!
February 17, 2020
Outstanding I would compare this short story to any of the Jack teacher novellet s
Just as suspenseful and entertaining. I could not put the book down once I had started it.I strongly recommend the book for anyone looking for a good afternoon of entertaining reading
Just as suspenseful and entertaining. I could not put the book down once I had started it.I strongly recommend the book for anyone looking for a good afternoon of entertaining reading
November 27, 2020
'Dead Ringer' pulled me in from the beginning and didn't let go. I loved the premise and couldn't wait to start this series. Full of action, mystery, great characters and hard to believe, but could happen scenarios. I look forward to reading more. A great add to your tbr list.
December 31, 2020
This was interesting but quite heavy going. I can’t say why without spoilers, but I found myself talking to the book! Some things could have been resolved sooner in my opinion. I might read the next one...
June 26, 2023
This is a story where Wahlman finds out about himself. He learns he’s a clone as well as Mike Renfro was. He learns the Army is after him to cover this cloning experiment up. Nice action packed story with plenty of intriguing scenes. Loved it . 5
August 3, 2023
I'm a fannof Jack Reacher series, especially the early works. So, I was intrigued by this series but it looks like while cloning some of the intelligence and fearlessness of Reacher had been left out. I'm open to trying the next one before judging.
February 2, 2018
Great book if you like the Jack Reacher books series.
February 8, 2018
Not a bad story in the Lee Child style.
The time line does not work, the way he described everything I thought it was set in the late 90’s early 00’s not 2057, I would of expected more tech.
The time line does not work, the way he described everything I thought it was set in the late 90’s early 00’s not 2057, I would of expected more tech.
January 13, 2019
A slow start to the story. The suspense built very slowly for this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews