Jack Knife

Hunt for Reacher #14

by Diane Capri

FBI Special Agent Kim Otto is hot on Jack Reacher’s trail as he speeds away from Chicago.

Since Reacher hooked up with escaped car thief Petey Burns in South Dakota, he’s had a steady ride. Destination unknown, but traceable.

But Otto’s manhunt is derailed when she learns Jack Reacher’s nephew is in trouble.

Jake and his mother have disappeared, leaving a dead man behind.

Seven years ago, Jack Reacher teamed up with the CO of his old unit, Major Susan Turner, to demolish a drug smuggling operation in Lee Child’s Never Go Back.

Now, Otto and Turner race to save Reacher’s nephew from men who seek to deliver vengeance first.

Filled with twists and turns to keep you breathless until the explosive finale, can Otto find them all before it’s too late?

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Suspense, Action

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 8, 2022

About the author

Bestselling author Diane Capri is a recovering lawyer. She’s a snowbird who divides her time between Florida and Michigan. An active member of Mystery Writers of America, Author’s Guild, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime, she loves to hear from readers and is hard at work on her next novel.

Connect with her online:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/@DianeCapri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diane-...

Here’s the Long version, if you’re looking for more info:

#1 Amazon Bestselling Author Diane Capri’s work is what the #1 worldwide publishing phenomenon Lee Child calls “Full of thrills and tension, but smart and human, too.” Margaret Maron, Edgar, Anthony, Agatha and Macavity Award-winning MWA Past President, says: “Expertise shines on every page.” And Library Journal raves: “….offers tense legal drama with courtroom overtones, twisty plots, and loads of atmosphere. Recommended.”

Diane’s new Jess Kimball series kicked off with Fatal Distraction, opening as the #3 Bestselling Legal Thriller, behind John Grisham. Diane’s new Hunt for Jack Reacher series began with Don’t Know Jack, which garnered #1 Bestseller spots on Mystery, Hard-boiled Mystery, Police Procedural, Women Sleuths, and Legal Thriller lists both in the U.S. and U.K. Don’t Know Jack was followed by two bestselling short stories in the Hunt for Jack Reacher series, Jack in a Box and Jack and Kill. Diane’s Judge Wilhelmina Carson mysteries were praised by Romantic Times and garnered the coveted “Top Pick.” Diane’s savvy, spunky character, attorney Jennifer Lane, stars in her own romantic suspense series, which kicks off with Annabelle’s Attack.

Diane is the past Executive Vice President of International Thriller Writers, past member of the Board of the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, and active in Sisters in Crime and other writing organizations. She comes to writing after a successful legal career and is married to her college sweetheart. She loves her nomadic snowbird existence preferring perpetual summer migrating from Florida to Michigan each year.

Diane says she writes mystery and suspense for the same reason she reads: to find out what happens, why people do what they do, and how to bring justice to an unjust world.Her books are translated in twenty territories. Diane loves to hear from readers. Contact her at: DianeCapri.com/Contact to receive notice of new releases, subscribe to Diane’s blog, or simply connect with her.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying all things Jack Reacher, I enjoy this spin that Diane Capri has taken, weaving together her own themes and plots to keep the reader on their toes. FBI Special Agent Kim Otto is hot on the heels of Jack Reacher, who is speeding out of Chicago. Unfortunately, her partner was injured again, forcing Otto to stay put for a time. Things get a little rocky when news comes that Reacher’s nephew is in trouble, sure to draw Jack from hiding to rush to his aid. It would seem some of Reacher’s past enemies have come to exact some revenge, putting everyone on edge. Capri keeps the action going as she pushes the series into new realms.

With the explosive ending to the last novel, FBI Special Agent Kim Otto has no time to waste. However, she’s suck waiting, as her partner is again recuperating in hospital after a Reacher-related skirmish. Still, it gives her some time to work through the leads she will need to move forward.

When news comes that Reacher’s nephew, Jake, is in trouble down in South Carolina, Otto is sure that this will be one thing that the nomad cannot ignore. She is ready to act as well, hoping that it will draw Reacher out and allow her to help a young man in need. This is not a simple money issue, but rather a kidnapping that could prove fatal.

As Otto inches towards South Carolina with her partner, she learns that one of Reacher’s old CO’s might have some intel that could help. It would seem that Reacher was in the middle of bringing down a drug ring years back and left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth. Now, it seems those who got away have retribution on the mind. This ruthless gang will stop at nothing, keeping Jake Reacher and his mother captive in hopes of luring Jack out for a final hit.

With Otto ready to strike, she has to play her hand carefully, hoping not to ruin her chances at making a real difference. Jack Reacher is so close and this is no time to mess it up. Pulling on all her option, Otto prepares to set a trap, while helping the Reachers at the same time. Capri keeps things interesting in a series that never has the chance to catch its breath or lose momentum.

While I have a long history reading Reacher novels, I was really excited when I found the work of Diane Capri. She parallels the writing of Lee Child, offering stories that add to the original work. Great stories and strong narratives help shape the series effectively, while keeping fans coming back for more as each novel comes to publication. I am eager to see what direction things will take now!

Special Agent Kim Otto stays strong in the protagonist’s seat once again. In the brief timespan of the series, she’s had two partners, finally able to play the senior agent role. Otto has little time for silliness, but seems also to have to juggle a partner who wants to run the show himself, bending rules whenever it suits him. Otto has struggled with confidence in the past, but is more keenly aware of how she can keep hold of command without coming off as too abrupt, which will surely be an issue for her as she handles a renegade partner.

Diane Capri has kept the series on track with some really captivating stories that complement all that Lee Child as done to date. She presents a fresh and intriguing series, as the popular series receives some added depth at Capri’s hand. A strong narrative provides the reader with something to keep them excited, using many characters who entertain throughout. Capri finds ties to Lee Child’s work without it being too repetitive, always proving successful. I am eager to see where Capri will take things and how effective it will be for series fans

Kudos, Madam Capri, for a series that keeps evolving. I never tire of the adventures.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Knife by Diane Capri is one of the best in this The Hunt for Jack Reacher series and just as in a few other books FBI agent Kim Otto is close to meet Reacher. Sadly she has to settle for Jake Reacher and his mom. I really enjoyed this book and I am sure glad to see what happened to agent Burke. The power struggle behind is also getting more complicated even though we get to know more about the people involved. If you like me like everything Reacher this is one serie you should read.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another great book in the Hunt for Jack Reacher Series. Over the last few years I have read all of the Jack Reacher stories and all of the Hunt for Jack Reacher stories as well. This will be the 48th. It is an excellent read. And the next in this series have already been announced. This is the eighth I have read since that initial binge read. First I read the 29 Jack Reacher Novels and short stories by Lee Child, and now Lee and Andrew Child. And then I read all the books in this series. This is the fourteenth novel in the Hunt for Reacher Series, and the seventeenth story featuring Otto. Her new back up William Burke is looking less and less helpful, through the books he has appeared in. Otta’s suspicions of a worse case reason for Burke being there are likely confirmed. Otto still has Gaspar in the wings helping out as much as he can. And he pulls in a resource from his new organization to help again. The source book for this volume was Lee Child’s Never Go Back. That story is a one, and excellent source book. In this volume we encounter Jake Reacher, Jack’s nephew and his moth Margaret. This is a great story about Otto, it was wonderful to have Susan Turner make an appearance and play a key role.

The cast of characters in this story is:

Kim Otto
William Burke
Jake Reacher
Margaret Reacher
Carlos Gaspar
Charles Cooper
Lamont Finlay
Petey Burns
Hugh Sullivan
Susan Turner
Greg Jones
Leonard Dover
Michael Flint
Brad Coda
Rupert Adams IV
John Templar
Dr. Felipe Sanz
and
Jack Reacher

We see a lot more of Jake in this one, and he is turning into a man very much like his uncle. He has graduated basic and is heading off to specialized training. When some has the bright idea of capturing them to draw out Jack. From the very beginning things do not go as planned. And the individual trying to get Reacher start taking loses on a bigger and bigger scale.

Currently the Child brothers are releasing about 1 Reacher novel a year, and Capri is publishing 2. This one is the off schedule book. The last ones and next ones are schedule to release a few weeks apart. So this is a great Reacher story to hold us over. This story has a lot of action and a significant body count, including a surprising main character in the series. It is another great story in an excellent series. As always it leaves you desperate for the next instalment in the series. Capri has done a wonderful job in leading us on the hunt for Jack Reacher.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a little confusing

Maybe I missed a book or two in this series but I found myself a little confused with this book. I caught my mind wandering while I was reading…maybe I need to take a break from Mr. Reacher.

[Joe Clontz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diane Capri has continued her series of adventures with this new novel, JACK KNIFE. FBI Special Agent Kim Otto is now seven months into seeking information on Jack Reacher at the direction of her FBI boss. It has been a dangerous assignment since she’s working with NO FBI backup should trouble develop. Plus her new partner, FBI Special Agent William Burke, seems to have an agenda that is a bit different from the one Otto has been given.

Jake Reacher, Jack Reacher’s nephew, and Jake’s mother Margaret have been targeted Hugh Sullivan, Special Assistant to the Director of National Intelligence, National Security Administration, to become hostages apparently to draw out Jack Reacher. All of this takes place just after Jake has graduated from Fort Jackson, SC.

While waiting for her partner to be released from the hospital in Chicago, Otto gets word that Jake and his mom are in trouble in SC. She makes plans to go to SC and once there and assesses the situation, she’s summoned to DC by her boss. What takes place next is an untangling of strange circumstances that put Otto and Burke in touch with Lt. Colonel Susan Turner, CO of the 110th MP Special Unit, United States Army. Turner and Jack Reacher, some seven years ago were instrumental in breaking up and drug gang in DC.

It becomes clear, eventually, that an illicit Opium Den in DC is directly connected to a fortress in SC where Jake and his mom are being held hostage. It’s then a concerted effort for Otto, Burke and Turner to get there and free them.

The reader will not be disappointed with the dramatic and clever action that Capri creates with her plot twists and surprises. When you start reading, make sure you’ve got plenty of time to read because there is never a point where you can take a break because the action is non-stop.

[John Kuvakas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Capri’s latest episode of the Hunt for Reacher series continues to captivate and fascinate.
Agent Otto is in Chicago waiting for the new partner to recover from wounds received in our last installment. She’s still wary of him and feels there’s something off, something she’s not quite comfortable with. Meanwhile, we watch as Jake Reacher, Jack’s newly discovered nephew graduates from basic training. He seems to have the Reacher DNA, but does he have Reacher’s talents and instincts. We find out as his mother is kidnapped and held as a way of bringing Jake to the bad guys. But why?
Otto hears about Margaret Reacher’s kidnapping through her enigmatic benefactor, Finley. Finley arranges for Otto to go to the scene of the kidnapping, both of them hoping Jack Reacher will show up to protect and rescue what remains of his family.
The now-familiar cast is here, including, thankfully, Gaspar. Kim’s increasingly mounting suspicions that the apparent good guys are not and the accused bad guy, Reacher, may not be so bad after all, aren’t being helped by the situation. But, this may be as close as Otto has come yet to an encounter with Jack Reacher. What will happen if she does?
The action is fast, from the first few paragraphs through the last. The story continues to develop, and we readers find ourselves increasingly drawn in. This is simply an example of great thriller writing. It stands well on its own. But, be assured, if this is the first of the Hunt for Reacher books you read, you’ll want to read the rest.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agent Otto is on the move again looking for Reacher. This time she starts off on her own since her new partner, Burke, is still recovering from his injuries. Otto is trying very hard to work with Burke, but he doesn’t seem to be a real partner. In fact, she has the very real feeling that he is putting her in danger instead of backing her up. When Otto finds out that Reacher’s nephew, Jake, and his mother, have disappeared, Otto, and always with Gaspar’s help, is sent to their last location in the hopes that Reacher will be there to rescue them. Then she will find him. As the story proceeds, we are introduced to a mysterious new character who appears to be in the same league as Cooper and Finley, but is he and what is his intent? Otto is bounced from location to location and between Cooper and Finley. Who can she trust? When Burke finally appears to resume “work with her,” she begins to believe he has a ulterior motive that is not the same as hers. The story is really exciting. As Otto and Burke close in on the kidnaped Reachers, there are sightings of a mysterious huge shadow that must be Reacher. We also get to interact with Major Susan Turner who is the CO of Reacher’s old unit, the 110th. These stories are quite amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to the next in the series.

[Gary Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great series, if you’re a fan of Jack Reacher. But this series doesn’t focus around Reacher as the main character, the focus is on FBI Agent Kim Otto, on of my new heroes. Reacher is in every story, in the shadows, in the background, but not found. Yet. Be prepared to read them all. It’s another series designed to sell books (or read them for free on Kindle). I hope for some conclusion but you never know. Despite the “stretch it out to buy more books” format, the stories are great. Lots of action, plenty of intrigue, but alas, no sex or love stories. Unless Otto is building her affection and appreciation for Reacher? Hardest pill to swallow is the FBI approach that everybody is a bad guy until they decide otherwise. Reacher’s my hero. Don’t question him! Tell me one dead bad guy who didn’t deserve it on Reacher’s watch? However, the tension is required to keep the story moving. I like Capri’s work and will no doubt read more. For now, I wait for the new release in October 2022.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Knife - a review by Rosemary Kenny.


A second party has joined the hunt for the ever-elusive Jack Reacher, unknown to official investigato FBI Special Agent Kim Otto, who's working alone while her opposite number, William Burke, is recovering from a bullet wound in hospital.
Who helps her out behind the scenes?

A sub-plot is then introduced; the intended kidnap of two of Reacher's close family members - that doesn't work out as intended.
What's happening at the Four Knights Club?
Who won't make it to the conclusion of this mission?

Duplicity, deep plots, death and danger - Queen of the Mystery-thriller, Diane Capri, knows exactly how to grab the reader by the imagination and hold it tightly throughout.
Get your copy of her riveting new novel, Jack Knife as soon as possible and keep the coffee pot on, as you're guaranteed to be up reading all night!

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Diane Capri Masterpiece!!

Old characters...New Characters all interwoven into this newest Kim Otto saga looking for Jack Reacher! Otto at her best dealing with Burke, the Boss, a fantastic plot and a little Reacher thrown in to make it even more interesting. Reading Capri is like a treasure hunt, looking for clues and around corners trying to put a puzzle together. The ending is never quite what you expected and it's a lot of fun getting there. Diane is truly an artist, painting an enthralling story to entertain. This one might be the best one yet!! Thanks Diane. Can't wait for the next....

[carl clause · Rating 5 out of 5]

CC1

This chapter of Kim Otto and Reacher was excellent !!!! Susan Turner, Jake Reacher, and Margaret Reacher made this an excellent read. Sullivan aka Patton always seemed a step ahead until Reacher showed up. He studied Reacher but didn't matter. Jake and his Mom were tough prisoners. Turner seemed to be an extension of Reacher. So everything played out and Kim and Finley had a final brief out. Evidently someone hired Burke to kill Reacher as Kim partner . So his death was predestined. So Kim shouldn't feel guilty . Excellent work Diane. Can't for next chapter! Thanks , Carl Clause

[Robin Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kim Otto is back in her hunt for Jack Reacher. She hasn’t been able to get rid of her new partner Burke, but fortunately Gaspar is still helping her on the sly. Reacher’s nephew Jake and his mother have been kidnapped. Reacher is headed to the area along with Petey Burns, an escaped car thief. Kim is back and forth between there and DC, where she connects with Major Susan Turner who is Reacher’s former commander. This book keeps you reading at a pace almost as fast as Otto’s. As always, there are many twists and turns in this fascinating mystery.

[dennis barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Knife Diane Capri

Numerous agendas are in play. Kim's partner Burke was actually put in place to kill Jack Reacher. Possibly by a department head in in clandestine services who operates well away from the lime light. Actually in the opiate trade and other nefarious activities. The other player's all have their own agenda. Another excellent read in this series!!! By far the most complex read of this series. Enjoyed immensely!!

[Karla Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, as always. The plot is thickening a bit regarding the suspected ordered hit on Reacher. Without giving anything away....my suspicions haven't panned out. Or penned out, as the case may be. Kim Otto, her brilliant usual self. Always love her ability to think things through. This book made me think hard regarding relationships and Reacher family ties. Also, with the new Jack Reacher series, I now have a face for Finlay and the big guy himself! Love it!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not another good read!

This has so far been my 2nd favorite book of the series. As Diane gives us a little more insight into Otto and her desire to succeed at finding Jack Reacher. My wanting her to succeed in this assignment is what keeps me coming back for more, as well as I’m loving that we’re getting to know the others in this series better. I’m looking forward to when Otto and Jack finally meet, I believe that meeting will be explosive in every way!

[Carianne Carleo-Evangelist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. These are really feeling formulaic. Didn't particularly care for Jake or his mother, but the Patton/Sullivan arc is interesting. Quick read, no wonderful character development. They just need to bring Gaspard back.

I was probably supposed to care about Burke's death, but I never got attached

[Ida Anak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paced and fun

I would have rated it a 4 or even 5 because it is well written and interesting and full of action but again, more questions than answers at the end of the book
I like Jake, Gaspar and Kim , but I want more Jack .
Overall a good story even if a bit too complicated.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack Knife revisits a previous Reacher adventure in which helps bring down an opium ring. Jake Reacher & his mother Margret get caught up in a plot to kill Jack. It’s an elaborate chess match / shell game that ends poorly for bad guys & opium & opium manufacturer's. Otto has her hands full, Burke has his own agenda & the ultimate puppet master is yet to be revealed. This story has too much stream of consciousness / narrative. Less action than the previous. Soooo

[Hugh Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

this hunt for Jack Reacher series is a delight!!

though I could do with a little less of the murky mystery men lurking everywhere including in the halls of power.

not so much a mystery as a puzzlement. not too satisfying.

but all the rest is here: action, adventure, meaningful relationships. and another look at the lovely susan turner, still a light colonel.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sullivan is too high up in the ranks to not be known by Cooper and/or Finlay.

The goose chase continues, yet, this time, Reacher WAS within reach. So close, yet so far away.

That Burke has been removed the case is good; being Sullivan's insider was going to end badly for Otto and I'm hopeful Capri does right by her and allows any guilt to be resolved.

Onward, fair Reacher friends!

[ScottRichard Klein · Rating 1 out of 5]

Confusing

I have no idea as to the purpose of this novel. Some may say that there are answers in the last chapter, but I was actually left with more questions. There is no real character development and the death of a secondary character that you don’t care about could be solved in other ways.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Kim Otto is on the trail of Jack Reacher. Other things are in the way to make this a bit more difficult. Full of action and suspense to keep you guessing what happens next. Always ready for the next one.

[Connie Hamby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A not to good a book!

When I started out reading these books and I thought they were great but the last two didn't make good sense you keep on reading thinking they will but they don't!

[Leigh Bruerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

getting better.

Reacher taking more and more of a secret weapon role in Capri’s imagination. Has seemed almost like a mythical superhero in some cases, almost far fetched. Who is his handler? Has she figured that out yet? I await the next.

[Dianne Digilio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I keep reading this series, but I don’t really like it. I view Jack Reacher as a hero and I resent the attitude that Kim and other people in these books have toward him.
I hope another book will redeem Reacher and clarify exactly who Cooper is.

[Lana Mccall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Who?

Reacher, the hunt is still on looking for Reacher. Otto is ordered to Washington, D.C. along with Her partner, Burke. Otto notices that Burke is acting odd. He is shoots at any man Reacher’s size. Why is he so out of control?

[BLAH · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very poorly written. Totally confusing plot flow. Unrealistic dialogue by ALL characters. This author does a terrible disservice to Lee Child's fantastic Reacher series of books. He should never have approved this writing arrangement. I will never read another Diane Capri book! Do not buy them!!

[Robert L Pratt]

Jack Knife of the Hunt for Reacher series

Just another great story by Diane Capri tying into the Jack Teacher stories of Lee Child. The twist at the makes it available for more and I want more of both authors.

[John P. Murrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one in the series!

Kim Otto good character, as are all the others (even the bad boys)…good plot..made me want to keep plowing on continuously. I’m looking forward to the next episode!

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Reachee's nephew Jake Reacher just graduated from Army basic training. His mother gets kidnapped but kills one of the kidnappers. Jake is given a message to meet up with he kidnappers.
Meanwhile, Jack Reacher is headed to jake's army base.