"A chilling thriller"

Jack Reacher is always on the move as the former military police officer goes wherever the whim takes him. He never worries about local trouble because he is a big athletic hombre who knows how to take care of himself.

Carmen Grant believes that Jack is the perfect person to kill her abusive spouse because he is huge and she believes he feels no remorse. Jack refuses so Carmen murders her husband, claiming self-defense. The district attorney happens to have been the deceased's best friend, and coincidentally happens to find no evidence of spousal abuse, so Jack begins making inquiries. Carmen abruptly confesses and someone kidnaps her daughter, leading Jack to conclude that something is rotten in Echo, Texas.

The anti-hero of ECHO BURNING believes in justice more than he accepts the law and is willing to dole out his brand when injustice occurs. Some readers will claim Jack is a desperado or vigilante while others will think he is a Robin Hood hero. Regardless, all will agree that his methods work and he only hunts those deserving of his ire. The story line is fascinating and complex with numerous subplots that tie back to the main theme while showing how creative a talent Lee Child is.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 1, 2001