Cover Image: Better Off Dead

Better Off Dead

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Member Reviews

I like Reacher novels. This one is another desert, middle-of-nowhere setting. Somehow Child brings to life the landscape and cultures of the USA, which is interesting to me as a Canadian.

The story captured my attention and the writing put me on the edge of my seat more than once. Always look forward to a new Lee Child thriller. Good for long nights, commutes, or a diversion to someone else's adventures.

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Andrew adds a much needed focus to a series that often times lost its way during the journey. I love Reacher as a character and the books have been getting better and better as they've gone along. I have found Andrew's take on the series allows for faster reading with crisper writing and plotting but the same style and character. I don't know what they've done to make this happen but they succeeded.

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"Better Off Dead," co-authored by Lee Child and Andrew Child, offers a mix of familiar thrills and fresh perspectives as the latter finds his footing in taking over from the iconic Lee Child. While the novel delivers a decent dose of action and suspense, it leaves readers contemplating whether the series should have bid farewell long ago.

Andrew Child's involvement in the Jack Reacher series is evident, and he does manage to bring his own voice to the narrative. There are glimpses of potential in his writing style, and he admirably attempts to build on the legacy left by his predecessor. The action sequences and Reacher's signature tactics are present, giving fans of the series a taste of what they have come to expect.

However, the shadow of Lee Child's departure looms large, leaving readers yearning for the magic of the original Jack Reacher novels. While Andrew Child shows promise, it's challenging to ignore the fact that the series may have reached its natural conclusion. The storylines have become somewhat formulaic, and the excitement of the earlier novels appears to have waned.

Despite Andrew Child's efforts to infuse fresh energy into the series, "Better Off Dead" lacks the same magnetic pull that characterized the earlier Jack Reacher novels. Some die-hard fans may find it difficult to let go of the Lee Child era and fully embrace the transition.

On a positive note, the plot of "Better Off Dead" still manages to hold interest, and the collaboration between Lee and Andrew Child allows for an interesting blend of storytelling. The book does have its moments of intrigue and suspense, which will keep readers turning pages until the end.

In conclusion, "Better Off Dead" attempts to find its own path under Andrew Child's stewardship but struggles to replicate the magic of the original Jack Reacher novels by Lee Child. While the book does have its merits and provides a satisfactory dose of action, it raises questions about whether the series has run its course. Longtime fans may appreciate the effort to keep the series alive, but others might feel that it's time to bid farewell to Jack Reacher on a high note.

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There is good Reacher, very good Reacher and best Reacher. This one is just good Reacher. It's the first in the series I've read co-authored by Child and his child. I cannot tell who contributed what but the plot seemed a bit muddled to me and not that compelling. IN fact, Jack seemed a bit bored on his latest perambulation, looking to pick a fight. I'd say his readers are all better off when the plot draws him in, not when he roams the backwaters of the U.S., looking for someone to punch or kick in the head.

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Better Off Dead
by Lee Child and Andrew Child
2 stars

I am a Jack Reacher fan but it just wasn't for me this was not it. I tried I read through it but you can tell the difference.       

Thank you, Net Galley and Random House Publishing for an e-ARC for an honest review

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I have read nearly all of the Reacher novels; Some I didn't care for, but most were interesting to some degree.

BETTER OFF DEAD is a disappointment. Reacher has lost something off his fastball, and I would not recommend the book. If the character intrigues you, go back to the beginning.

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I liked this new addition and Reacher's partnership with Michaela, hope to see more. love peeling back the layers to uncover the mystery behind the plot. I hope Frances Neagley makes an appearance in the next book. and now with the tv series, looking forward to more

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Jack Reacher always finds someone that needs help. This wasn’t the best in the series but it was still a solid Reacher book. I always love reading the next adventure and I can’t wait for the next one. I will definitely be reading more Lee Child books.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the DRC.

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Definitely a book full of guessing and more action and intrigue than I have seen in a while. It had something new at every turn and more crooked, ruthless people ever! The ending was priceless. I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but what I read was perfect. Book provided by NetGalley.

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Sadly this book did not hold my interest as much as other Jack Reacher books. I hope this is not an indicator of future Reacher books.

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This book was so good! I want to see more from this author in the future!! I couldn't put this book down. What a page turner!!!

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Reacher comes across a scene in the desert and stops to help the woman he finds. Little does he know, but Reacher is about to find out that the stakes are much higher than he realizes at first glance.

As an avid reader of the Jack Reacher series, I jumped at the chance to read Better off Dead. Although the novels as of late have been very formulaic and not up to par with those at the beginning of the series, I had high hopes for this book. Unfortunately, it was more of the same, with Reacher getting involved simply because of being at the right place in time to help. The plot was weak and very sluggish, making it a difficult book to finish. As a loyal reader, I would seek out a new book in the series, but I think that Jack Reacher should stop his walkabout and retire.

Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's copy of Better off Dead, by NetGalley and the publisher, Delacorte Press. The decision to read and review this book was entirely my own.

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Lee child does what he does best and that is continues the story of the hero jack reacher. A unique story but honestly the same result as every other book Lee child has written. If you like Lee child you will like this book if you don't well then you won't.

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Nothing beats a good Jack reacher book. He’s a hero on so many levels. Love the next generation the books have taken and they ignited my passion to watch the new show

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Jack Reacher is the star of Better Off Dead with a couple of bad guys to keep it interesting and a strong female to keep him straight.
It seems apparent to me that Lee Child is handing off his golden child Jack Reacher, to his son Andrew Child.
It remains to be seen if Andrew Child can continue with the strong hero named Jack Reacher.

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What can you say, when each Jack Reacher book exceeds your expectations. I have read every one of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series, and I am amazed with each book, that he can continually up the action and the plot. I heartily recommend this to anyone that enjoys a great plot and a believable character.

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Not good long story line . Main character tend to hesitate far too often about what’s doing what’s right.
Would not recommend this to anyone.

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Another really good book by Lee Child and Andrew Child! Pay attention to the details, because they are tied into the story later. Fast moving pace, lots of twists and turns, I highly recommend reading!

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Lee Child CLEARLY wasn’t the primary author of this book. I remember the way the older books were written and this one lacks their quality. This book absolutely falls flat on its face.

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I have been a fan of Lee Child's Jack Reacher novels for many years. This is the first however that I have read of the joint authorship of Lee Child and Andrew Child. Better off Dead does not disappoint. I did find this Reacher to be a bit more modern and the plot a bit more intricate but Reacher basically remains the same.

Reacher meets a young woman on a road who is playing dead. After witnessing her encounter with several thugs she begins to tell Reacher her story and of course, being Reacher, he becomes involved. It is an intricate plot in a setting of a small town on the border of Mexico. The young woman's brother a known bomb-maker had involved himself with an unsavory group and had called on his sister, a former FBI bomb specialist, for help. He gets Reacher as well as his sister in this most recent of the installments of Jack Reacher's adventures in the underworld of crimes against the innocent.

This most recent novel is a good one and it bodes well for the future of the everlasting tough-guy hero, Jack Reacher. Better Off Dead is entertaining and satisfying for those who love Reacher. Thanks to #NetGalley#BetterOffDead for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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