(3.5 Stars) I’m a Jack Reacher fan and have read almost all of his full length novels and novellas. This is the 28th full length adventure and it is set in 1992 while Jack is still a MP in the Army. After solving a military case he is sent to represent the Army on a task force, reporting to the Secretary of Defense. A string of suspicious deaths where the victims all have ties to a Chemical company mishap (potential chemical weapons).

The case itself is interesting with twists although I guessed early head wrongdoer. Lee Child has passed the writing of these stories to his younger brother Andrew and I’ve enjoyed the books since the transition. But this missed a lot of the core Reacher moments. But there is a lot of story told from other POVs. I missed Reacher’s mental calculations of the physics involved during a physical fight, his love of coffee and diners. I don’t mind going back to the MP days as this has happened in other Reacher novels. And I like him better as a lone wolf but he plays nice with the task force.

I’m still a Reacher fan and am keeping my fingers crossed the next adventure might match up with the tone and character a little more. I still recommend Reacher for Mystery Thriller readers but you may want to start earlier in the series to get to know this character. Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving a voluntary review.

Jack Reacher is back in more ways than one. After the last several collaborations, it seems that the authors have begun to re-capture the essence of Reacher again. One complaint with the series is there isn't any character growth with Reacher. One way around that, is to go back! The Secret goes back to the 90s when Reacher was still an active-duty Army Military Police Officer but in his usual hot water. At first the time frame was a little jarring, as there was no reference to why it was taking place thirty years ago. Hopefully by going back, Andrew Child can again rebuild the foundation of how Reacher became the man us loyal fans have come to know.
Reacher is summoned and teamed up on an interagency task force with three other dispensable representatives to investigate a series of murders that have ties back to a US government secret project from the 60s. Working together at the behest and urgency of the Secretary of Defense, the team must try to find this killer before they can strike again.
There's intellectual skill combined with action to bring Reacher's type of justice.

This book, the 28th in the Jack Reacher series, is set in the late 1990s and takes readers back to his days in the military. As might be expected, he's a little less the maverick and loner we've come to know and love; even his physical prowess is toned down a bit. What we do see, though, is some of what shaped what he became in more recent books as told in an enjoyable, engrossing story.

Actually, there are two threads; as part of his regular assignment as Military Police Officer at the Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois, Reacher is dealing with stolen gun parts and trying to track down not only who's behind the theft but where they're ending up. Just as he's making progress, though, he gets pulled off to serve as the Army's representative on a task force looking into the presumed murder of a man who was involved in a top-secret government research project in India 20-plus years ago. Prior to that, eight other people related to that project have bitten the dust, although in ways that didn't attract suspicion till now. Since the task force was formed at the behest of the U.S. Secretary of Defense, time is of the essence and failure isn't an option.

The trick, if there is one, is to explore the connections among all the victims, determine whether there could be more victims to come (and if so, find ways to protect them), and, ultimately, find out who's doing the killing. Given all the secrecy surrounding the project and all the years that have intervened, that's no small job. It gets even more complicated as the task force's worst fears come to fruition. Readers meanwhile get treated to a behind-the-scenes look at everyone involved, so they know more than Reacher does almost every step of the way except near the end, when Reacher beats us all to it (well, almost - I correctly guessed it fairly early on). Needless to say, there's no shortage of Reacher tough-guy action, though as I mentioned earlier, it's not as full-on as in later books.

All told, it's another attention-holding adventure that's easy to read (good thing, since I really wanted to get through it in one sitting; didn't quite make it). Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.

Action and more action!!

Reacher's in the middle of yet another mystery. Someone is killing scientists, and no one seems to know why or who. The reader knows who the killer(s) are, but not why. The government knows nothing.

This book was a fast read, well-written and entertaining. Reacher was more calm than he normally is, less violence happened, but that's not to say he doesn't know how to defend himself in a fight. He uses his brains equally well. I recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed this series or ones like it.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

The Secret' by Lee Child and Andrew Child is an absolute gem in the Jack Reacher series. As a devoted fan, I eagerly anticipate each new Reacher novel, and this collaboration truly shines. Set in 1992, it delves into a prequel storyline, revealing a clandestine secret dating back to a 1969 chemical disaster in India.

Having read 17 books of the series so far, this latest installment has unquestionably earned a special place in my heart. The seamless flow of the narrative is a true testament to the authors' skill in crafting a compelling story. I found myself completely engrossed and I couldn't put it down; it's a rare gem that encourages a cover-to-cover read in one sitting.

The plot's uninterrupted progression enhances the overall reading experience, allowing the suspense to build steadily and keeping the excitement levels high. The depth of character portrayal and the vivid depiction of Reacher's past as an Army man add layers of complexity and authenticity to the tale. The interactions and dynamics within the investigative team provide a fascinating peek into each character's approach to the case.

Whether you're a long-time Reacher fan or new to the series, 'The Secret' is a riveting read that offers a captivating glimpse into Reacher's past. The book seamlessly blends intrigue, action, and a dash of nostalgia, making it a must-read for thriller enthusiasts.

A must read, action packed, suspenseful story.

Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy through NetGalley. Opinions are my own.

Review – The Secret (A Jack Reacher Book) by Lee and Andrew Child (Delacourt Press, TBP Oct. 24, 2023)

The Secret (A Jack Reacher Book) written by Lee and Andrew Child will be published October 24, 2023 by Delacourt Press. Fans of Lee Child and Jack Reacher will love this book. It’s got all you expect from a Reacher book – clear good guys and bad guys, interesting side characters and of course lots of gritty justified violence for the sake of justice and country. The book was a good read, even if it suffered from split personality disorder. The first third good of the book read like an NCIS episode, which I really didn’t mind; I love NCIS! The real story though, began after NCIS ended. The second story moved quickly and had some unique twists and turns. The protagonists were devious. As I neared the end, I kept looking for something to tie the two stories together but it wasn’t there. So … look at it this way Jack Reacher fans – you get a two-fer! I award this book a rating of 3 Stars.

Rating: 3 Stars

p.s. I am grateful to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this Advanced Readers Copy. The opinions expressed in this unpaid book review are solely mine.

I always get excited when another Jack Reacher book comes out. This one takes us back into Reacher’s past. The pace in The Secret is a little slower than his normal adventures, but I felt it was a nice build up. What I do love is that we can never seem to get enough of Reacher. Thank you to the publisher for this ARC.

This book was a mixed bag for me. It's set in 1992, when Reacher, still active duty, is summoned to participate in a task force looking into a rash of scientists' deaths. The story itself was complex and interesting, however, it just started in 1992, without any preamble or explanation for why we went back in time. That made it feel very out of sync with the series. I wish the authors had found a way to connect it more to the series, as it was very strange to have Reacher active duty and his brother alive. Also, the way the story jumped between multiple points of view, made it a bit harder to follow. There were many times that I had to reread a section to see whose point of view it was.

Loyal Reacher fans will want to read this novel, however, if you're not already in love with the series, you might not want to start with this book.

The Secret is the 28th installment in the Jack Reacher series.
The storyline is intriguing. The pacing is slow as the task force team methodically attempts to solve a mystery. The mystery is a puzzle and the storyline held my interest, . While it is a good mystery to read, it is not typical Jack Reacher.

A highlight of Reacher’s character is his mental self talk and his statistical calibrations, but they are not evident in this novel. Reacher is not the main player in the storyline. He plays a minimal role in the action; he only has one or two brief confrontations. Consequently, The Secret doesn’t have the voice or the feel of a Jack Reacher novel.

The Secret is not a chills and thrills, high octane Reacher book. It is a slow burn. Because it is not typical Reacher, I was disappointed. However, it is an interesting mystery with a surprising twist in the climax!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own,

Lee Child's The Secret (Delacorte Press 2023) 28th book in the Jack Reacher series, is a return to Jack Reacher's greatness. This is a flashback to the time before he leaves the army, when he is an army investigator and one of the best. He as usual has made someone angry and is tasked as part of a team to find who is killing people involved in an earlier project in a clever enough way to make their deaths appear suicide or natural or anything but murder. Reacher is suspicious, but can’t quite call it 'murder' until he manages to collect the right clues, that arrange themselves in the right order for his brilliant brain. Then, in true Reacher style, everything falls into place.

This flashback story includes most of the hallmarks of Lee Child's iconic writing though this is Andrew Child's story. I've been somewhat disappointed with the Reacher stories written by Andrew, but now, I think he might be figuring out how to replicate his uncle's voice in a satisfying way that will keep readers happy. Though not an exuberant 5/5, this kept me turning pages and will bring me back for another.

This "blast from the past" is a refreshingly different twist on the Reacher timeline. It takes place back in 1992-93, when Reacher is still in the Army, voice mails are still on cassettes, and VHS is the latest entertainment technology. But one thing never changes - Reacher's innate badassery, which is on plentiful display herein. And the simple fact that if you've got a secret and Reacher is tasked with finding it out, you're done for. The swirling miasma of seemingly unconnected events that kick off the action soon coalesces into a picture, a puzzling one, but nonetheless a pattern, of relentless revenge, sneaky subterfuge and violent confrontation. And of course, you can guess who is mostly behind the latter. In my not so super picky opinion, Andrew is living up to the Lee Child standard of plot, characterization, atmosphere and suspense that are the hallmarks of the Reacher franchise.

My thanks to NetGalley, Lee Child, Andrew Child, and the publisher Delacorte Press for making this ARC available to me. I affirm this is my own unbiased review of this work.

For many years fall means a new Jack Reacher novel, this the fourth collaboration between Lee and Andrew Child. In my opinion this one is the best. I really enjoyed reading this story which is actually a prequel that takes place in 1992, although the premise of the story begins years earlier involving a 1969 chemical catastrophe in India that kills over a thousand people but has been quietly hidden from the public for many years. In 1992 the main character is still in the Army and taking orders from the military.

If you are a Reacher fan you've already heard about this book--The Secret refers to one kept by eight scientists who were among the principal figures involved in this government-corporate coverup. Move forward to 1992 and some of these eight people start turning up dead under mysterious murder/suicide circumstances.

That prompts to a government "all hands on deck" investigative committee demanded by the Secretary of Defense to bring together the Army Police (Reacher) and members from the FBI, the Treasury Department, and the CIA to try and solve the case and find the killer before s/he strikes again. What adds to the drama is the different perspectives from the team, and how they approach the investigation very differently--with Reacher being the primary one to figure out what is going on.

The book is very readable and contains a lot of action. I enjoyed the prequel look at Reacher when he was back as an MP Detective and not moving around the country from small town to small town. The book also includes some scenes involving brother Joe Reacher which was an added nice touch.

The fans of the series should enjoy this one, and if you have never read a Jack Reacher book you can slide in to this new work with ease. My only regret is I read it over a week and now it will be a long wait to find out where Reacher is headed next in the fall of 2024.

I can’t resist reading a Lee Child book, & this one was no exception. However, I was disappointed. I prefer Jack Reacher as a present-day wanderer, not as an Army MP (his previous life). I also prefer 80% (at least) of the story told through Reacher’s point of view. In “The Secret,” Reacher’s POV takes a backseat to close a dozen other characters. Overall, the story was interesting, & a couple intriguing plot twists kept me reading, but #28 in the series is a pale imitation to Reacher books of yore.

The Secret is the latest novel in the series featuring Jack Reacher and takes us back to the days when he was still in the army. This time around, he is part of a team investigating suspicious deaths occurring throughout the country. This is an extremely well written and exciting page turner which begins with a startling death and continues with non-stop action leading to a totally unexpected conclusion.
This book is highly recommended for all readers who enjoy this genre and I thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.

I used to get to read a new Jack Reacher book ​once every 3 or 4 books. Ever since I caught up a few years ago, I get to read a new Jack Reacher book ​once every year instead, and each time I'm reminded why I've read every single one of them, and each time I get a little sad that I've caught up and it'll be another year before I get to read another.​ The succession plan is absolutely working. The Secret ​is the fourth book in the series that is co-written by Lee Child and his younger brother Andrew as Lee heads toward retirement, and the first among those that acts as a prequel. I'm very impressed by the care with which they seem to be handing over the series. It doesn't feel like these books were written by Andrew with Lee credited just because he created the series. They feel like the real deal. It feels like an apprenticeship and when Andrew becomes the architect, the series will be in good hands.

The way the story was crafted was unusual​ because this time, the reader knows a lot more than the protagonist does and we watch Reacher catch up to our level of understanding and then figure out more than we knew. ​Usually, we're mostly in the dark with Reacher and then he figures stuff out and refuses to tell us what he knows until he realizes he's wrong or traps the bad guy in an impressive way because of what he knows. The setup and the way the book checks in regularly with the puppetmaster of the events was very reminiscent of Tripwire.​ Of course, we all love the drifter version of Reacher, but it's always fun to read stories from when Reacher was an MP, and this story of him participating in a no-win interagency task force shortly after his infamous demotion to captain is no exception. In short, I loved it. See you in a year.

Loved it! I found it to be a good read and enjoyed the look back to when Jack was still in the service. The beginning was a bit confusing with the introduction of the various plot points. However, by the end, all of these threads were tied up in a nice neat bow.

This was a typical Jack Reacher story. He's an officer who knows his own mind and isn't afraid to follow where the path might lead - not where the powers that be want it to go, but where it actually leads. As is usual, it seems that the army is setting Jack up to fail. Too bad for them, he doesn't always play by the rules, but will go the extra mile to find the answers, and success!

I look forward to the next installment.

The Secret presents an early look at Jack Reacher while he was still in the Army. He is already a "take charge" kind of guy, but is still not quite the Reacher of Lee Child's later novels in the series. Nonetheless, The Secret captured my attention until the very end.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

I typically wait for the release date for Jack Reacher, but this year my impatience got the better of me and I requested an ARC. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me early access in exchange for my honest review.

Reacher's head is carved up there on my Mount Rushmore and is in absolutely no danger of being blasted and cleared away to make room for a new face. At this point I'm convinced that the transition between Messrs. Child is complete and Andrew is fully in charge of the story and writing...I could be mistaken, but it's been what? 4 books?

The story is tight, the action is great, the suspense is right in line with what I've come to expect from a Reacher novel. I love military Reacher. Present-day vagabond/vigilante Reacher is good, but military Reacher is the Reacher I like to read about and this story does not disappoint. Very enjoyable, 5 stars.

Well done Andrew, this long-time Reacher fan is excited for the future of the series.

Early Reacher

Army military police Jack Reacher is paired with members of other government departments to try to find out who is after scientists who worked at an Indian chemical plant in 1969; The scientists are being killed one by one. Reacher partners with FBI, CIA and Treasury officers to solve the crimes.

This was a refreshing change for the Reacher series. Instead current time with him traveling around the country and fighting crime all alone, this was set in an earlier period, where he was still Army police with a living brother.

Some of the recent books got a little too far-fetched for me. This has Reacher fighting numerous people at once, but it was (relatively) believable.

The writing was good and I liked the characters, especially the flawed or damaged partners. But the plot didn't capture me. It wasn't bad, but just did not compel me to keep reading, hence the 4 stars rather than.5. I am a fan of the authors and read everything they write, so I was happy to read this even with the less than stellar plot.

There was also what was basically a short story at the beginning of this book where Reacher finds out what happened to missing gun parts. That was a very good story.

I've been a fan of Jack Reacher for many years, they are a fun read and highly entertaining. When I found out that his novels would be taken over by an author I enjoyed reading, I was curious as to how it would turn out. I'm glad to discover that I had nothing to fear because my good friend Reacher was in excellent hands. This story starts off with Reacher in the army in the mid 1990's, still in uniform as a captain in the MP's and investigating a gun theft in Illinois. He takes care of the problem with his usual style, and is sent to DC to help investigate the murders of a group of scientists involved with a secret project from 1969 in India. Naturally, the story becomes complex and Jack and his fellow investigators become neck deep in a conspiracy involving the Secretary of Defense. It's a very good read, like others in this series. The pace is easy and luckily the order you read these books doesn't matter, which is nice because it means you're not hindered by trying to remember what happened in the last book which you read over a year before. I liked the throwback to the 90's, the use of beepers and fax machines which are completely foreign in the current day and age. I'm glad to know that one of my favorite characters is in very good hands, and I will hopefully be able to continue to read these novels for as long as Reacher continues to knock heads together.