The Drifter

A free copy of this book was provided to me by NetGalley in return for my honest review.
It is easy to see why Nick Petrie’s debut thriller has been favourably compared to Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series.   This fast-paced novel features a tough, former soldier, Peter Ash, who lives a solitary life roaming the outback of America.  Although a more nuanced and flawed character than Reacher, he shares the same code of honour and is equally lethal in a fight.
In The Drifter when Ash that learns that one of his friends, Jimmy, from his days in the Marines committed suicide he is overcome with guilt over never trying to see him or make sure he was doing okay. To repay his perceived debt he leaves the comfort of his mountain hide-out and returns to "the so-called civilized world" to help Jimmy's widow and their children by doing some overdue maintenance to their house. His repairs to their front porch, however, is interrupted by the discovery of an ugly mean dog and suitcase filled with money and explosives.  Soon he is embarking on his own investigation into Jimmy’s death and trying to keep his old friend’s family safe from the men who are watching their house.  
This is a nicely pace thriller that is made more enjoyable by its rich cast of characters.  Petrie deals sensitively and honestly with Ash’s debilitating claustrophobia caused by his tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq and takes time out to reflect on the terrible treatment of some returned soldiers in America.  The plotting has some neat twists and the book builds to a taut climax on Veterans’ Day.  
Fans of Jack Reacher will love this new addition to growing gallery of modern day western-style heroes.  Highly recommended.