Worth Dying For (Jack Reacher)

Initially, we are not told how Jack Reacher survived the seemingly-terminal events of the last book, as he makes his way south to an unwelcoming part of Nebraska in the dead of winter. He fetches up in a town in the grip of the powerful, manipulative Duncan family, and the cowed townspeople have no fight left in them. In a sleazy hotel, he encounters the town's alcoholic doctor, and the two end up driving to a house where they come across a grim case of domestic violence. And Child admirers won’t be surprised to learn that Jack’s life is soon on the line -- as usual. The stage is set for violent confrontation.

Lee Child, with each new book, effortlessly sails to the top of the bestseller charts – a feat already achieved with Worth Dying For. The secret? There are no frills with the business-like Mr Child - just copper-bottomed storytelling skills, fully on display with this new book. The frigid Nebraska setting here contrasts tellingly with the hot action. --Barry Forshaw