Without Fail

by Lee Child
Without Fail cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Thriller/Suspense
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Technical
  • ID: 4300
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781407070643
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2008-09-04
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Jack Reacher, a lone wanderer with no ties, receives a plea for help from a woman working at the heart of US power. She needs his assistance in her new role as the protector of the Vice-President, who is being targeted by an unknown threat. Reacher, known for his principles and action-packed adventures, steps in to uncover the conspiracy and ensure the safety of the Vice-President. The novel is the sixth in the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child, known for his iconic protagonist and thrilling plots. /n/n Lee Child's Jack Reacher series is renowned for its fast-paced action and unexpected twists. In 'Without Fail,' Reacher's unique skills and independent nature are put to the test as he navigates the complexities of protecting a high-profile political figure. The story is filled with suspense and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Reviews
BD Lawrence · 2024-08-28
good 3.50

The book offers good suspense in the latter two-thirds and a mystery that is not easily solvable by the reader.

The reviewer noted that while there are no real surprises, the latter two-thirds of the book are filled with good suspense. They appreciated the mystery, which they felt was not something a reader could easily solve on their own. The reviewer enjoyed the build-up and the way the story kept them guessing until the end. They found the pacing to be effective, even if the beginning was a bit slower.

Quick quotes

    There are no real surprises, but good suspense in the latter two-thirds.

    The mystery isn't one that I feel a reader could solve on their own.

    The pacing is effective, even if the beginning is a bit slower.

Goodreads · 2024-01-01
disappointing 2.50

This thriller lacks the drama typically expected from Lee Child's works. The plot does not tie up well, leaving some loose ends.

The reviewer felt that this book lacked the usual drama and excitement that is typically found in Lee Child's thrillers. The plot did not tie up well, leaving some loose ends that were not satisfactorily resolved. They found the antagonists to be underdeveloped and the overall story to be disappointing. Despite these issues, the reviewer appreciated the writing style and the character development, but felt that the plot could have been stronger.

Quick quotes

    Without Fail lacked most of the drama that we have come to expect from Lee Child's thrillers.

    The plot didn't tie up (I won't spoil it, but the antagonists had ...).

    The overall story was disappointing, but the writing style and character development were appreciated.

EuroCrime · 2024-01-01
great 4.50

This book is well written in a spare, informal style. Reacher is a great hero, both intelligent and a one-man killing machine.

The reviewer loved this book, praising its well-written, spare, and informal style. They found Jack Reacher to be a great hero, both intelligent and a formidable one-man killing machine. The reviewer appreciated the tight plotting and the minimal introspection, which kept the story moving at a fast pace. They also enjoyed the emotional involvement and the depth of the characters, which added to the overall enjoyment of the book. The reviewer highly recommends this book to fans of thrillers and action-packed stories.

Quick quotes

    If you hadn't guessed, I loved this book.

    It's well written in a spare, informal style.

    Reacher is a great hero, both intelligent and a one man killing machine.

Warm Days Will Never Cease · 2017-10-24
great 4.00

This novel is an enjoyable thriller with great characters and smooth writing. It is action-packed and highly recommended.

The reviewer found this book to be an enjoyable read, praising its action-packed nature and smooth writing. They highlighted the great characters and the overall enjoyment they derived from the story. The reviewer definitely recommends it to others who enjoy thrillers. The plot kept them engaged, and they appreciated the well-crafted elements that made the book exciting and suspenseful.

Quick quotes

    Overall, this is an enjoyable novel which I'd definitely recommend.

    It's an action-packed thriller with great characters and smooth writing.

    The plot kept me engaged and the suspense was well-maintained.

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