Bad Luck and Trouble

by Lee Child
Bad Luck and Trouble cover
Good Books rating 3.9
Thriller/Suspense
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 7290
  • Added: 2025-12-13
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780553818109
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2008-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

In the aftermath of 9/11, Jack Reacher's life as a drifter takes an unexpected turn. No longer able to remain completely untraceable, he now carries photo ID, a small but significant change. Yet, his nomadic lifestyle continues, until a mysterious call from his past forces him to confront old allies and new enemies. The Special Investigators, a group he once belonged to, are in trouble, and Reacher is the only one who can help. /n/n As Reacher delves deeper into the danger, he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens not only his life but the lives of those he cares about. With his signature blend of intelligence, combat skills, and unyielding determination, Reacher must navigate a web of deceit and violence to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-12-13
excellent 4.20

The characters are the standout feature, seamlessly introduced as if they were old friends. The story is engaging and keeps the reader hooked.

This novel excels in its character development, making each one feel familiar and well-loved. The plot is tight and suspenseful, with short, punchy sentences that drive the action forward. It's a classic Reacher novel that fans will appreciate for its thrilling narrative and well-crafted characters. The story's pacing is excellent, ensuring that readers remain engaged from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    I really liked this one, and as always, the characters do it for me

    Lee Child did it again with introducing them all seamlessly, like the old friends they are

    The storyline was captivating and enjoyed every minute of the journey of Jack

James Reasoner's Blog · James Reasoner · 2023-12-11
good 3.50

The pacing is good and the dialogue is engaging, but the plot feels a bit thin as the story progresses.

Lee Child maintains a good pace throughout the novel, and the dialogue is well-crafted and engaging. However, as the story unfolds, there is a sense that the plot is not as substantial as it could be. The characters are well-written, but the overall narrative feels a bit thin, which can be disappointing for readers expecting a more robust story. Despite this, the book is still enjoyable and worth reading, especially for fans of the series. The action sequences are well-executed and the suspense is palpable, making it a solid addition to the Reacher series.

Quick quotes

    Author Lee Child keeps things moving along at a very nice pace

    The dialogue is good, but the farther I read, the more I felt like there was something missing

    The characters are well-written, but the overall narrative feels a bit thin

Boston Writers Blog · 2019-12-20
great 4.00

The plot is thick with suspense and the characters are compelling, making it a typical and enjoyable Reacher novel.

This book is a quintessential Reacher novel, with short, impactful sentences and a plot that is both intricate and suspenseful. The characters are well-developed and their interactions are compelling, making the story feel personal and intense. The action is fast-paced, and the dialogue is sharp, adding to the overall enjoyment of the read. The emotional resonance of the story is particularly notable, as it delves into themes of loyalty and vengeance in a way that feels deeply personal.

Quick quotes

    This is an out-and-out typical Reacher novel

    The plot is thick, the suspense is high and Reacher is as formidable as ever

    The emotional resonance of the story is particularly notable

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