I read the entire book today, and I’m still not sure what it was about. One thing I do know? Jack Reacher had absolutely nothing to do with anything.
The main characters, FBI agents Kim Otto and Carlos Gaspar, are sent on a mission so vague that I’m not sure they even knew what they were supposed to be doing. Kim comes off as green and uncertain—she’s clearly trying her best, but she spends most of the book squinting at clues and nervously second-guessing herself. Meanwhile, Gaspar is oddly funny, oddly chill, and has the uncanny ability to nap anywhere, anytime. (Jealous, honestly.)
I went in hoping for a Jack Reacher story—or at least a trying-to-find-Jack-Reacher story. Instead, I got two agents chasing... something? Someone? Reacher is mentioned, sure. He was once in a town they were in. But if you’re looking for Reacher to show up, or for the story to have a strong connection to him? You’re out of luck.
The plot? I couldn’t tell you. I kept turning pages thinking, Okay, any second now it’ll start making sense. Spoiler: it never did. I’ve never been so confused while reading a book. Nothing stood out because everything was a blur of vague motives, secretive conversations, and cryptic assignments that never got explained.
And yet—despite myself—I’m going to read the second book. Partly out of stubbornness. Partly because I’ve already paid for the next few in the series, and I’d like them to earn their keep. If the second one doesn’t bring some clarity (and maybe a little actual Reacher), then I’m calling it.
Bottom line: If you’re a Jack Reacher fan, don’t expect this book to scratch that itch. It’s more like chasing a ghost with two agents who aren’t quite sure what they’re chasing—or why.
