Publication
London : Bantam, 2011.
Collection
Call number
Fiction C
Physical description
542 p.; 20 cm
Status
Available
Call number
Description
Fiction. Suspense. Thriller. HTML:�Gripping and suspenseful . . . Child ratchets up the suspense to new heights.��The Denver Post Jack Reacher lives for the moment. Without a home. Without commitment. And with a burning desire to right wrongs�and rewrite his own agonizing past. DEA Susan Duffy is living for the future, knowing that she has made a terrible mistake by putting one of her own female agents into a death trap within a heavily guarded Maine mansion. Staging a brilliant ruse, Reacher hurtles into the dark heart of a vast criminal enterprise. Trying to rescue an agent whose time is running out, Reacher enters a crime lord�s waterfront fortress. There he will find a world of secrecy and violence�and confront some unfinished business from his own past. #7 in the Jack Reacher series Praise for Persuader �A page-turner . . . [Lee] Child�s tale drives hard and fast.��Los Angeles Times Book Review �Wickedly addictive . . . so fast-paced it makes the eyeballs spin.��Orlando Sentinel �A story that will sweep you along as fast as some of the riptides Reacher survives.��St. Petersburg Times.… (more)
Series
Genres
User reviews
LibraryThing member labdaddy4
I have been working my way through Child's Reacher novels, reading them in order. This is the poorest one - plodding
LibraryThing member neringros
This book started out kind of dull. I almost changed my mind at the first couple of pages, until I realized that all the cliches were there for a reason...Good light read overall, this book has the ability to keep the reader enthralled, but it did feel like it was written by a guy, tailored for a
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guy - full of grit... Alter ego, perhaps? Show Less
LibraryThing member MSWallack
While I enjoyed Persuader, I couldn't help but feel that Lee Child had grown somewhat tired or fatigued of his character. Several of the episodes in the story reminded me of previous novels in the series (for example, the unusual house in which much of the story takes place harkens back to the
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unusual house in which much of Echo Burning took place). That said, I particularly enjoyed the flashbacks into Reacher's past and it was nice that Reacher finally had the chance to be the tough guy again. Show Less
LibraryThing member gauravrekhi
I think this is the lowest I would ever rate a Jack Reacher novel. I love them and will soon have read each one of them. This one is good as usual, but its not great as usual. I think the plot has some great twists but the final one if a bit weak. But overall, Jack Reacher novels rock and I will
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not let this slight aberration hinder my following the best investigative/action thriller series we have around. Show Less
LibraryThing member sgillette
I think this has been my favorite of the series so far, and I have loved them all. The best part of the Jack Reacher series is the fact that the first sentence always captures you and doesn't let you go until the last sentence. Case in point, Persuader begins, "The cop climbed out of his car xactly
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four minutes before he got shot." Show Less
LibraryThing member VinnyL
This story is a fast moving one that gives you a feel for Idaho living from both sides of the fence, yuppy and mountain man. The only weak scene is a critical one involving a key plot twist at the three quarter mark. Instead of being shocking, it becomes surprising and confused with an improbable
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scene of a rational person purposely drinking deadly water. A good read, but for this a great one. Show Less
LibraryThing member edella
One of the reviewers said: "Personally, I dislike books that treat everyone except the detective like an idiot. (I'm talking to you, Agatha Christie.)".
I will say that christie leaves the clues as well! But I actually enjoy another aspect which is common to agatha christie and lee child, namely
I am not american, and neither is child (and in some ways, neither is reacher), so we are intrigued and perhaps share an outsider's view, a chance to see all the trees that make up the american forest!
I will say that christie leaves the clues as well! But I actually enjoy another aspect which is common to agatha christie and lee child, namely
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the many and varied scenes of his novels. I enjoy the main character, but I also enjoy learning, much like reacher, about different places and people. I am not american, and neither is child (and in some ways, neither is reacher), so we are intrigued and perhaps share an outsider's view, a chance to see all the trees that make up the american forest!
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LibraryThing member justabookreader
Jack Reacher is a man of many talents, chiefly among them seems to be rescuing others in dire circumstances. His former career as a military police officer seems to be a constant fall back --- as much as he does try to distance himself from it.
Persuader opens with a shoot out on a college campus
As it turns out, Reacher isn't really there to protect anyone but himself. He's been sent in off the books by Susan Duffy, an agent from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), to rescue another DEA agent who went silent. He's also there for another more personal reason --- he plans to settle an old score with a man named Quinn who is supposed to be dead.
As with all Lee Child books I have read, this one starts out at a brisk pace and keeps going. There are a lot of characters and numerous twists but he some how manages to keep it easy to follow. The suspense is high and readers stand to learn a lot about guns and other ways to kill. While it might not be an interesting point for every reader, imagining Reacher inspecting each gun he is either given or stolen is an intriguing insight into the character and his background.
There is one thing to note with Lee Child novels --- you need to suspend all belief to get the most out of it. Reacher is a drifter who was downsized out of the army and spends his days hitching rides across the U.S. He carries no bags and has no family, the way he likes it. Yet, he somehow always manages to be in the right place at the right time and some government agency is always salivating to hire him for an off the books job after a peek at his service record.
This doesn't make the books bad. It's the exact opposite. You keep reading because you want to find out how he's going to get out of a hostage situation, fight his way out of a locked room, and get the girl; which in almost every single book I've read this year (and there were seven of them) he has.
Enjoy this book for what it is --- a fast paced thriller that will keep you engaged to the very end.
Persuader opens with a shoot out on a college campus
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and Reacher just happens to be there to save student Richard Beck from being kidnapped. With the dramatic rescue accomplished, he worms his way into the family's house and finds a job as a body guard.As it turns out, Reacher isn't really there to protect anyone but himself. He's been sent in off the books by Susan Duffy, an agent from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), to rescue another DEA agent who went silent. He's also there for another more personal reason --- he plans to settle an old score with a man named Quinn who is supposed to be dead.
As with all Lee Child books I have read, this one starts out at a brisk pace and keeps going. There are a lot of characters and numerous twists but he some how manages to keep it easy to follow. The suspense is high and readers stand to learn a lot about guns and other ways to kill. While it might not be an interesting point for every reader, imagining Reacher inspecting each gun he is either given or stolen is an intriguing insight into the character and his background.
There is one thing to note with Lee Child novels --- you need to suspend all belief to get the most out of it. Reacher is a drifter who was downsized out of the army and spends his days hitching rides across the U.S. He carries no bags and has no family, the way he likes it. Yet, he somehow always manages to be in the right place at the right time and some government agency is always salivating to hire him for an off the books job after a peek at his service record.
This doesn't make the books bad. It's the exact opposite. You keep reading because you want to find out how he's going to get out of a hostage situation, fight his way out of a locked room, and get the girl; which in almost every single book I've read this year (and there were seven of them) he has.
Enjoy this book for what it is --- a fast paced thriller that will keep you engaged to the very end.
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LibraryThing member crazybatcow
Interesting, non-complicated, butt-kicking story. One of the best Reachers yet - no out-of-place politics or romance - guy just saves the day, as expected. Nice plot, nice pacing, even the ending fits what one expects from a Reacher novel. Excellent.
LibraryThing member edwardsgt
Another nail-biting Jack Reacher story from Lee Child. Unusually, Reacher accepts an assignment "off the books" from DEA staff, but only because he has personal history with one of the main players, going back to his MP days. This is one of Reacher's most challenging assignments so far and
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different to most as he's forced to become a team player for much of it. Show Less
LibraryThing member Reacherfan
This has a an interesting story line. There are really two stories that take place at the same time, and at one point, both stories merge.
Reacher is walking down the street, and Reacher sees the impossible. A man that died 10 years ago. How does Reacher know that the man died? Easy, because 10
It's up to Reacher to find out why that guy didn't die, and infultrait the man's job operation so he can see what's really happening. The problem is that Reacher can't do it directly, so he has to find out who the guy he killed is working for, and work it from that angle.
I know that sounds strange, but trust me, it's a wonderful read! There is so much action that the reader will be glued to every page. What I liked about this is there's a guy named Paulie, who's bigger than Reacher. Also, this is the first time that Reacher really shows any fear when he fights someone. Reacher thinks, "Okay, I'm going to die".
I don't want to say to much of the plot, I just don't want to give anything away. This has so many plot twists and a ton of action. It's a "guy" book. You won't be sorry if you read this. This is a great Reacher adventure, one of my favorites!
Reacher is walking down the street, and Reacher sees the impossible. A man that died 10 years ago. How does Reacher know that the man died? Easy, because 10
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years ago, Reacher killed him, or so he thought.It's up to Reacher to find out why that guy didn't die, and infultrait the man's job operation so he can see what's really happening. The problem is that Reacher can't do it directly, so he has to find out who the guy he killed is working for, and work it from that angle.
I know that sounds strange, but trust me, it's a wonderful read! There is so much action that the reader will be glued to every page. What I liked about this is there's a guy named Paulie, who's bigger than Reacher. Also, this is the first time that Reacher really shows any fear when he fights someone. Reacher thinks, "Okay, I'm going to die".
I don't want to say to much of the plot, I just don't want to give anything away. This has so many plot twists and a ton of action. It's a "guy" book. You won't be sorry if you read this. This is a great Reacher adventure, one of my favorites!
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LibraryThing member firedog
My first experience with a Jack Reacher book. It definitely was action packed and unpredictable from start to finish. I will definitely read more in this series.
LibraryThing member nosajeel
I've never read Lee Child before but based on what I've heard thought he would be one of the better thriller writers. Downloaded this book for free on Kindle about a year ago and in retrospect that wasn't cheap enough to justify getting it.
It started out promisingly enough with an action scene that
Some of the purported suspense comes from situations you can't possibly imagine how Reacher will escape. Like a 300 pound killer with two guns who has cornered him weaponless. In that case, the killer decides to put down his guns and beat Reacher to death with his bare hands -- which doesn't work out too well. About three more bad guys similarly take their time describing their diabolical plans to Reacher while letting him handle what they think are unloaded guns -- but surprise, surprise, they're loaded. Similar plot devices make this increasingly a chore to read.
It started out promisingly enough with an action scene that
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propels the protagonist, Jack Reacher, forward into the thriller plot. Although the book was a thrill a minute (if you count extensive descriptions of firearms, hackneyed descriptions of killing and occasional sex), I was kept going by the feeling that there had to be major surprises in store. It just couldn't be that the people who appeared good (and most of them were really good) and those who appeared bad (and they ranged from very bad to extremely bad) really could be what they appeared. But sadly, they all were. The "plot" was just a question of how Reacher would kill them all the bad ones while rescuing some of the good ones and avoiding being killed himself.Some of the purported suspense comes from situations you can't possibly imagine how Reacher will escape. Like a 300 pound killer with two guns who has cornered him weaponless. In that case, the killer decides to put down his guns and beat Reacher to death with his bare hands -- which doesn't work out too well. About three more bad guys similarly take their time describing their diabolical plans to Reacher while letting him handle what they think are unloaded guns -- but surprise, surprise, they're loaded. Similar plot devices make this increasingly a chore to read.
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LibraryThing member Bestine
Why haven't I heard about Lee Child before this year? These Jack Reacher novels are great: gritty and imaginative with nifty, blind-siding plot twists and fascinating, well-developed characters. He also (IMHO) manages to use the 'spare, noir writing style' without sounding like he's trying to ape
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the classics of the genre. Show Less
LibraryThing member sjames78226
The best Jack Reacher book so far, cant wait to read the next one.
LibraryThing member jasonlf
I've never read Lee Child before but based on what I've heard thought he would be one of the better thriller writers. Downloaded this book for free on Kindle about a year ago and in retrospect that wasn't cheap enough to justify getting it.
It started out promisingly enough with an action scene that
Some of the purported suspense comes from situations you can't possibly imagine how Reacher will escape. Like a 300 pound killer with two guns who has cornered him weaponless. In that case, the killer decides to put down his guns and beat Reacher to death with his bare hands -- which doesn't work out too well. About three more bad guys similarly take their time describing their diabolical plans to Reacher while letting him handle what they think are unloaded guns -- but surprise, surprise, they're loaded. Similar plot devices make this increasingly a chore to read.
It started out promisingly enough with an action scene that
Show More
propels the protagonist, Jack Reacher, forward into the thriller plot. Although the book was a thrill a minute (if you count extensive descriptions of firearms, hackneyed descriptions of killing and occasional sex), I was kept going by the feeling that there had to be major surprises in store. It just couldn't be that the people who appeared good (and most of them were really good) and those who appeared bad (and they ranged from very bad to extremely bad) really could be what they appeared. But sadly, they all were. The "plot" was just a question of how Reacher would kill them all the bad ones while rescuing some of the good ones and avoiding being killed himself. Some of the purported suspense comes from situations you can't possibly imagine how Reacher will escape. Like a 300 pound killer with two guns who has cornered him weaponless. In that case, the killer decides to put down his guns and beat Reacher to death with his bare hands -- which doesn't work out too well. About three more bad guys similarly take their time describing their diabolical plans to Reacher while letting him handle what they think are unloaded guns -- but surprise, surprise, they're loaded. Similar plot devices make this increasingly a chore to read.
Show Less
LibraryThing member tororojo
Jack Reacher is one of my all-time favorite characters, and I am a big fan of Child's direct, concise writing. Although this isn't my favorite Reacher novel, it easily meets my high expectations for the novels in the series.
The tale begins with some curious goings-on that aren't easily reconciled
As always with Child's novels, once Reacher figures out what's really going on, the reader sees the clues that were scattered along the way. Reacher novels are enticingly frustrating in this regard. Which details are key, and which are superfluous?
The tale begins with some curious goings-on that aren't easily reconciled
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with Reacher's character. The discrepancies are explained, and hidden agendas are explained.As always with Child's novels, once Reacher figures out what's really going on, the reader sees the clues that were scattered along the way. Reacher novels are enticingly frustrating in this regard. Which details are key, and which are superfluous?
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LibraryThing member TomWheaton
This is the 7th book in the Jack Reacher series and I didn't like it as much as some of the earlier books. I thought it started rather slowly and took awhile for me to really get into the storyyline. However, the last 100 pages where good and it turned into a page-turner. I will continue to read
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the next books in the series hoping for another good read. Show Less
LibraryThing member slarsoncollins
Jack Reacher is an ex-MP who doesn't always play by the book. While out on a walk, he sees a dead man, a man he would have sworn he killed ten years prior. Beginning a new search for his old target, Reacher winds up with the feds on his doorstep. Knowing who is on the loose, and what he's capable
I couldn't put this book down. I love Jack Reacher. Lee Child did a good job developing the characters, set a great pace in the book, which was obviously well researched, and threw in some fantastic twists to keep me turning the pages (or at least clicking my next page button) late into the night.
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of, Reacher joins forces with the feds to infiltrate a suspected drug ring to try and finish what he started. I couldn't put this book down. I love Jack Reacher. Lee Child did a good job developing the characters, set a great pace in the book, which was obviously well researched, and threw in some fantastic twists to keep me turning the pages (or at least clicking my next page button) late into the night.
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LibraryThing member losloper
Never forgive, never forget. That's Jack Reacher's standard operating procedure. And Francis Xavier Quinn was the worst guy he had ever met. He had done truly unforgivable things. So Reacher was glad to know he was dead. Until the day he saw him, alive and well, riding in a limousine outside
Never apologize. Never explain. When Reacher witnesses a brutal attempt to kidnap a terrified young student on a New England campus, he takes the law into his own hands. That's his way, after all. Only this time, a cop dies, and Reacher doesn't stick around to explain. Has he lost his sense of right and wrong? Just because this time, it's personal?
So begins Lee Child's seventh novel. Another heartstopping page-turner, it brings back Child's much-loved hero, Jack Reacher, at his pragmatic and uncompromising best.
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Boston's Symphony Hall. Never apologize. Never explain. When Reacher witnesses a brutal attempt to kidnap a terrified young student on a New England campus, he takes the law into his own hands. That's his way, after all. Only this time, a cop dies, and Reacher doesn't stick around to explain. Has he lost his sense of right and wrong? Just because this time, it's personal?
So begins Lee Child's seventh novel. Another heartstopping page-turner, it brings back Child's much-loved hero, Jack Reacher, at his pragmatic and uncompromising best.
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LibraryThing member SunnySD
Getting involved in an off the books DEA operation wasn't on Reacher's to-do list, but when he spots a dead man's face in the crowd, he's on board. Undercover, out numbered with his cover unraveling, Reacher's determined to find some answers. And this time make sure the dead man stays dead.
There's
There's
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no one quite like Reacher for pure bloody - very bloody - determination. Show Less
LibraryThing member EricKibler
This first-person tale is a strong entry in the series. Child's Reacher books can always be counted on for hard-ass action, but this one shows a new hard-boiled artfulness to Child's approach, capturing the bittersweet tinge of tenderness that lies in the heart of every tough guy, and serving up
Here's one: "I caught him with a wild left in the throat. It was a solid punch, and a lucky one. But not for him. It crushed his larynx. He went down on the floor again and suffocated. It was reasonably quick. About a minute and a half. There was nothing I could do for him. I'm not a doctor."
Reacher is at his best when his emotions are engaged. Particularly those emotions that require vengeance, and the dark thrill of taking out the baddest guys. The ones who can't be suffered to live. And that's what we get here. Reacher in full avenging mode.
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some terse prose that, in a couple of action sequences, will make a fan of the genre laugh with delight.Here's one: "I caught him with a wild left in the throat. It was a solid punch, and a lucky one. But not for him. It crushed his larynx. He went down on the floor again and suffocated. It was reasonably quick. About a minute and a half. There was nothing I could do for him. I'm not a doctor."
Reacher is at his best when his emotions are engaged. Particularly those emotions that require vengeance, and the dark thrill of taking out the baddest guys. The ones who can't be suffered to live. And that's what we get here. Reacher in full avenging mode.
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LibraryThing member Smiler69
Did all kinds of chores around the house today, including taking an old toothbrush to the space between the tiles in my bathroom. I'm not very fond of housecleaning, but once in a while I get a fixation on a certain specific task and get it done as if it was an Olympic event. I also did lots of
My rating (2.75 stars) is based on my rating system in which three stars means 'enjoyed it (good)' and two stars mean 'it was just ok'.
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stuff around the kitchen which involved hours of pureeing foods and washing dishes. Anyhow, all that gave me ample time to finish listening to my latest serving of Lee Child, Persuader, which is the 7th book in the Jack Reacher series. I've come to expect lots of gripping, violent action and unputdownable thrills-a-minute from this series, along with more flirting an sex than any Sex and the City episode used to offer up, but somehow I found this one quite boring. Here, Reacher goes undercover within what is already an undercover 'off the books' government agency operation, presumably to rescue a female agent gone missing, but also to avenge the brutal murder of one of his former work colleagues (who happened to be a very attractive young woman and would-be lover) by killing a sadistic ex-military official gone rogue. Lots of gun descriptions, which were a yawn-fest for me, though obviously essential to the story since arms dealers played a large role, and somehow not all that much action, save for two major scenes which I guess made the price of admission worth the expense. I should make the effort to count how many times Child mentions 'he/she said nothing' in any one of his books. But I guess the music is in the space between the notes, or at least, that's what I remember reading somewhere. All the same, it took me just two days to finish this 14+ hour listen, and it did get me to do a lot more chores than I normally do in a six-month period, so it couldn't be all that bad, or at least, it won't keep me from moving on to the next book in the series, to which we get a free 20-minute preview presenting the next case in which a two star General is found dead from a massive heart attack with an empty condom still stuck to his appendage in a two-bit motel a few steps away from a sleazy girlie bar. Just right for when this old maid needs her next dose of testosterone-driven action. My rating (2.75 stars) is based on my rating system in which three stars means 'enjoyed it (good)' and two stars mean 'it was just ok'.
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LibraryThing member nbmars
Persuader is one of the many Lee Child novels featuring Jack Reacher, an ex-military police officer who now passes his time as a loner and vigilante. He doesn’t go looking for trouble, but it keeps finding him. (Actually one isn’t sure what he is looking for, but it’s a moot point since
Like the other six or so Jack Reacher books I have read, this one features snappy, macho dialog, short sentences, at least one very attractive, competent woman, and a few surprising plot twists. In this book, the biggest surprise takes place in the first 30 pages, but the rest of the book holds one’s interest and is not anticlimactic.
Lee Child is very consistent in his portrayal of Jack Reacher: tough, very tough; completely uninterested in monetary rewards; and driven to see that evildoers get their comeuppance. This book may be significant in that for the first time Reacher encounters a bad guy who is bigger (a lot bigger) and tougher than he is. Don’t worry. Jack hasn’t gone soft. This bad guy, at nearly 7 feet tall and over 400 pounds, would be more than a match for Hulk Hogan in his prime. To find out how Jack handles this monster in hand to hand combat, you’ll have to read the book.
The book is pure escapism, well executed. As always, the bad guys are really bad, and the good guys will have to overcome some serious obstacles to prevail. As an added bonus, the author treats (if that’s the right word) the reader to a discussion of the comparative merits of a host of different assault weapons. Child keeps the action taut, usually ending most chapters with a brief sentence that makes you reluctant to put the book down.
Evaluation: I would rate this book as one of the best Reacher novels, with Child at the top of his game. This is the seventh book in the Jack Reacher series, but there is no need to read them in order.
(JAB)
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“bad luck and trouble” as one of Child’s other books is called, keeps following Reacher around.) Like the other six or so Jack Reacher books I have read, this one features snappy, macho dialog, short sentences, at least one very attractive, competent woman, and a few surprising plot twists. In this book, the biggest surprise takes place in the first 30 pages, but the rest of the book holds one’s interest and is not anticlimactic.
Lee Child is very consistent in his portrayal of Jack Reacher: tough, very tough; completely uninterested in monetary rewards; and driven to see that evildoers get their comeuppance. This book may be significant in that for the first time Reacher encounters a bad guy who is bigger (a lot bigger) and tougher than he is. Don’t worry. Jack hasn’t gone soft. This bad guy, at nearly 7 feet tall and over 400 pounds, would be more than a match for Hulk Hogan in his prime. To find out how Jack handles this monster in hand to hand combat, you’ll have to read the book.
The book is pure escapism, well executed. As always, the bad guys are really bad, and the good guys will have to overcome some serious obstacles to prevail. As an added bonus, the author treats (if that’s the right word) the reader to a discussion of the comparative merits of a host of different assault weapons. Child keeps the action taut, usually ending most chapters with a brief sentence that makes you reluctant to put the book down.
Evaluation: I would rate this book as one of the best Reacher novels, with Child at the top of his game. This is the seventh book in the Jack Reacher series, but there is no need to read them in order.
(JAB)
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LibraryThing member reading_fox
Beginning of the decline. Jack's beena superbly consistant hero for many books, but this one makrs the decline that's creapt into the last few. The inital premise is horribly flawed, and while the action scenes are as good as ever, the bad guys are boringly one dimensional.
A chance meeting in a
About half ay through a second story line kicks in which is Reacher's memories of the last tme he met the bad guy Qinn (who barely features in the plot and gets at least three sentances). There seems to be little reason for this other than to pad the story out a bit more.
Lee Child probably can't write badly if he tried, but the plotting on this one needs a bit more thinking through. However it's still an enjoyabel read, and passes the time well enough.
A chance meeting in a
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busy street leads to Jack being involved in an 'off the books' DEA operation regarding a particularly nasty character Quinn that he once met in his earlier life as a military MP. This is just wrong, there aren't 'off the books' operations, especially not such complex affairs with live bullets and innocent civilians around. Anyway Jack ends up infiltrating the susected drug dealers isolated house way out on the coast. He systematically kills a few people sometimes with little justification, before undergoing his usual heroics to spare the vaguely innocent. About half ay through a second story line kicks in which is Reacher's memories of the last tme he met the bad guy Qinn (who barely features in the plot and gets at least three sentances). There seems to be little reason for this other than to pad the story out a bit more.
Lee Child probably can't write badly if he tried, but the plotting on this one needs a bit more thinking through. However it's still an enjoyabel read, and passes the time well enough.
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Awards
Crime Writers' Association Awards (Shortlist — 2003)
Gumshoe Award (Nominee — Novel — 2004)
Language
Original publication date
2003-05-13
ISBN
9780857500106