Chain Reaction

 

Chain Reaction by Lee Child and Andrew Child
10/20/26; 416 pages
Ballantine
Jack Reacher Series #31 

Chain Reaction by Lee Child and Andrew Child is a very highly recommended, high octane and un-put-downable thriller featuring former Army Major Jack Reacher. This is excellent addition to the long-running series. The threat this time involves a nefarious scheme involving cybercrime and AI data centers.

General Susan Turner, who is now leading an investigative group called CSA G-99, which she describes "like the army's own FBI," has tracked down Jack Reacher to ask for his help. She suspects a traitor in the organization and needs a trustworthy outsider to look into the killing of CID Special Agent John Bisley, 32. Bisley flew from DC to the Denver airport and then drove to Summertown, an area full of solar panels and 5 large data centers, where he checked in for 5 nights at the only hotel. He was then found dead, stabbed 8 times, behind a biker bar 40 miles to the west the same night. He left behind a wife and baby daughter. Bisley was investigating a phantom data center copying/stealing information from nearby legitimate data centers. Reacher accepts the challenge.

WOW! As one of the best Reacher novels I've read, this is timely investigation is action-packed, compelling, fast-paced, complex, and well-plotted. It held my complete attention right up to the excellent final denouement. Sure, some disbelief has to be set aside because Reacher is unstoppable, super-human, an eating machine, hyper-aware, and the bad guys always get their comeuppance. He is also intelligent, honorable, dependable, and analytical. In other words, he is a perfect hero for action junkies and this intricate plot provides plenty of action.

Even though this is the 31st novel in the series, there is enough background information provided that you can jump in and read this as a standalone novel. Personally, I skimmed the personal encounters between Turner and Reacher as I was reading for the action, investigation and reactions rather than their personal relationship. However, there are some touching and unexpected encounters between Reacher and a baby.

Chain Reaction is an excellent choice for those who enjoy action-packed thrillers and everyone following the Reacher series. Thanks to Ballantine for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.