Lee Child's TRIPWIRE

I've just finished Lee Child's TRIPWIRE. Because I read his books in whatever order I can get hold of them (the bookstore, the library, a friend's bookshelf), I've devoured this, the 3rd Jack Reacher book, after number 16... and number 13... and number 10. It doesn't matter. The Reacher books can be enjoyed out of sequence.

In a way, it's even more fun to discover the younger version of the hero after you get to know the more seasoned guy. Perhaps Lee Child knows it as well, because his latest novel (#16) is set in 1997 while book #8 goes all the way back to 1990.

But I digress. TRIPWIRE is a truly good read. I can do no better than quote the blurb for a quick hook: "Reacher's lazy anonymity in Key West is shattered by a stranger who comes to town searching for him but ends up dead. Following the man's trail back to New York, he finds a bewildered, elderly couple still mourning an all-American son lost in Vietnam, a woman Reacher couldn't forget, and a most vicious opponent."

Marked by Child's signature pace, packed with action and character development, this book stands out for me from the rest because of its message. War is pointless, it says. War heroes die in vain.

It's a hard message to swallow. It's also an important message to swallow. And then swallow again, lest you ever forget.