Review: Never Go Back by Lee Child

"Nothing happens in the movies that doesn't happen in real life." (Really? Living Dead?  Zombies? Godzillas?) One of the most ridiculous comments ever made, and made by someone who, apparently having nothing else to do, had read through Reacher's file -- begun on him before age six when, at a special screening put on by Army Psy-Ops, he attacked a monster on the screen with a switchblade. Age six mind you.  Apparently, they loved his instant aggression, when all the other kids recoiled in fear.

Such an implausible story. Reacher, who never seems to lack for funds and always has cash on hand, (or just happens on his version of an ATM, a burning meth lab) travels across multiple states to visit Major Susan Turner, the commander of his old outfit, because he liked the sound of her voice. Then it turns out he is the object of a huge conspiracy that he, of course, solves forthwith after having been reinstated into the army. It would seem none of the new brass, including his JAG lawyers like him -- I can understand why, he's about the most abrasive personality ever -- but the non-coms all seem to fawn over him. He also remembers the smallest details of those who had served under him even after 16 years and knows what they are currently up to in spite of his peripatetic lifestyle with no home base, nor cell phone, etc. Banking for him must be a nightmare.

He insists he likes women, has as many affairs as possible, has no kids or responsibilities, yet when faced with a possible paternity issue from 16 years before (the timeline issue is another problem for me) he reveals little interest in the child.

Reacher has got to be the least likable paladin (I really hate to denigrate Richard Boone's character but don't want to call Reacher a hero.)  He's what one critic described as a "good" psychopath because he kills loads of people, but theoretically only those who "deserve" to die, so those of us in the audience rooting for the vigilante, are supposed to like him.

I think he's one of the most boring characters in any series.  He doesn't read, seemingly has no interests,  and evinces no interest in anything nor the least bit of introspection. At least Lisbeth Salamander She knows herself,  explaining to her rapist, as she’s about to take revenge, ‘Keep in mind that I’m crazy, won’t you.’ And yet, we read on, wondering what anti-social act is just around the corner. Feel free to skim. You'll miss little.