Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

The answer is mostly because of his character Jack Reacher. I find it interesting that Mr. Child twice reiterates Jack's physical description at 6' 5" and 250 lbs. It's almost like Lee Child is trying to reclaim his character as he has been presented in the past 20 novels -- as opposed to having the "movie" Jack Reacher represented by 5' 7" Tom Cruise. No offense to Tom Cruise but I have known Jack Reacher for almost 20 years. And you are no Jack Reacher. In 1997 Lee Child presented Jack Reacher as a main character in "Killing Floor". Jack is not just a rugged and competent physical specimen, he is highly trained, has great instincts, can calculate numbers (and odds) rapidly in his head, is very intelligent, and can apply his skills immediately and with very little remorse (if any). This combination of attributes also makes him attractive to women. Jack represents what most manly men probably want to be. I have always been interested in the use of "chaos theory" as a problem solving tool. Chaos theory is a method of problem solving in the field of mathematics that deals with complex systems whose behavior is highly sensitive to slight changes in conditions, often small alterations can give rise to strikingly great consequences. Jack Reacher in combination with his main supporting cast are skilled at tossing out random thoughts that helps them leave no stone unturned. Peoples' minds often work in different ways and sometimes the solution that appears obvious to one person just turns out to be a "head fake". And so they move on to explore other potential outcomes. But while Jack Reacher is a fascinating character, and reason enough to read any (or all) of the Reacher novels, Lee Child really excels at being a highly gifted story teller. His plots are relevant and timely, the story is often presented from several points of view, and any thriller/detective novel reader will find himself/herself rapidly sucked into the story and given a front row seat to watch the plot unfold. The writing is tight, his descriptions on point, and his use of humor is both cynical and sarcastic. The brilliance that it takes to put such a complex plot together, while still making it interesting and entertaining, is a trait shared by few authors. My wife always smiles when I laugh out loud while reading. Sometimes the direction the humor comes from is unexpected and in your face, providing an instant surprise that causes your brain to "burp" before it understands what the verbiage really means. When your brain comprehends the message and context, the result is a spontaneous and explosive laugh -- often followed by another one immediately. I love that when it happens! Like most people, I probably don't laugh enough anymore. So "kudos" to Lee Child and his character. I'd be interested in a poll given where the main objective would be to identify which of these two names are most recognizable -- Lee Child or Jack Reacher? Given the popularity of the novels and movie, I would place my bet on Jack. If you are a fan of detective novels and thrillers, don't miss out on the Jack Reacher series.