by Lee Child
Part of Jack Reacher, book 30
First published 2025
Jack Reacher settles into his usual corner seat at a Baltimore coffee shop, black coffee and two refills, watching the door. He handles a minor disturbance from other customers without breaking stride. As he exits, a young man bumps into him at the doorway. Reacher instinctively checks his pocket for his cash and passport. Everything remains in place. At his next stop, a clothing store where he buys a simple coat for cold weather travel, Reacher discovers something unexpected. The stranger planted a handwritten note in his pocket rather than stealing from it. The message contains a desperate request for help. The pickpocket's skill impresses Reacher, and the plea intrigues him enough to change his plans. Instead of continuing his original journey, Reacher decides to investigate. He commits himself to tracking down the source of the note and understanding what kind of trouble requires such an unusual method of contact. The road ahead will take him wherever this mystery leads.
Genres: adventure, mystery, crime, action
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, fish-out-of-water
Setting: Baltimore, United States
304 pages · Hardcover · Bantam