I read a few of these short stories before I bought No Middle Name (2026) but it’s nice to have all the Jack Reacher stories in one volume.
Most of the stories are mini-Reacher adventures, with the former military policeman wandering around the country and having Trouble find him.
My favorite story in No Middle Name is “Deep Down” where Reacher is still in the service and is brought to the U.S. from Frankfurt, Germany to help investigate a potential leak.
A panel is considering buying a new sniper rifle. Four women, all military officers, are involved in the hearings. One of the women seems to be leaking information to a foreign manufacturer of sniper rifles. But…which of the four is the leaker?
Reacher uses his usual unorthodox methods to get to the heart of the issue. “Deep Down” is both clever and intense. The rest of the stories in No Middle Name vary in length and quality but all are worth reading. GRADE: B+
TABLE OF CONTENT:
Much Time 3
Second Son 61
High Heat 109
Deep Down 181
Small Wars 231
James Penney’s New Identity 275
Everyone Talks 315
Not a Drill 335
Maybe They Have a Tradition 377
Guy Walks into a Bar 391
No Room at the Motel 399
The Picture of the Lonely Diner 405
I’ve read all the Reacher novels and enjoyed them, but lately — even before Lee Child’s brother came on board — they’ve been a slog. Perhaps Reacher has gone to the well too often, perhaps the authors are just getting tired, or perhaps it’s me. Dunno. But I’ll still read this one to get the Reacher stories I have not rad previously, most likely because I am OCD.
Jerry, I had the same sense that Lee Child was running out of gas when he stopping writing solo Jack Reacher novels. That’s understandable after writing 24 novels in 27 years.
I agree with you – I enjoyed the collection. I quit the books when he turned it over to his brother, who is – to my kind- a hack. But Jerry is right that his last few were not up to his earlier standard.
Jeff, I had the same impression of the last few Jack Reacher novels as you and Jerry did. I think Lee Child did the intelligent thing in stepping away from the writing. But I think he goofed in his choice of ghost writer…
To my “mind,” not kind
Thanks. I hadn’t heard of this. I haven’t been reading much lately so this may get me going again.
Maggie, I’ve found most of the Jack Reacher novels and stories to be fun and entertaining. Even the AMAZON PRIME Video series!
I have only read a few novels and none of the short stories. He doesn’t seem like the short story type if he is still trying to tell the same sort of story.
Patti, some of the stories in NO MIDDLE NAME are 40-50 pages.
I think I would enjoy these Jack Reacher short stories, I will be looking out for a copy. I have read several of the Jack Reacher novels, with mixed success.
Tracy, I would suggest that NO MIDDLE NAME would make a wonderful Summer Reading book!
I read one of the Reacher books years ago and didn’t like it! Then they put the Smirking Dwarf in the movies and that was the final straw!
Bob, but I recall you were happy to drink Lee Child’s booze in Vegas!