Intrigued by Costello’s desperate plea, Reacher follows a trail that leads him back to the bustling streets of New York City. There, he encounters Jodie Garber, the daughter of his deceased mentor, General Garber. Jodie is working with a private investigator to uncover the truth behind a missing-in-action soldier from the Vietnam War.

Unmasking the Truth

As Reacher delves deeper, he discovers that the missing soldier, now a ruthless loan shark with a ruthless reputation named “Hook” Hobie, is somehow connected to Costello’s death. Hobie has a secret he’s willing to kill for, and Reacher finds himself entangled in a web of lies and danger.

Reacher’s investigation uncovers a murky past filled with betrayals and hidden motives. He confronts an elderly couple, grieving the loss of their son, the missing soldier in Vietnam. Their connection to Hobie and the escalating violence forces Reacher to question everything he thought he knew.

As Reacher gets closer to the truth, he becomes a target himself. He faces off against Hobie’s brutal enforcers and navigates a complex web of deceit. His only ally is Jodie, and together they must unravel the conspiracy before it’s too late.

Climax and Resolution

The story builds to a thrilling climax as Reacher confronts Hobie, exposing the truth about the Vietnam mission and the reason behind the killings. Reacher’s signature blend of strength and intellect is put to the test in a final showdown that will determine the fate of all involved.

Some Notable Characters

Jack Reacher: The enigmatic ex-military policeman, our protagonist. He’s drawn into the mystery by Jodie and Costello’s death.

Leon Garber: Reacher’s deceased mentor, who left his house to Reacher in the will.

Jodie Garber aka Mrs Jacobs: Daughter of Reacher’s deceased mentor. She’s a lawyer seeking the truth about a missing soldier from Vietnam.

Victor Hobie (Hook): The missing soldier, now a ruthless loan shark with a dark secret. He’s the antagonist of the story.

Costello: A private investigator hired by Jodie. He’s murdered shortly after approaching Reacher.

Mr. and Mrs. Hobie: Grieving parents of the missing soldier. Their connection to Garber was suspicious and triggered the investigation in the first place. That, and constant attacks on Jodie.

Chester Stone: Chester Stone The Third, owns a company that is about to go down and in desperate attempts to save his business, seeks loan from Hobie.

Marilyn Stone: Chester Stone’s wife; she took control of the situation when Chester couldn’t. She was my fav in this book, of course after Reacher. 

Sheryl: The realtor who was supposed to sell Marilyn’s house. 

Tony: Hook’s right-hand man, the only confidante.

And a ton of Reacher’s Army acquaintances, especially Nash Newman, Reacher’s forensic teacher (loved him)

Some Memorable Lines

People live, and then they die, and as long as they do both things properly, there’s nothing much to regret.

Review

If I were to describe it in one sentence, Tripwirei is a closer look at Reacher’s vulnerable side and a slimpse into the character’s and thereby series’ evolution. This book offers a unique glimpse into the enigmatic Jack Reacher. The story delves not only into a thrilling mystery but also explores Reacher’s emotional landscape in a way rarely seen in later books.

Jodie Garber: A Reconnection and a Test of Domesticity

The arrival of Jodie Garber, the daughter of Reacher’s deceased mentor Leon Garber, throws a wrench into his solitary existence. Theirs is a complex relationship, tinged with a past attraction that resurfaces. Reacher’s initial openness to the prospect of a home and a connection with Jodie is a fascinating departure from his usual nomadic lifestyle.

However, as the story progresses, the weight of settling down begins to burden Reacher. The responsibility and potential emotional attachments seem to conflict with his ingrained need for independence. This internal struggle provides valuable insight into the man behind the muscle. We see a glimpse of vulnerability beneath Reacher’s stoic exterior, a vulnerability that future novels will rarely revisit.

Reacher’s Rawness: A Sign of the Beginning

Even without knowing that this is the third Jack Reacher book, you can tell that Reacher is still “raw”. The book had a lot more focus on Reacher’s relationship with Jodie. Later books tend to streamline the “female” element, focusing more on the central mystery and Reacher’s unwavering pursuit of justice. The women, if any, are just a short and simple part of the story, just a passing thing, not a subplot. I like the latter approach.

Having said that, while I leans towards the more streamlined approach of later novels, the emotional depth explored in “Tripwire” adds a layer of complexity to Reacher’s character. It allows readers to connect with him on a more personal level, even if it clashes with the image of the lone wolf detective established in later installments.

Towards the end, we also come to know how Jack was named, and how his French mother would address him and his brother Joe. In that sense, “Tripwire” serves as a valuable piece in understanding the evolution of Jack Reacher as a character and the series itself. It offers a glimpse into a side of Reacher rarely seen in later books, showcasing a vulnerability and emotional complexity that enriches his persona.

Whether you prefer to see him a stony man or an emotional one, one thing remains constant: Jack Reacher is a compelling protagonist whose unwavering pursuit of justice keeps readers coming back for more.

A Few Random Observations

1. The climax was kinda super slow and so unlike Reacher. I didn’t enjoy it much. I guess it goes back to “signs of beginning”.
2. At the end, we didn’t even hear about Chester Stone, Marilyn Stone and Sheryl. They deserved a mention, at least Marilyn.
3. The twist was nicely done, but Lee Child also prepared us for the same.