Killing Floor (Jack Reacher #1)

Killing Floor by Lee Child is the first book in his Jack Reacher series - an ex-military police officer who is wandering the United States like a drifter.

When the Cold War ended, the United States discharged a lot of its military personnel. For Jack Reacher - a man who was a military brat - it is the first time in his life he has freedom. He has no plans for a new career. He just wants to wander the US and see the sights.

On a whim he jumps off of a bus at the junction to the town of Margrave, Georgia. He knows of a blue guitarist who died there in the 60s. About 30 minutes after he gets to town, he is arrested for murder.

Now Jack has to convince the local cops that he did not do it - the fact that he was not even in the state when the killing occurred should not be too hard to verify. But even though he is happily done with his police career, Jack will be pulled into the investigation.

Child has written a twisty plot that leads to brilliant bad guys. Though Reacher do not go along peacefully, he is a smart man and a great investigator. And since he is not a police, he can do what he feels needs to be done in the name of justice.

Child, Lee. (1997). Killing Floor. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.