Killing Floor by Lee Child: A Book Review
Genre: Mystery
When I first think Jack Reacher, I think Tom Cruise. I don’t really know why. Perhaps I heard it when I was young and it just stuck? I never actually watched Tom Cruise pretend to be Jack Reacher – and I’m pretty sure I won’t ever. Why? Because Amazon Prime came out with a series based on the character, Jack Reacher, in which the first season is the entirety of the character’s first book introduction – Killing Floor by Lee Child.
It went like this:
- I watched Prime’s show. (More exact my husband started watching it, I got engrossed, so we started watching it together. Me picking up right where he finished it by himself.)
- I loved it.
- I looked to see if it was a book.
- Found that it was and at my local library.
- Borrowed the book and read it.
Unfortunately, and I don’t know if it is because I watched Prime’s version first or not, I prefer the video version more. And I am not that person! I think I only said it once before that the movie was better or such. But in this cause, Prime’s version was better. I would be lying if I didn’t say that.
Don’t get me wrong! Killing Floor was great. The plot was good. The characters were great. The writing was on point. I couldn’t even nick it a point for grammar/punctuation! The only difference is that while the show followed the book almost to the letter, the additions and creative license they took enhanced the piece 10x. Not only did they add to the story, but they also explained what was happening a little more – even without having to vocalize the explanation. Book Reacher had no problems with anything. He seemed completely inhuman at times because of this (not to the point that the reader didn’t like him, just that he was a stereotypical hero). You could see Prime’s Reacher struggle – even when he came out on top – which made it all the better.
In the end, which is better? I would say either watch the show on Prime or read the book. Either or. They are on all accounts equal in all the ways that matter. You want my opinion on which I would rather do again? Which I would recommend? Just watch the show. You can thank me later.
Who would most enjoy the work and who should stay clear (if necessary):
James Patterson fans and Tom Clancy fans would enjoy Child’s storyline and writing.
Fans of traditional mysteries or hardboiled mysteries would enjoy the plot the most.
If you are looking for a suspenseful mystery or one with lots of thrills, look elsewhere.
If you like character-driven stories, look elsewhere.
Other books like the one reviewed:
James Patterson’s Alex Cross series: Book 1 being Along Came a Spider
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan series: Book 1 being Patriot Games
Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series: Book 1 being One for the Money
| Plot: | 10 / 10 |
| Characters: | 10 / 10 |
| Writing: | 10 / 10 |
| Editor: | 10 / 10 |
| Total | 40 / 40 |
Title: Killing Floor
Author: Lee Child
Edition: Second Berkley trade paperback
Published: 2012 (originally published in 1997)
Publisher: Berkley Publishing/ Penguin
ISBN: 9780425264355
If you want to get it: Amazon; Barnes&Noble
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