Lee Child’s “The Killing Floor,” A Mystery Novel Actually Worth Reading

Aaron Bechtel 

September 1, 2024 

Growing up, I was never a big fan of mystery novels because it seemed like they were all cut from the same template. A big event happens, someone shows up to help solve the mystery, and the bad guy is taken down. I held this belief for a long time until I was introduced to Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series. The first book in the series is the one I’m currently reviewing. Starting off, Reacher isn’t a detective. He’s a former Military Police officer and has since become a drifter. He travels throughout the United States, not staying in one place for more than a few weeks unless it’s to save up some money. He happens upon a small town in Georgia, and he is immediately arrested for murder. The thing is, Reacher hasn’t killed anybody. Not recently, anyway. This town is hiding a secret, and from crooked cops to bought-out mayors, they make sure to keep it safe. When you read this novel, I guarantee you will find it fascinating. Lee Child expertly sculpts this book with language that fits the situations perfectly. I can say with confidence that this book will leave you wanting more, just as I did. This led me to read almost all of the other books in the series, and the quality doesn’t drop at all. In any case, drop by a library to pick up this book. It’s worth reading, and it’ll keep you busy for a little while. Drop by next time for another review!