Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2)

Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2)
Die Trying - Jack Reacher, Bk 2
Author: Lee Child
ISBN-13: 9780425206218
ISBN-10: 0425206211
Publication Date: 5/3/2005
Pages: 432
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 47

3.9 stars, based on 47 ratings
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

99 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

papertiger avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 42 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
At this point, if you are considering Lee Child's "Die Trying" then you have read one or more of the Jack Reacher series books before and you know what you are looking for. This book will not disappoint. Reacher and his minimalist approach to life and to other people's problems, which soon become his own, will be very familiar to you; and this book will take you to yet another situation that will challenge Reacher and entertain you along the way. The only problem you will find is at the end of the book... when you realize you have just finished another of a rather short list of titles from an author who is becoming one of your favorites and who isn't writing them as fast as you are reading them. Now what are you going to do?
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This series is not my usual but it is a great one.
Jack Reacher is a great character and the author's descriptions put you right in the scene. Characters come to life and the action doesn't stop, and neither will you until you read them all. I am working on #10 and I haven't been disappointed yet.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
While it's riddled with cliches and unlikely coincidences, they are _fun_ cliches and unlikely coincidences. I couldn't put the damned thing down!
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 121 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Am just beginning to read this author. I picture Bruce Willis as the main character in all of these books. Even though the main character's name is the same unlike others each book stands on it's own and I like that. Males book more than females, but I really enjoyed it.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 166 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
In the wrong place at the wrong time, Reacher gets swept into a plot to kidnap a young, politically-connected, female FBI agent. by a deadly group of Montana militia bent on using her to mount a major threat to the government. Lots of vicarious thrills as the former MP, of heroic proportions and consummate fighting skills, takes on the challenge of attempting her rescue. I ate it up.
kyp avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 62 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Excellent thriller! Can NOT believe the author is a Brit! The American scenes and military information are right on. Jack Reacher is a man I could really sink my teeth into. Give me more Jack!
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
If you like the Jack Reacher character, you'll love him in this book. Classic Reacher.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 160 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is another excellent Jack Reacher novel. I read it in less than 48 hours.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I have like the other 2 Jack Reacher books, but this one seemed to drag for me.
PIZZELLEBFS avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 331 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Television writer Lee Child's otherwise riveting first thriller, Killing Floor, was criticized by some reviewers because of an unconvincing coincidence at its center. Child addresses that problem in his second book--and thumbs his nose at those reviewers--by having his hero, ex-military policeman Jack Reacher, just happen to be walking by a Chicago dry cleaner when an attractive young FBI agent named Holly Johnson comes out carrying nine expensive outfits and a crutch to support her soccer-injured knee. As Holly stumbles, Reacher grabs her and her garments--which gets him kidnapped along with her by a trio of very determined badguys. "He had no problem with how he had gotten grabbed up in the first place," Child writes. "Just a freak of chance had put him alongside Holly Johnson at the exact time the snatch was going down. He was comfortable with that. He understood freak chances. Life was built out of freak chances, however much people would like to pretend otherwise." Lucky for Holly--whose father just happens to be an Army general and current head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, thus making her a tempting target for a bunch of Montana-based extremists--Reacher still has all the skills and strengths associated with his former occupation. And Child still knows how to write scenes of violent action better than virtually anyone else around.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
great read
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 189 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was a great book. Fast and furious. Jack Reacher is the hero who never stops, former military police. A lot of detail about military, guns and fighting. Who is this woman and why did this para-military group kidnap her? He learns she's a FBI agent, but that's not the reason she's been kidnapped. She wants to know who Reacher is. Because of his attitude, his intelligence and his quick responses to the enemy, she knows he's no ordinary man on the street.

Information from back blurb:
He is an innocent bystander-in the wrong place at the wrong time- when he is dragged along when a woman is kidnapped. Jack Reacher is a hero. He's used to saving lives. But this time he's going to take a few before he's through...
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on
Helpful Score: 1
This was the first Jack Reacher book I read. I TOTALLY LOVED IT! I have now requested all that I can and will try to read them in order. I love it when I find a new author I enjoy!
perryfran avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 1223 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Jack Reacher is definitely becoming one of my favorite characters in thriller fiction. This is the second Reacher novel and the second I have read after Killing Floor. Another very fast paced action adventure that kept me turning the pages! This one involved a kidnapping of a female FBI agent by a very bad para-military group in Montana. Reacher's training as a Military sniper came into play which reminded me of the Bob Lee Swagger novels by Stephen Hunter - another great thriller series. Can't wait to read the next Reacher novel.
esjro avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 947 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Poor Jack Reacher..... the guy can't even help a woman hobbling on a crutch with her dry cleaning without getting into trouble. As luck would have it, the woman on a crutch happens to be the daughter of a high-ranking military officer and (after Reacher takes her dry cleaning) a kidnapping victim. Since he is in the wrong place at the wrong time, Reacher is kidnapped as well. I don't want to give too much of the plot away, so suffice it to say that this book will keep you turning the pages. Great story.
keycollect avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on
Helpful Score: 1
did not want to put it down.Good book!
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
another good Reacher novel.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 136 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of my favorite authors. Really enjoyed this book.
chesse avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 135 more book reviews
Good story, becoming a Child fan
deborah-d avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 33 more book reviews
Reacher gets entangled in a drama just by doing a favor for a handicapped woman. I could not put it down, a lot of twists and turns.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 17 more book reviews
Lee Child has created a great character in Jack Reacher. The series does not disappoint. Characters are well developed and supporting characterization is well researched and documented without being overly burdensome. I have not read the entire series so reserve that last star for one that will outshine the others. This was a very good read.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 5 more book reviews
Child is the best!
flamingo avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 8 more book reviews
I love the main character in this author's books.
flowergirl4 avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 38 more book reviews
A simple act of courtesy gets Jack Reacher abducted, along with a professional woman, from the streets of Chicago. Why is this woman a target? Turns out she's a very successful FBI agent having spectacular success prosecuting white-collar crime big-shots. Reacher also finds out she is related to very powerful people in government. How can they escape? The kidnappers are sufficiently capable, and she has an injured leg. Also, everything seems tied to a tight schedule. What are the kidnappers planning? Can the FBI figure out what's happened to their agent and find them in time? A very taut, tense story. Lee Child is an excellent storyteller and his Jack Reacher character is an ex-Army MP. A man who follows a code. Capable, strong, driven to survive. Best guy be kidnapped with. You won't be able to put the book down!
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 4 more book reviews
The Reacher character is great, and I have read four others. This was my *least* favorite!
BetsyP avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 566 more book reviews
I Loved This Book. Incredibly good, detailed thriller. You have to love Jack Reacher. The start of a great series. I highly recommend this book, and all the Jack Reacher books. A keeper for me.
hardtack avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 2700 more book reviews
I can't say I am a "Jack Reacher" fan, but I did enjoy the book. It's because I'm not really into "conspiracy novels." Murders are more my style. At least this novel didn't have an international conspiracy, which I really can't get into. I liked the first book more than this one.

As for the reviews here which warn you about this series being short---"Die Trying" is only book two in the series---that is old news, as those reviews are almost 20 years old. I think this series is approaching 30 books now.

I did find one plot hole which was unexplained. The two sets of carpenters who built the prison were never reported missing. If you are going away on a job and expected to be away for several days, wouldn't you tell your family where you were going and who you were going to work for? This would have been a great clue for the FBI when the families reported them missing.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 7 more book reviews
Just as good as the other Reacher novels
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 4 more book reviews
Lee Child's "Reacher" series always keeps you guessing.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 6 more book reviews
This book is an action packed thriller. I loved it.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 2 more book reviews
ANOTHER EXCELLENT BOOK
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on
Loved this book. Lee child does such a great job with accuracy in history and military knowledge and this is one of my favorite in the Jack Reacher series.
Alpine Ray  avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 16 more book reviews
Child again has Reacher doing what he's good at, violence and mayhem directed against the bad guys, and lots of it. Action from New York to Montana with a few plot twists and turns to keep the reader on his toes.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 9 more book reviews
Not his best but atill a good read
Sunshine avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 142 more book reviews
This was my second Jack Reacher book and I am so hooked! Another great storyline and I love Reacher's character. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 45 more book reviews
Another Jack Reacher novel...when a woman is kidnapped off a Chicago street in broad daylight, Jack Reacher's in the wrong place at the wrong time..he's kidnapped with her...Handcuffed together and racing across America toward an unknown destination, they're at the mercy of a group of men demanding an impossible ransom. Because Reacher's female companion is worth more than he imagines..Now he has to save them both from the inside out..or die trying.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 22 more book reviews
fantastic - starts fast and never slows down.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 29 more book reviews
Typical Reacher, they are all good. I am trying to catch up on earlier ones that I had not read and was not disappointed
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 6 more book reviews
Better than the first one!
PamelaH avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 90 more book reviews
Another suspense filled novel from Lee Child. Reacher saves the day for an FBI agent, Holly Johnson, and for the USA to boot! The military survival cult in Montana never saw what was coming, or what hit them when Jack Reacher showed up! Fun read.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on
Enjoyed the book but found the descriptions of the technical aspects of firearms a bit too much. Eventually began to skip those sections. The basic plot was very engaging.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 3152 more book reviews
Love Jack Reacher---don't miss this series!
jdyinva avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 408 more book reviews
My second Jack Reacher novel and it was terrific. I'm hoping to read all of Lee Child's thrillers. Great story, intriguing hero, well written, fast paced.
booklit avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 473 more book reviews
Another great Jack Reacher Novel. Jack is a great hero and a ladies man. very tense from the first opening scene.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 54 more book reviews
Excellent action and thrilling plot. Can't wait to read the next book in the Jack Reacher series.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 21 more book reviews
A great page-turner filled with action and suspense. If you are looking for something good to read, this is it!
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 11 more book reviews
Jack Reacher gets kidnapped. Sort of.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 593 more book reviews
Very very exciting book to read, very intense.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 38 more book reviews
This is the second Jack Reacher I've read and was not dissappointed. So far, the suspense supports the extraneous love interest and the times when Child delves deeply into technical aspects of the weapons.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 67 more book reviews
One of the early Reache novels but it is well written.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 15 more book reviews
A Jack Reacher Novel.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 15 more book reviews
action packed, James Bond but more so, truer to life situations.
Smokey avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 265 more book reviews
Jack Reacher is an innocent bystander, as a woman is kidnapped. Ex-military policeman Jack Reacher finds himself at the mercy of a group demanding an impossible ransom.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 11 more book reviews
Jack Reacher is a great character, and this is another one of his page-turning stories. You can't stop reading till done - very good mystery.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 10 more book reviews
AWESOME!
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 49 more book reviews
Our man Jack comes through again. I think I detected a logic lapse that Lee missed. But I'm probably wrong.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 82 more book reviews
First book I have read of Lee Child. I will be reading more!!!
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 14 more book reviews
2nd book in the Jack Reacher series - I can't wait for #3!
cnmor avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 93 more book reviews
A real page turner. Lee Child is in my top 10 list of favorite authors.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 1568 more book reviews
From Back Cover: Jack Reacher is an innocent bystander - in the wrong place at the wrong time - when a woman is kidnapped. Now he's at the mercy of a group of men demanding an impossible ransom, for this mysterious woman is worth far more than Reacher ever suspected. And though she doesn't ask for his help, he's going to give it to her . . . Because ex-military policeman Jack Reacher is a hero. He's used to saving lives. But this time he's going to take a few before he's through.
--------------
If you like John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee, you'll also like Lee Child's Jack Reacher. I guarantee it!
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 85 more book reviews
Great. Love the Jack Reacher series.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 264 more book reviews
Great author! Great book!
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 94 more book reviews
This one will make your heart pound and, no matter how tired you are, you'll keep reading all night to finish it.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 16 more book reviews
I really think this book series is a real page-turner. I have trouble putting them down once I start. Lots of unexpected twists and turns.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 19 more book reviews
Another riveting Jack Reacher novel! It's a real page-turner!
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on
I haven enjoyed all of the Jack Reacher books.
MelodyP avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 12 more book reviews
Great Jack Reacher novel. Enough to make me search out all books in the series...
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 2 more book reviews
This was a very good book
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 10 more book reviews
This time Jack Reacher becomes mixed up in the kidnapping of a mysterious woman. He uses all of his expertise to help her survive.
Great suspense.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 32 more book reviews
This is Lee Child's 2nd awsome thriller! Highly recommended and I love Jack Reacher! Hard to put down!!
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on
I love the Jack Reacher books and this book was not exception. It was well-paced, suspensful and highly entertaining. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes this genre. They remind me a little of the Jason Bourne series.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on
I'm hooked on the Jack Reacher series and am trying to find the ones I haven't read.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on
An excellent book in an excellent (so far) series. Child really knows how to grab your attention from the start and keep it throughout the whole book. The conspiracy theories were even believable as conspiracy theories. I actually think this one was better than his first, Killing Floor.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 222 more book reviews
Jack Reacher is an innocent bystander - in the wrong place, at the wrong time - when a woman is kidnapped. Now he's at the mercy of a group of men demanding an impossible ransom, for the mysterious woman is worth far more than Reacher ever suspected.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 8 more book reviews
A high-ranking officer's daughter is kidnapped, and Jack Reacher is in the wrong place and time and is grabbed along with her. This is a fast-moving story as the captives are taken across the country and find themselves in a fortified camp where violence is the rule, not the exception. A "hold your attention" read!
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 14 more book reviews
this author is great--this is the second in the jack reacher series--holds you from the beginning
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 8 more book reviews
Second of the Jack Reacher series. Couldn't put it down.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 30 more book reviews
Another Jack Reacher novel; this time the bad guys live within the confines of a Montana Militia encampment. The heroine is an FBI agent who is highly connected in Washington. I didn't find her as loveable as the heroine in The Killing Floor. Lots of guns and action.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 39 more book reviews
An another exciting Jack Reacher action novel.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 121 more book reviews
Another good one!
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 43 more book reviews
Another adventure novel with the hero, Jack Reacher, straing every muscle in his vast frame to fight the enemy.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 407 more book reviews
This was a good suspenseful thriller. I liked the interaction between Reacher and Holly Johnson as they both try to escape and figure out who captured them and why. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Tripwire.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 15 more book reviews
I have just started reading the jack Reacher series. I have enjoyed each of the books I have read including this one. I look forward to reading all of his series.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 16 more book reviews
Not quite up to Lee Child's normal standards. Little bit harder to follow the character's by name and function. Lots of twists and turns in typical Child fashion.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 4 more book reviews
Yes, an edge of your seat reading. As with all Lee Child books, it does have very detailed descriptions. If you're not interested in minute descriptions then you probably won't enjoy this book.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 4 more book reviews
Loved Die Trying! Jack Reacher is one of a kind.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 13 more book reviews
good fast read
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 83 more book reviews
Love the Jack Reacher character and this book is typical Lee Child excitement. In the wrong place at the wrong time gets Jack into a kidnap situation that he is sorely tried to find a way out.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 23 more book reviews
A great thriller loaded with suspense.
PrairieBlue avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 76 more book reviews
Jack Reacher is in both the wrong and the right place at the same time when FBI Special Agent and daughter of the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Holly Johnson is abducted from a Chicago street. It is the wrong place because Reacher, a former army major drifting around the country, is kidnapped as well. It is the right place because only he has the instincts to foil the complex, deadly plan of the kidnappers, a Montana militia group headed by a charismatic, brilliant, but psychotic leader.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 51 more book reviews
This is book #2 in the wonderful Jack Reacher series. Lots of wild action and interesting characters in this installment, featuring some pretty radical "patriot" militia members.
Alacornlady avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 79 more book reviews
Lee Child' Jack Reacher novels are always an adventure.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on
In a quiet Chicago suburb, a dentist is attacked in his office and forced into the trunk of his own car. On a sidewalk downtown, Jack Reacher and an unknown woman are abducted in broad daylight. Reacher and the mysterious woman are held hostage for ransom. With only their wits and a mutual trust, she and Reacher must escape from a wilderness prison and the grasp of a man bent on revenge. Good story with lots of action. Must read if you're following the Jack Reacher series.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 24 more book reviews
Loved this book as well as all other books by Lee Child! What a writer! What an imagination! He keeps you in suspense and just when you think you MIGHT know the answers, he turns the game around completely. Love all of his books!
KansasSunflower avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 329 more book reviews
This was my first exposure to Jack Reacher. If you like the series 24, you'll love this series. I couldn't put it down.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 9 more book reviews
Loved the book.
young-at-heart avatar reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 6 more book reviews
Very good book. I have read almost all of these books and have loved everyone of them.
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 48 more book reviews
When a woman is kidnapped off a Chicago street in broad daylight, Jack Reacher's in the wrong place at the wrong time. He's kidnapped with her. Handcuffed together and racing across Amercia toward an unknown destination, they're at the mercy of a group of men demanding an impossible randsom. Because Reacher's female companion is worth more than he imagines. Now he has to save them both-from the inside out-or die trying...
reviewed Die Trying (Jack Reacher, Bk 2) on + 22 more book reviews
Good read.Jack Reacher is a likeable protagonist.