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Jack Reacher fans pay attention. Thelma needs your feedback for an article she is researching on the appeal of this amazing character by popular crime writer, Lee Child.

I’ve said it before. Blogs and other social networking sites can bring people together who share an interest. In this case, fans of a crime novel character.

Thelma is a researcher who emailed me after googling my recent article, Soon Another Night in Bed with Jack announcing the latest in the series, Nothing to Lose (which you can order from Fishpond by clicking the cover below). 

She is preparing an article for an American writing magazine.

Thelma wants to know about the appeal of Lee Child’s character, Jack Reacher. 

By the Way - yes I just finished the latest, Nothing to Lose. Jack got political which surprised me, but suits an election year novel.  Want it? Order here from Fishpond.

 If you have read any of the Jack Reacher books, why not help her research. Reply in the form below. If you don’t want to go public, email her directly.

 My seven reasons why Jack appeals to me but don’t let me influence you. You love or hate him for your own reasons.

1. He’s not PC:  he does and gets away with things we people living in a PC world don’t/can’t.  You cross ‘his line’ and you get dumped out of a  plane or get your neck snapped or both.  No detailed blood and guts, just done with.  How satisfying.
2. His Personality:  he is not overly complicated; you can predict how he’ll react in certain situations yet can be pleasantly surprised.
3. He’s a wanderer:  that’s a big appeal for readers living a less spontaneous life
4. His ethics:  he is righteous in his own self-righteousness (that’sa friend’s toast to him in our annual birthday party in October…which I wrote about in my article) which sums up his appeal. 
5. He travels light:  you can feel the freedom of just a toothbrush to weigh you down. ( ha!…hear me laugh).
6. He is a big bad beautiful brute with a soft side:  isn’t that plenty for any Freudian pyschs to work with?
7. He has intriguing quirks:  embedded time clock, how uncommonly attractive.
    

As an English Lit major in university I have asked myself often while shaking my head why does Jack float my boat, I just laugh. 

Lee Child has skillfully created a character with qualities longed for in 2008.  For 300 pages we can relate to a side of our culture lost to the PC restraints that many time boggles common sense. His quick dispatch of baddies is so very satisfying.

Underpinning the strength of the character is Lee Child’s skillful succinct style, enough detail to delight and swift dialog to entrance.

So, what appeals to you?  Help Thelma out.

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