This is one series that I regret not reading in its proper order. Yes the books are standalones and yes they do not have to be read in any particular order... It is just one of my many odd bookworm quirks. Lee Child introduced his epic hero (well I do think so) Jack Reacher to the world through this series and I would have loved to get the first impressions of the character from the way he was introduced to everyone. 
 We meet the ex-MP getting off a bus at Margrave purely on a whim and getting arrested for murder soon after. Jack Reacher did not murder anyone and doesn't understand how the chief of police could point at him for the murder. He soon discovers that Margrave isn't after all a quiet and quaint little town it is believed to be. With corruption bursting at its seams and people scurrying around to keep it covered, Jack Reacher probably ended up at the wrong place at the right time. Instead of the scapegoat that he was meant to be, he soon uncovers the dark side of the town and causing some bloodshed on his trail. 
 I had read Die Trying first and as such I already had an image of him in my mind and certain expectations when I picked up this book. However, I could clearly see how this book shaped up the first impressions of Reacher. The plot in this book was quite good with quite a bit of action, suspense and thrills. The personal twist that gets Reacher to go out for blood was probably the best part of the plot. This may be the first book that Lee Child had written, but he already had the 'quality' part down when he debuted. 
 Absolute Must-Read if you like thrillers.