This is my first novel by Lee Child and my first thriller in a very long while. 
 The overarching impression that I get from this book is that a lot of people die, and very violently too. It really is something I can't quite understand. 
 That being said, I enjoyed my first Jack Reacher novel quite a bit. I like Jack. And I like the writing. The humor and POV is not so much snarky as it is dry... and wry. So that was great. 
 As for the mystery bit, I am one of those people who can't see what's coming even if it hits them in the face, so I was kept fascinated by how Reacher came to his conclusions/made his deductions. 
 It was a good novel. I enjoyed it.