The Visitor

The Visitor

€19.95

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Description

“Sergeant Amy Callan and Lieutenant Caroline Cook have a lot in common. Both were army high-flyers. Both were acquainted with Jack Reacher. Both were forced to resign from the service. Now they’re both dead. Both were found in their own home, naked, in a bath full of paint. Both apparent victims of an army man. A loner, a smart guy with a score to settle, a ruthless vigilante. A man just like Jack Reacher.”–Cover.

  • Author: Lee Child
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2001
  • Pages: 516
  • ISBN-13: 9780553811889

Additional information

Author

Lee Child

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Summary

What the internet says

Aggregated insights from reviews and discussions across the web.

Overall reception: Mixed reception

The Visitor (published as Running Blind in the United States) is the fourth Jack Reacher novel by Lee Child and receives generally positive reception, though with notable reservations. On Goodreads, the book holds a 4.25 rating from 12 ratings, with 91% of readers giving it 4 or 5 stars. Professional reviews praised specific elements: Publishers Weekly highlighted "a brain-teasing puzzle that gets put together piece by fascinating piece" and Reacher's "Robin Hood-like integrity," while Kirkus Reviews called it "deeply satisfying" and warned readers to "plan to stay up long past bedtime." Booklist went further, declaring "This fourth Reacher thriller is easily the best. The plot is a masterpiece."

However, reader reviews reveal significant criticisms that contrast with professional assessments. Multiple Goodreads reviewers expressed frustration with the book's departure from typical Reacher action, with one noting "this book does not have reacher doing what he does best (killing people!) or the epic scale of the other books." The mystery's transparency proved problematic, with readers reporting they guessed the killer's identity around page 250, finding it "plainly obvious" due to excessive hints. The ending generated particular dissatisfaction, with reviewers describing it as "a letdown," "empty," and frustrating because antagonists "aren't held accountable." One reader specifically criticized the logical flaws, calling plot elements "simply too stupid" and questioning character motivations. Despite these issues, the book was nominated for the 2001 Barry Award for Best Hardcover Novel, indicating industry recognition even if some readers found it less satisfying than other entries in the series.

What readers loved

  • Features a sophisticated brain-teasing puzzle that unfolds piece by fascinating piece, according to Publishers Weekly
  • Showcases Jack Reacher's intelligence and investigative skills rather than just physical prowess, demonstrating he's more than just brawn
  • Professional critics praised it highly, with Booklist calling it 'easily the best' of the first four Reacher thrillers and 'a masterpiece'
  • Creates genuine suspense with Kirkus Reviews warning readers will 'stay up long past bedtime and do some serious hyperventilating toward the end'
  • Nominated for the 2001 Barry Award for Best Hardcover Novel, indicating industry recognition
  • Maintains Reacher's Robin Hood-like integrity and engagingly eccentric approach to life throughout the investigation
  • Presents an unusual serial killer case with no trace evidence, no wounds, and victims with no apparent connections beyond military service

Common critiques

  • The killer's identity becomes obvious too early, with readers guessing correctly around page 250 due to excessive hints and transparent clues
  • Lacks the typical Reacher action and physical confrontations that define the series, making it feel ponderous and slow-paced
  • The ending is unsatisfying and frustrating, with antagonists not being held properly accountable for their actions
  • Contains serious logical flaws in the plot, particularly regarding the murder method and character motivations
  • The FBI and other authority figures are portrayed as incompetent thugs who resort to threats rather than legitimate investigation

Based on reviews from

  • Goodreads - Audio CD Edition
  • Goodreads - Main Edition
  • Goodreads - Another Edition
  • Amazon
  • Wikipedia
Last updated May 18, 2026 Summary based on publicly available reviews. May not reflect every reader's experience.

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