One Shot -- Lee Child

I always enjoy Lee Child's books about Jack Reacher, one of those competent guys who always knows what he's doing, who's always sure of himself because he's bigger and smarter than the ungodly and doesn't mind telling them so. Which he does. Often.

One Shot begins with what seems to be a random shooting by a sniper, five people killed in under five seconds. The cops make their case with amazing speed, and it's airtight. Until Reacher shows up. Then little things start casting doubt on the police case. Nothing much at first, but enough to cause the real perps some uneasy moments. And before long it's clear that there's a lot more going on than anybody thought to begin with.

Child writes well. He knows the military stuff and the weapons, and he has an eye for detail (sometimes too much detail, I think). Reacher's an appealing fantasy hero, and the stories move fast. But. (There's always a but.) Twice now, Child has had Reacher (and everyone else) overlook things that seem far too obvious to me. I can't remember the other book it happened in, but it seems really egreious this time. If Reacher's so damned smart, he should have thought of it before page 200. That complaint aside, though, you can buckle up and enjoy the ride.