by Janet Blaylock

Created on: May 22, 2009   Last Updated: April 12, 2010

The Hard Way was an intriguing thriller, and the way the author kept building the suspense throughout the book made me more intrigued, so I wanted to keep reading because I wanted to find out who kidnapped Kate and her daughter and why someone wanted to kidnap them. The author also planted some clues in the plot that showed readers Edward Lane's business might not be legal. I wondered what kind of business he had and why he kept so much cash in his house instead of the bank.

Jack Reacher, who was the main character, found more than he bargained for when he agreed to the assignment. He sensed that something wasn't right with Edward Lane and his business, but he didn't know what it was until he continued working with Lane. Lane hired Reacher to locate his wife, Kate, and their daughter.

Kate was married to Edward Lane, and her daughter was from her first marriage. Someone kidnapped them and then phoned Edward Lane about the ransom. They wanted one million dollars in cash, and they gave him instructions as to where to leave the car and the keys. The bag of money was to be in the trunk, and they were to leave the keys in an abandoned building.

When Edward Lane met Reacher, he started questioning him about what he had seen earlier. Reacher told him he saw a man getting into a car and driving off. He continued asking Reacher about the car and the man. Lane knew he had something in the car, so he wanted to know whom Reacher and seen getting into the car.

After Reacher promised he wouldn't go to the police, Lane finally told Reacher that someone kidnapped his wife and daughter. He also told Reacher that what he witnessed was one of the kidnappers taking off with one of his cars and the money, which was inside the trunk. Lane said that he hadn't heard from them since he left the car in a specific place, so he didn't know what to think. He wanted Reacher to assist him with his situation, but he didn't want any police involved.

Later on, Lane received another call from the kidnapper, and this time, the kidnapper wanted Lane to get five million dollars. The kidnapper hung up, and Lane told them what he had to do. Reacher started questioning Lane and the other men in the group about their occupation and about how they could come up with so much money, especially cash, at once.

After that, Reacher left the house alone, so he could follow the driver who had the five million dollars that he planned to drop off at the abandoned building for the kidnappers. He didn't see anyone, so he returned to Lane's house. The only thing they could do was to wait for the kidnappers to call again.

Now, you'll have to read the book to find out what happened to Kate, her daughter, who kidnapped them and why, and about Lane's business.

If you enjoy thrillers, you might be interested in reading this book. It was a great book and full of suspense.

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