"The Enemy" is a thriller novel written by Lee Child. It is the eighth book in the Jack Reacher series, which follows the adventures of the titular character, Jack Reacher, a former military police officer who travels across the United States and becomes embroiled in various dangerous situations.
Published in 2004, "The Enemy" serves as a prequel to the rest of the series, taking place before the events of the first book, "Killing Floor." In this installment, Jack Reacher is still an active duty military police officer. The story is set in 1990, during the Cold War era, in the fictional town of Carter Crossing, Mississippi.
When the body of a two-star general is found in a motel room, Reacher is sent undercover to investigate the case. However, as he delves deeper into the investigation, he realizes that there is more to the situation than meets the eye. Confronted with a web of conspiracies, cover-ups, and a potential serial killer, Reacher must use his skills, intuition, and resourcefulness to uncover the truth and bring the culprits to justice.
"The Enemy" delves into the world of military politics, espionage, and corruption. Lee Child's writing style is known for its fast-paced action, gripping suspense, and intricate plotting. The novel showcases Reacher's sharp intellect, physical prowess, and unyielding determination as he navigates the dangerous landscape of the military and takes on formidable adversaries.
As with other books in the series, "The Enemy" can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, but readers familiar with the Jack Reacher character will appreciate the additional backstory and insights into his past.