🕵️♂️ Book Review: Good and Valuable Consideration: Jack Reacher vs. Nick Heller by Lee Child & Joseph Finder (Kindle Edition)
A high-octane short story that pits two iconic thriller protagonists against a common threat—Lee Child and Joseph Finder deliver a fast-paced, character-driven tale that’s as sharp as it is entertaining.
🧠 Overview
Originally published in 2014 as part of the FaceOff anthology, Good and Valuable Consideration is a 26-page Kindle short story that brings together two of the genre’s most compelling heroes: Jack Reacher, the lone drifter and ex-military investigator created by Lee Child, and Nick Heller, a private intelligence operative from Joseph Finder’s bestselling series.
The story begins in a Boston sports bar, where Reacher—ever the outsider—is watching a Yankees game in Red Sox territory. He’s joined by Heller, a Sox fan with a sharp eye for trouble. When the man sitting between them turns out to be a marked target, the two men must decide whether to intervene—and how to do it without stepping on each other’s toes.
✨ Key Highlights
- ⚾ Setting & tension: The Boston bar creates instant friction between Reacher (a Yankees fan) and Heller (a Sox loyalist), adding flavor to their dynamic
- 🔫 Character contrast: Reacher’s blunt force and Heller’s finesse make for a compelling team-up, with each bringing unique skills to the table
- 🧠 Moral ambiguity: The story explores themes of justice, loyalty, and instinct—what drives each man to act, and how they define “doing the right thing”
- 💬 Snappy dialogue: The banter between Reacher and Heller is sharp, respectful, and laced with subtle rivalry
“Reacher walks into a bar. Literally, that is how the story begins… With a little prodding, Reacher and Nick discover the guy is a good man in a bind.” — Book Reviews and More
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 3.83/5 from over 3,500 ratings
- 📖 Fans of both series appreciate the crossover, noting the chemistry and complementary styles of the protagonists
- 🧾 Some readers felt the story was too brief to fully explore the characters, but most found it a satisfying standalone
- 💬 “A fun read… sure to entertain fans of either Reacher or Heller. Or even those who just enjoy a great short story.” — Book Reviews and More
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 26 pages, it’s a quick read—best approached as a character showcase rather than a full thriller arc
- 📚 Crossover appeal: Works well for fans of either character, but may not offer deep backstory for newcomers
- 🧾 Part of an anthology: Originally featured in FaceOff, which includes other author pairings and character mashups
🏁 Final Verdict
Good and Valuable Consideration is a tight, action-packed short story that delivers exactly what fans of Reacher and Heller crave: smart dialogue, high stakes, and two very different men united by a shared sense of justice. It’s a great introduction to Nick Heller for Reacher fans—and a fun detour for anyone who enjoys character-driven suspense.
