Lee Child’s Safe Enough is a compelling collection of short stories that jumps into humanity's multifaceted nature with both feet, showcasing both its virtuous and darker sides. Known for his gripping feature-film-worthy thrillers, Child ventures into the short story format with a series of carefully nuanced and crafted narratives that highlight his vivid imagination and storytelling prowess.
Opening with a series of standout stories that immediately capture the reader’s attention, The Bodyguard introduces us to a meticulous professional who finds himself outsmarted at the moment he is most needed and forced to reconsider his options. This story, along with many of the others, exemplifies Child’s ability to create engaging and suspenseful plots. These initial stories are where Child truly shines - flexing his most valued expertise in detective-related tales, police procedurals, and narratives involving international intrigue.
However, as the collection progresses, some stories in the latter half fail to maintain the same level of engagement. These stories, while still showcasing Child’s diverse talent, come across as pale and lacklustre in comparison to the earlier examples. Perhaps, if these were presented in another collection they would stand out - such is the skill of Child’s writing. It may just be that they are grouped in the same publication as the early standouts so are less convincing purely by comparison.
One notable aspect of Safe Enough is the absence of Jack Reacher, Child’s iconic character. Instead, the collection features a variety of protagonists, from a rookie cop relegated to the file room to a ruthless killer targeting the morally corrupt. The stories are populated by characters on both sides of the law, each with their own unique motivations and challenges.
A common thread throughout the collection (and many short story writers before this) is Child’s penchant for unexpected twists. Designed to keep the reader guessing, with surprises that often come at the very end, this element of unpredictability adds an extra layer of excitement to the reading experience, making each story a little puzzle to be solved.
Despite some stories feeling less impactful, Safe Enough remains a strong collection that showcases Lee Child’s versatility as a writer. Fans of his work, especially those who enjoy his Jack Reacher series, will find much to appreciate in this anthology. The collection offers a mix of suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists, making it a worthwhile read for both long-time fans and newcomers to Child’s work.
Overall, Safe Enough is a mixed bag, with some stories shining brightly while others fall a bit short. However, the collection as a whole is a testament to Lee Child’s storytelling abilities and his capacity to explore a wide range of characters and scenarios. Whether you’re a fan of short stories or not, this anthology is likely to let you suspend reality for a time and enjoy the yarns of one of the world’s great storytellers.
Reviewer: Chris Reed
Penguin