The Hard Way

The thing about a Reacher book is that the instant the conflict is introduced (this time, a kidnapping), you know the major plot points for the book: Reacher will rescue the kidnapped people; there will be some physical altercations and at least 1 gunfight; he will meet (and likely bed) an attractive woman; and the Bad Guy will be vanquished (likely forever); justice will triumph.

Knowing a;; this, which pretty much eliminates all suspense, you also know that it'll still be a fun, intense, edge-of-your-seat read.

How does Child pull that off?

Don't know. Don't care, as long as he keeps it up.