When i’m in the middle of a book, or can’t get into one, I often turn to a short story or collection. “Over Easy” by Tess Gerritsen and Lee Child is actually in the back of the book I’m reading, Gerritsen’s The Summer Guests. Unless it’s been printed elsewhere, you’ll have to pick up this book to read it. Jack Reacher and Maggie Bird join forces in this short story.

When Frances Neagley, Reacher’s former sergeant, told him some small-time chicken farmer was searching for Reacher’s brother, Joe, online, Reacher heads for Purity, Maine. When he first meets Maggie Bird, he knows she’s retired from some agency with three letters. She has a wild story to tell about the “accidental” death of a former co-worker, and the woman’s college-age daughter who is searching for Joe Reacher. But, Joe’s been dead for years.

When Reacher and Maggie encounter the surviving daughter, Josephine, she has a story to tell as well. It’s one that has a trace of truth to it, but not all of it. But, Josephine’s arrival in Purity brings trouble.

“Over Easy” is an intriguing story by two masters. They provide enough character development and background to make for an enjoyable story that brings together two shrewd protagonists. With Maggie’s background, who knows what characters might pop up in her life?

A short story, but a treat. I hope you get the chance to read “Over Easy”.