The Affair
A Jack Reacher Novel
by Lee Child
Bantam 2020
Book 16 of Jack Reacher
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Book 16 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- Justice vs. loyalty
- Corruption and cover-ups
- Power and accountability
- Military vs. civilian authority
- Trust and betrayal
- Small-town secrets
- Moral ambiguity
- Isolation and independence
About this book
In 1997, military policeman Jack Reacher is sent undercover to the small town of Carter Crossing, Mississippi, to quietly investigate the murder of a young woman near a nearby Army base. As evidence points toward a protected U.S. soldier, Reacher clashes and collaborates with Sheriff Elizabeth Deveraux, uncovering corruption, cover-ups, and a dangerous struggle between loyalty, justice, and the truth.
Setting: Carter Crossing, Mississippi, 1997; the nearby U.S. Army post at Kelham; small-town American South
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Affair right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Affair. The reading level is AR 5.5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include Justice vs. loyalty, Corruption and cover-ups, Power and accountability. Note: this is book 16 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read The Affair?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Affair takes around 13h to finish. The book has 131,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Affair have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Affair has an AR quiz available, worth 20 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Affair?
The Affair has an AR reading level of 5.5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.