It should be just another math conference—in Moscow, sure, but a math conference all the same. But for Nathan Tyler, whose claim to fame is being an expert in an obscure sub-specialty of mathematics (in other words: nobody will be recognizing him on the street), it's not quite as simple as that...because his set of knowledge is precisely what the US government needs. The question: how far is he willing to go in support of his country? And how far is the government willing to go to get what they want?

Now, math and I are not close friends. I went to a school for science and mathematics, where I aced a prestigious mathematics exam and qualified for the next, even more prestigious exam...upon which I took stock and decided that I'd rather be in my international relations class (or was it medical ethics?) than voluntarily take a three-hour, three-question exam that I was unlikely to pass. So the highlight of my interest in math was skipping the extra math and going to class instead. But I enjoy how much Nathan is able to pull from some simple sets of numbers, and how much tension Child is able to put into a story that is, you know...about math.

Of course, it probably helps that Child is not really telling a story about math: he's telling a story about politics and intrigue and spying and prison. I won't spoil the details, but this story does a satisfying thing of withholding details, and then dropping back to explain context, and then withholding details—a thing that I would hate in a full-length novel (as a rule, I don't enjoy it when characters withhold information from the reader) but that works in something of this length. I read this as something of a palate cleanser, and it's satisfying in length and speed of action. I'm still not here for full-length thrillers about politics (or, really, any genre that is about politics), but in this form? Yes please.

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.

In this past paced short story, an unknown math professor who was scheduled to attend a conference in Moscow suddenly receives alerts from the State Department not to attend. While deciding what to do he is contacted by extremely important people in our government who have a task for him to achieve. Eleven Numbers is a quick and interesting read.

Book Review: Eleven Numbers by Lee Child
I picked up Eleven Numbers because it combines several elements I enjoy—thriller, mystery, suspense, and an academic setting centered around a math professor. The novel did not disappoint, offering an engaging storyline with thought-provoking themes.

The protagonist, Professor Tyler, finds himself entangled in a web of government manipulation, espionage, and intellectual deception. One of the most humbling moments in the book was when Tyler and Bailey engaged in a deep mathematical discussion. The novel also serves as a critique of U.S. government politics and its double standards. At the beginning, the U.S. president paints Russia as the ultimate villain, only for Tyler to later realize that his own government is just as ruthless—using him as a scapegoat to extract information.

Tyler’s ego is masterfully played upon, with officials flattering him, an "American," as a world-class mathematician, the only one capable of solving a crucial puzzle. The irony, of course, is that many of the greatest mathematicians are not American, making the flattery an obvious manipulation. Yet, Tyler falls for it, only to be humbled later by a Russian mathematician who calls him "obscure." This moment mirrors his awakening to the realities of political and academic power plays.

The book also sheds light on bureaucratic corruption, as the U.S. government is willing to discard Tyler once he has served their purpose, despite having other means to obtain the information they needed. This added a layer of suspense and frustration, making it a compelling read.

Overall, Eleven Numbers is a solid thriller that delivers both intellectual and political intrigue. It effectively critiques power structures while keeping the reader engaged with its suspenseful twists. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys thrillers with a deeper, more thought-provoking narrative.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley . I was excited when i saw this book available for review . Its my first non Reacher book from the author. To be honest most of the maths flew over my head. Maths was never my strong point so that side of book wasnt enjoyable. It does have everything though that you want in a Lee Child book though. unpredictable but a bit to short. I dont mind short stories but this felt like it ended very quickly. Not as much action as a Reacher novel but interesting non the least. It was hard deciding on a rating to be honest. 3 seemed to low but it wasnt a 4 or 5 for me. I hope i get another opportunity in the future even though this wasnt a review raving totally about the book. but I wanted to give my honest opinion. So here it is .

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this short story, just 32 pages long but each a joy. Nathan Tyler is a Maths professor due at a maths conference in Russia. In spite of numerous warnings about visiting Russia he decides to go anyway. Then the President of the USA steps in and things dont go to plan from then on in.
I’ve noticed Lee Child likes using numbers in his books, equations, chances and sequences, this is no exception.
Worth reading.

#ElevenNumbers #NetGalley

Wow what a great short story!

Lee Child shows he can do Cold War spy thrillers.

Don’t be put off by the use of a mathematician professor recruited to work for his government, to coincide with a planned trip to Moscow to attend an international mathematics conference.

Great craft, expanding and opening up the plot; no page of the 50 pages is wasted, as the story goes back and forth to reveal multiple layers in this narrative. I was enthralled throughout. Lee Child is so reader friendly, an expert storyteller and master of his art.

Nathan Tyler is a terrific character to follow in this story. He is immediately likeable and we warm to him taken up by events beyond his control. Despite being intelligent, he is humble and values his life’s work. He is a reluctant agent of his government’s desire to get one over their old enemy. You feel Tyler gets involved as a patriot but also because of his love of mathematics and the chance to meet one of his heroes. You get the feeling it may not end well.

Well, read it for yourselves and let me know!
It is a one sitting, quick read and you’ll love it!!

Eleven Numbers: A Short Story by Lee Child is something far different than one would expect from the author of the legendary Jack Reacher series. Instead, this quick read is all about math and mathematician Nathan Tyler. But, as the publisher synopsis makes clear, spy stuff is also at work here.

Despite the advice from the airline, the State Department, and his boss, Nathan Tyler is headed to Russia for a mathematics conference. Tyler is sure that the Russians value and respect math. He is sure that the conference will an island of calm in a sea of chaos and noise. Besides, he is a man on a mission and operating on a need-to-know basis and other folks do not need to know everything that is in his head.

Of course, things go sideways. The questions are twofold. How did they go sideways? Is he going to get home, alive and in one piece?

A pleasant change of pace, Eleven Numbers: A Short Story by Lee Child is a fast moving and fun read. Even if you hated math in school and can’t balance a checkbook to save yourself, like me, you will learn a thing or two about numbers. Especially, eleven very important ones.

Recommended.

My reading copy came by way of a digital ARC, made available by the publisher, Amazon Original Stories, through NetGalley, after the publication date earlier this month. Good thing to for this reader as the Dallas Public Library System does not carry it.


Kevin R. Tipple ©2025

I am not a fan of short stories but enjoyed this one. The main character is very different from Jack Reacher. No violence but lots of smart thinking. I’d like to see this character developed into a full novel.

Too much traveling, too many warnings, and yet I didn't know what was happening. It was more confusing than intriguing. Not for me.

If you are looking for quick read, this is one to consider. There's not a lot of action in the book, but it is an easy one to follow. The writing is solid, and everything ties together quite nicely by the end. It was fun to try and figure out the missing number along with the characters.

Thank you to Lee Child, Amazon and NetGalley for an ARC of this short story in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was my first book/short story by Lee Child and I can see why he is such a well loved and successful author! While this isn't my usual or preferred genre, I am a mum of 5 boys who are always struggling to find authors that write on topics they can connect with. This short story was the perfect snippet for me to enjoy while exploring new topics and writing styles to share with my sons.

I can definitely see why his "Reacher" series is so popular!

Child without Reacher doesn’t seem possible, but this novella really works. We meet a mathematician called by the president to learn an important number code-a code linked to nuclear weapons. To do so, he must travel to Russia. The plot gets interesting quickly in the very fast-paced story.

I am not a fan of short stories and this one did nothing to change my mind. The story gave us an insight into the workings of government and I thought it was a trifle unrealistic. The amount of time devoted to mathematics and numbers can very easily become boring. However, I felt compelled to continue reading to see how the story ended. I thank NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.

Loved this short story from the master of suspense, Lee Child, known for his gripping Jack Reacher series. In "Eleven Numbers," a brilliant math professor is unexpectedly summoned to a high stakes meeting with the President and top advisors. Tasked with deciphering a mysterious algorithm, his rapid success thrusts him into a perilous mission, one so dangerous that neither foe nor friend may wish him to return. The professor's unique blend of intellectual prowess and vulnerability make him a compelling protagonist. This short story is a testament to Child's ability to weave captivating narratives, and I highly recommend it to fans of the genre.

“Eleven Numbers” is a short story by Lee Child, and no, it does not feature Jack Reacher. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not riveting and suspenseful in its own way. Actually, this is one of the better short stories that Mr. Child has published.

Nathan Tyler is a mathematics professor at an American university, just a basic everyday academic. Out of the blue, he decides to attend a mathematics conference, which is no big deal, other then this conference is taking place in Moscow, not a very welcoming place for an American nowadays. His colleagues urge him to reconsider. The State Department sends out warnings to reconsider. But the Russians respect mathematicians, and Nathan is a quiet nobody, what could possibly go wrong?

Quite a bit, actually. Nathan’s specialty is Kindansky Numbers, a very special type of prime number. And the US government is very interested in these numbers, so much so that Nathan is asked by the President to do a little information gathering at this conference from a world renown Russian mathematician. But things go wrong immediately after arriving. Now Nathan is in prison for assaulting a police officer. Will Nathan be able to complete his mission and return to his humdrum life?

Lots of action, with direct sparse prose that we have come to expect from Mr. Child, with a few surprises along the way. A great quick read.

I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Amazon Original Stories via NetGalley. Thank you!

Eleven Numbers is an absolutely gripping thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The story follows Nathan Tyler, a mathematician sent to Moscow during a tense political climate, where Americans are on high alert. But things take a turn when Nathan receives an unexpected call from the White House, setting in motion a high-stakes mission. His goal? To meet a brilliant Russian mathematician and extract crucial information. However, as events unfold, the situation becomes increasingly complex, and Nathan must navigate trust, uncertainty, and shifting allegiances.

The book is a rollercoaster of suspense, with masterfully executed plot twists and rising tension that kept me hooked. Lee Child once again delivers a fast-paced, high-energy story that fans of thrillers will absolutely devour. If you're a fan of spy fiction and love a story that keeps you guessing, Eleven Numbers is a must-read!

I chose this novella to get an idea of this writer's writing style. He is well known for his spy books. And this is not going to be my last book by him.

He probably wasn't his intention. But this story takes on a different dimension for me because of the current political world situation.

Loved it. Really cool to see Lee Child branch out and write a story without his star character Jack Reacher. This was paced perfectly for a short story, and I thought the stakes were well presented upfront and then subverted in an interesting way. Plus it was about math and I love math.

This was an interesting short story that actually had a twist that I wasn't expecting. It wasn't a jaw dropping twist, but it DID change the path that the storyline had been going. Actually, change that....there was a twist, then there was ANOTHER twist shortly after that. Interesting, right?

The plot centers around an obscure but brilliant Math professor who is scheduled to attend an annual math conference/seminar. Unfortunately, the conference is in Moscow and there are suddenly alerts from the US State Department that advise against Americans traveling there.

Add on to that the fact that he, suddenly and out of the blue, is contacted by some extremely important people high up in the government who have a task that they would like him to accomplish - and the story takes off from there.

This was, again, a very short story, but I did enjoy it. The twist(s), and then the way that the story ended left me feeling content and satisfied. It is always good when our protagonist finds a way to come out on top in the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This short story will be out for publication on Feb 01, 2025.

A short story from one of my favourite authors but this time not about Jack Reacher.

Nathan Tyler, a U.S. mathematician, is sent to Russia, supposedly to attend a math conference but actually to carry out a spot of espionage. Of course he gets in to major difficulties but is smart enough to turn the tables on everyone.

The story is short but very entertaining, written in this author's usual style, but with a different setting. Nathan Tyler makes a very intriguing character. An enjoyable read.