I usually start at the beginning of a series, but not in this case. Frankly, it did not seem to matter.
I think Lee Child did some prequels (i.e., focusing on Reacher when he was an MP) after establishing Reacher as an ex-MP. (Could be wrong because I read them in order of availability at my library). So, starting at the beginning would really mean starting in the middle.
If the characters are strong, I don’t care. I read a lot of Stuart Woods, too. I like his characters and I flit between story lines depending upon what’s available at the library or what I can find for a quarter at the thrift store.
I’ve also come to love Sunny Randall from the guy that writes the ‘Spenser’ novels. His name escapes me, of course...Grrr!
Oh! Robert Parker, LOL!