I stopped watching 24 near the end of its fifth season. At one point, it was my favorite show on TV; then time got the best of me and the idea of trying to catch up hurt my brain and stressed me out. So I thought it best to just let Jack Bauer be part of my past (honestly, that’s the kind of show that should’ve limited itself to three years, tops).

Still, I think 24: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE is pretty cool. Designed by DK Publishing strictly for fans, it delivers all the minutiae of the series, season by season, character by character, in the publisher’s typical, detail-heavy but visually pleasing manner.

The GUIDE treats the characters as if they were real people; therefore, Jack Bauer isn’t referred to as a role played by a kick-ass Kiefer Sutherland, but as a genuine government agent who just happens to be highly skilled at killing terrorists and staying alive under the most insane conditions. Oh, and he has a hot daughter who once got close to a cougar.

After introducing some of Bauer’s fellow agents and CTU employees, the book gives an overview of CTU headquarters itself, via maps and looks at its technology, whether it be vehicular, arms-oriented or spy-type gear.

Government officials come next, headed by President David Palmer, but the coolest thing about the book is its season-by-season recap, with frames illustrating the plot in real-time, labeled by the minute. In other words, if you don’t have time to rewatch the series on DVD, spend a few minutes by reading about it; it’s like Cliffs Notes, but with sleek, full-color photography and “I’m gonna need a hacksaw.”

If that quote holds resonance with you, this book is for you. –Rod Lott

Buy it at Amazon.

OTHER BOOKGASM REVIEWS OF THIS SERIES:
• 24 DECLASSIFIED: CAT’S CLAW by John Whitman
• 24 DECLASSIFIED: OPERATION HELL GATE by Marc Cerasini
• 24 DECLASSIFIED: TROJAN HORSE by Marc Cerasini
• 24 DECLASSIFIED: VETO POWER by John Whitman