Jack Reacher is a legendary character created by British author Lee Child. With his rugged looks, sharp mind, and unbeatable fighting skills, Reacher has become a favorite among thriller enthusiasts. However, with over two decades of books, it can be overwhelming to figure out which order to read them in. In this article, we will guide you through the Jack Reacher book order and provide you with five unique facts about the series. Additionally, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the books and answered them for your convenience.
Jack Reacher Book Order:
1. “Killing Floor” (1997)
2. “Die Trying” (1998)
3. “Tripwire” (1999)
4. “Running Blind”/”The Visitor” (2000) – Note: The title varies depending on the country you are in.
5. “Echo Burning” (2001)
6. “Without Fail” (2002)
7. “Persuader” (2003)
8. “The Enemy” (2004)
9. “One Shot” (2005)
10. “The Hard Way” (2006)
11. “Bad Luck and Trouble” (2007)
12. “Nothing to Lose” (2008)
13. “Gone Tomorrow” (2009)
14. “61 Hours” (2010)
15. “Worth Dying For” (2010)
16. “The Affair” (2011)
17. “A Wanted Man” (2012)
18. “Never Go Back” (2013)
19. “Personal” (2014)
20. “Make Me” (2015)
21. “Night School” (2016)
22. “The Midnight Line” (2017)
23. “Past Tense” (2018)
24. “Blue Moon” (2019)
25. “The Sentinel” (2020) – Written by Lee Child’s brother, Andrew Grant, based on Lee Child’s outline.
26. “Better Off Dead” (2021) – Written by Andrew Grant.
Five Unique Facts about the Jack Reacher Series:
1. Lee Child, the author of the series, started writing the first Jack Reacher novel, “Killing Floor,” after he was made redundant from his job. Little did he know that it would be the beginning of a highly successful and beloved series.
2. The character of Jack Reacher is often described as a modern-day knight-errant. He is a former military police officer who roams the United States, dispensing justice and helping those in need.
3. Tom Cruise portrayed Jack Reacher in the film adaptations of the series. While Cruise’s portrayal received mixed reactions from fans due to the actor’s physical differences from the character in the books, the movies still garnered a significant following.
4. Lee Child, the original author of the series, stepped down from writing the books after “Blue Moon” in 2019. His brother, Andrew Grant, took over and wrote “The Sentinel” in 2020. Grant’s writing style successfully captures the essence of Reacher’s world, ensuring that the series lives on.
5. The Jack Reacher series has sold over 100 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 40 languages. It has also received critical acclaim, with several books reaching the top spot on bestseller lists.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is it necessary to read the Jack Reacher books in order?
Yes, it is recommended to read the books in order as they often reference events from previous novels, and the character’s development is best understood in chronological order.
2. Can I start reading the series from any book?
While each book can be read as a standalone, starting from the beginning allows you to fully immerse yourself in the character’s journey and understand the various story arcs.
3. How many Jack Reacher books are there?
As of 2021, there are 26 books in the series, including the one written by Lee Child’s brother, Andrew Grant.
4. Are the Jack Reacher books violent?
Yes, the books contain violence as they are action-packed thrillers. However, the violence is not excessively graphic and serves the purpose of the story.
5. Are there any short stories or novellas in the Jack Reacher series?
Yes, Lee Child has written several Jack Reacher short stories that expand on the character’s adventures. They are often published as standalone books or included in anthologies.
6. Can I watch the Jack Reacher movies before reading the books?
While the movies are entertaining, they deviate from the books in certain aspects. It is recommended to read the books first to fully experience the original story.
7. Will Lee Child write more Jack Reacher books in the future?
Lee Child has handed over the reins to his brother, Andrew Grant, who will continue writing the series. So, while Lee Child himself may not be writing future books, the series will continue.
8. Are there any plans for a Jack Reacher TV series?
Yes, Amazon Prime Video has produced a TV series titled “Jack Reacher” starring Alan Ritchson in the lead role. The first season is set to release in 2022.
9. Can I read the Jack Reacher books on an e-reader?
Yes, the entire series is available in e-book format, making it convenient for readers who prefer digital copies.
10. Are the Jack Reacher books suitable for young adults?
The series is primarily targeted towards adult readers due to its mature themes and occasional graphic violence.
11. Are there any spin-off series related to Jack Reacher?
Yes, Lee Child co-authored a spin-off series called “Hunt for Jack Reacher” with author Diane Capri. It focuses on a different protagonist who is on the hunt for Reacher.
12. Are there any plans for a Jack Reacher video game?
As of now, there are no official plans for a Jack Reacher video game, but given the character’s popularity, it may happen in the future.
13. Can I read the Jack Reacher books in a different language?
Yes, the series has been translated into numerous languages, allowing fans worldwide to enjoy the adventures of Jack Reacher in their preferred language.
In conclusion, the Jack Reacher series offers an exhilarating journey through the life of a captivating character. By following the recommended book order, readers can fully appreciate the development of Jack Reacher’s story. With over 20 books and more to come, the series promises to keep fans engaged for years to come.
