Lee Child Books In Order

Publication Order of Jack Reacher Books

Chronological Order of Jack Reacher Books

Publication Order of Jack Reacher Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Jack Reacher Collections

Publication Order of Jack Reacher Miscellaneous Books

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Akashic Drug Chronicles Books

Publication Order of Harold Middleton Books

Publication Order of Mysterious Profiles Books

Publication Order of The MatchUp Collection Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Chronological Order of Lee Child Books:

1: Second Son (Short Story) 2: High Heat (Short Story) 3: The Enemy 4: Night School 5: The Affair Then read it in publication order.

Lee Child Biography:

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Lee Child is best known for his main character, Jack Reacher. In fact, Lee Child has written all of the “Jack Reacher” books although has started co-writing with his brother since 2020.


The plan eventually is for Andrew Child to take over the series.

Tom Cruise starred as the main character in a movie titled, simply, “Jack Reacher.” and a sequel, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back.


Lee Child has also been the recipient of several awards including the Anthony and the Barry awards for Best First Mystery for his first Jack Reacher novel, “Killing Floor.”

Another Reacher novel, “The Enemy”, won the Barry and the Nero awards for Best Novel. With all of these accolades one would think Lee Child was born to be an author. But as usually is the case, his success story has many twists and turns that lead him on the path to writing his best selling novels and to ultimately create this alluring character. Born Jim Grant on October 29, 1954 in Coventry England, Child and his family moved to Birmingham when he was four years old.

At the age of 20, in 1974, Child entered Law School in Sheffield, England. It is said that he never intended to actually practice law. Upon graduation, he decided instead to get a job in commercial television and joined Granada TV in Manchester. Child would end up working there for 18 years before being fired as a result of “corporate restructuring.” During that time he wrote countless commercials, news stories and trailers. It was 1995 and Child was 40 years old.

After purchasing six dollars worth of paper and pencils, he decided to try his hand at writing. Lee Child then wrote his first Reacher novel, “Killing Floor.” Reacher novels are not the only works that Lee Child has published. He has also written the short stories, “Second Son” and “Deep Down.” These are now available as eBooks. Child moved to New York in the summer of 1998. This is where he met his wife, Jane. It is to her that his 2012 book, “A Wanted Man” is dedicated. Together they have a grown daughter, an apartment in Manhattan and a home in the south of France. Child also counts his numerous plane rides between his two domiciles as his “third home.”

His brother, Andrew Grant is also a thriller novelist. In his spare time, Child likes to read, listen to music and watch the New York Yankees. He was elected President of the Mystery Writers of America in 2009. He is also available for speaking engagements and has his own website, www.leechild.com. Never before has one character – especially from a book – become such an enigma. As one reads these novels, an immediate image of who Jack Reacher is and what he looks like can be visualized.

Jack Reacher has his own biography and statistics. He was born on October 29th with no middle name. This is referenced a few times throughout the books. Reacher frequently tells people his name on his birth certificate is “Jack None Reacher.” He is a large man – extremely large and ominous – weighing between 220 and 250 pounds and standing 6 and a half feet tall. His chest is 50 inches across and he wears a size 3XL coat and the inseam on his pants measures 95 centimeters.

Born on an Army base in Berlin, Jack Reacher and his brother Joe moved around a lot as kids. Now both his mother and his father and his brother are all deceased. Reacher left home at the age of eighteen and then graduated from West Point. He served 13 years in the Army bouncing from Major down to Captain and finally back up to Major before leaving the service in 1997. Reacher has no drivers license, receives no Federal Benefits and will not file taxes. It is often wondered what he does for money.

He is a decorated military serviceman. Reacher buried his Silver Star with his Mother and has also received the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star and Purple Heart, to name a few. To say he has special “skills” is probably an understatement. In many of the novels, Reacher is in the wrong place at the wrong time but ends up using his skills to solve even the most perilous situations. In “Killing Floor”, for example, the first of the Reacher novels, Reacher is arrested for murder shortly after arriving in Margrave, Georgia.

The victim happens to be his own brother who he has not seen in seven years. It does not help that the main eyewitness happens to be the police chief who claims to have seen Reacher at the scene. Reacher knows he was boarding a bus in Tampa at the time. With the help of a Harvard-graduate chief detective and a female officer, Reacher traces his brother’s steps to solve the mystery. Of course this all happens in a span of only three days.

This superb adventure easily captivates the reader and creates a relationship with Reacher that is hard to forget. In the second Reacher novel, “Die Trying,” a Chicago dentist is attacked and thrown into the trunk of his own car. Coincidentally, Reacher and a woman he does not even know are taken hostage in the light of day.

Ever the gentleman, Reacher was only “with” this woman because she was limping and struggling on her crutches and of course he stopped to help her. Turns out she is an FBI agent. They are taken hostage for ransom. Together, Reacher and this woman must work together and act as a team to get out of their predicament.

As only Reacher can do, he relates to this woman and uses his charm and wit, not to mention his incredible intelligence and skills, to not only get them out safely, but also take down the criminals. The good thing about Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels is that they can be read in any order.

Lee Child provides enough background in each book to bring the reader current without sounding repetitive and redundant. With all of these thrilling, often crazy and sometimes unimaginable situations that Jack Reacher finds himself in just during the course of his every day life, it is easy to see how a reader can get sucked in, and really not mind. It is what makes each and every novel special. It is what makes Lee Child a truly gifted master at story-telling.

97 Responses to “Lee Child”

1. David Craig: 7 years ago

   yeah i agree with the rock Duane Johnson after all Reacher is supposed to be 6’5 and 230lb not 5’6 and 120lb

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2. Marcus Jones: 7 years ago

   Josh Brolin Would be my choice or possibly Ron Perlman,

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3. J2289: 7 years ago

   Be sure to read the Jack Reacher books in chronological order…not in publication order. I got to The Enemy and realized that I wasn’t reading them in the proper order.

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4. J2289: 7 years ago

   The Enemy was published in 2004, the eighth Jack Reacher book by date of publishing. It should really be the first Jack Reacher book you read…not the 8th. Reason: In this book, his brother Joe is alive for the entire book and working at the U. S. Treasury. In the first Jack Reacher book by date of publishing, Killing Floor, Joe Reacher is murdered. So, read The Enemy first and then by order of publication date.

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   • Graeme: 7 years ago

     Actually if you wanted to read in Chronological order it would be:

     1: Second Son (Short Story)
     2: High Heat (Short Story)
     3: The Enemy
     4: Night School
     5: The Affair

     From then on you’d read the rest in publication order beginning with Killing Floor.

     Reply
5. quidditas: 7 years ago

   “Stone cold” Steve Austin fits the physical bill perfectly, Randy Orton is more athletic and younger and Sean Bean, whilst a bit older, is the best actor of this lot. Take your pick ……

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6. Steve Poad: 7 years ago

   Never used to read until I was given the Never Go Back, totally hooked. I’ve read 12 already can’t put them down. Love the character Jack Reacher hard as nails knocked 7 kinds of s£&t out of anybody who gets in his way. I agree Jim Cavrizel would be brilliant. Just finished The Visitor great read

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7. Pete Peters: 7 years ago

   There is a near consensus here that ole Cruise isn’t fit to play Jack Reacher for more reasons than just the 10 inch height shortfall. Jack Reacher as played by The Rock or Jim Caveizel would have been great though. Vin Diesel? Negative. Chris Hemsworth? Definitely not. Patrick Wharbuton? Not quite the role for him but he would be better than Vin or Chris. I have to admit though, ole Cruise played it well in One Shot and he looks pretty good in the trailer for Never Go Back. In any case, it looks like Tom boy is here to stay as Jack Reacher and we’ll just have to accept it. Can’t wait for the movie this fall and then the next novel in November!

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8. John H. Shutz: 8 years ago

   Chris Hemsworth definitely to play Reacher.
   I like Cruise but come on really? I think they had to choose a short supporting cast because of his size and probably tricks to try and project him as being bigger. I picture him actually as a young Nick Nolte.

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9. Mike Gecan: 8 years ago

   He met his wife in 1998 and they have a, together, a grown daughter?? As I write this the date is 5/4/16. She’s only 18 this year. 18 is not “grown”.

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10. Tony Prost: 8 years ago

    I think Josh Brolin would make an excellent Reacher.

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11. Deborah Adams: 8 years ago

    Hi, new here. I started reading the Reacher books about 2 years ago. Some of these comments state that Reacher is/should be handsome. I don’t believe Lee Child has ever used that word for Reacher. I seem to remember the descriptions of him being totally opposite.

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    • cfajohnson: 3 years ago

      From “Tripwire”:
      Reacher: I’m not just a pretty face.
      Crystal: You’re not even a pretty face.

      Reply
12. Cathy: 8 years ago

    I’ve found the new Jack….Patrick Warburton from Rules of Engagement. He definitely has the size and he has the smouldering down pat and that’s not even trying in a comedy sit com. I think we all agree that Cruise was a bit embarasing as Jack.

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    • Valeboy: 7 years ago

      Absolutely, just hopeless!

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13. Joe D. Avalos: 8 years ago

    I have read the series from beginning to end, “Make Me” Tom Cruise was a bad choice, My selection would’ve included..Randy Orton, The Rock, Hunter Helmsley, David Batista wrestlers…Not to mention a few good UFC fighter, would have fit the character at 6’6′. I hope there is other movies, I don’t care which book selection it is but by choosing characters to fit the roll would be box hits!!

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14. robburgh: 8 years ago

    Chris Hemsworth would make a great Jack Reacher… Just my two cents.

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15. Knatten: 8 years ago

    I agree with Angela. Tom Cruise is not the best casting. Jason Stratham would be much better, although he is a little on the small side as well.

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16. Gary lenna: 8 years ago

    I am a retired Marine and I am hooked on the reacher series I was so excited about the movie when I saw Tom Cruise I couldn’t believe it!?? I believe vin deisel or Duane Johnson would fit the character reacher well or a new actor that fits his description and personality! I hope another movie comes out with a new reacher and I guarantee it would be a box office hit

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17. Ed. Thompson: 8 years ago

    The man is unbelievable makes you part of his story . always be aware that Reacher is a bad dude. Love your stories. The only changes would be longer . And I mean 900/ 1000 pages. Yes I know got to cut off some place.

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18. JC Opinion: 8 years ago

    I vote for Armie Hammer or Chris Evans as Jack Reacher.

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19. Debbie Lester: 8 years ago

    Is there a book list reading order of the Jack Reacher books including the short stories anywhere. I know they are stand alones but there IS a time sequence. One would not read Second Son last. I would choose Dolf Lundgren. Except for the accent he is the perfect Jack Reacher.

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20. JoAnne Sharples: 8 years ago

    Actually Kevin Sorbo would be the ideal “Reacher”. Cruise was a mistake. Having read all of the Reacher books, it was very disappointing that Cruise was chosen.

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21. Scott Wilson: 8 years ago

    Tom Cruise did a fine job of introducing the character to the masses and if you’d never read the books it would be completely fine. Actually I liked that they broke from the mold of the book. I find the book character to be very one-dimensional and derivative. If, however, you would want to go the written version there are a number of suggestions. Not Daniel Craig, Liam Neeson, or Jason Statham as they are too old and Statham is still too short. Might I suggest Chris Hemsworth, Taylor Kitsch, Vin Diesel, or maybe even Dwayne Johnson. Vin and the rock definitely have the brooding thing down and the Rock would add some ethnic flavor to the role.

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    • John H. Shutz: 8 years ago

      Hemsworth 👍

      Reply
22. Matt: 8 years ago

    Tom Cruise does a fine job, I enjoy most of his films, but as Jack Reacher he falls short. Why in heavens name would Lee Child spend years decribing Jack Reacher as one thing and then allow him to be portrayed by someone who clearly has no resemblance to Reacher. Oh maybe its because Cruise produced the film……money talks even if it disappoints Childs followers.

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23. Leonie: 9 years ago

    I have just seen Chris Hemsworth on Marvels as Thor. Perfect choice.

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24. Leonie: 9 years ago

    I agree with Angela completely. Who though? He is such an enigma. I have just read my first book after my late Nan raved about them and talked about Jack Reacher as if he was a friend and was also mortified by the casting in the film. At the age of 89 did read all of his books.
    I am so pleased I took her advise to start reading them. Just read 61 hours. Should I read the past ones so it fills me in on a bit of history or just the next one…. Can’t wait

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25. Josephine: 9 years ago

    Chris Helmsworth would be ideal as Jack Reacher as they are both big men in build, over six foot tall, blonde, good looking, sexy, a pleasure to watch, extremely easy on the eye, and guaranteed to drive the ladies crazy into wanting more movies of Jack Reacher. On the mens side they will be all sitting at the movies secretly wishing they were Jack Reacher.

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    • somal sagar: 9 years ago

      Tom Cruise is ideal!

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      • COYOTECAT: 8 years ago

        Seriously.?? You are the only one. Tom Cruise all 5’1 of him…get real

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      • COYOTECAT: 8 years ago

        Better then what? Inquiring minds want to know

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    • Leonie: 9 years ago

      I have just seen him. Definately Chris Hemsworth

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26. Denise: 9 years ago

    Liam Neeson is ideal! Or maybe Jason Statham

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27. KFairfax: 9 years ago

    Jim Caviezel should be Jack Reacher!!!

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    • michael willis: 9 years ago

      on the other hand, David Morse ( the Green Mile) fits Reacher’s physical profile to a tee. and a fine actor I might add

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      • Denise Cutner: 8 years ago

        I think John CENA would be an excellent choice as Jack Reacher he has proven himself in his other movies ,HE is Jack Reacher tall,built,handsome,and can act

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        • Rob: 8 years ago

          Joe Manganiello should play Reacher. He is 6’5″, he has the longer hair, he’s rugged, he’s completely ripped, everything that Lee Child describes Jack Reacher to be.

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          • Tim R. Reynolds: 7 years ago

            I think Jason Strahan(?) who plays the “Transporter” movies would be ideal for the part. Too late now the second movie with Cruise starring has just came out.

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        • quidditas: 7 years ago

          Otherwise Sean Bean, of Richard Sharpe fame.

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28. Keith Neville: 9 years ago

    I agree with Angela you need a modern Clint Eastwood to play him, do hope you don’t stick to Cruise.

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    • Patswisha: 9 years ago

      Daniel Craig would be my ideal Jack Reacher. Would so much like to see him in the role.

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      • Keith Neville: 9 years ago

        Good choice but he’s still not tall enough, he needs to tower above his foe, keep the suggestions coming.

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      • genmar: 8 years ago

        jason stratham

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        • quidditas: 7 years ago

          Too short

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29. Angela: 9 years ago

    Jack Reacher at 6 foot 4 is not well portrayed by cruise who has a plethora of movies and preconceived personas to the viewers… get a new upcoming guy like the one that plays main character in Person of interest brooding, straight up, tall dark n ruggedly handsome. It is a brilliant read, Lee Child take control. get someone new, and make him reacher… women audiences…flesh out the character…with someone
    new!
    Reacher is the new Bond, treat it with the same promise…

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    • Winter Archer: 8 years ago

      My wife and I just came to the same conclusion last night. Mr. Reese would be a good choice to play Reacher.

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      • cheryl smith: 8 years ago

        Everytime I watch Person of Interest I just picture Mr Reese as Reacher.

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    • Barb: 8 years ago

      I agree that Tom Cruise was a poor choice because of his physical appearance not being anywhere close to Reacher’s, but Mr. Reese ( who’s show I do watch), becomes so one dimensional with his monosyllabic voice. I don’t feel he has the charisma that the book describes Reacher to have.

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      • gone fishin: 8 years ago

        “Mr. Reese” is a character on a TV show. Jim Cavrizel is a great actor with great range and intensity. You might want to check out some of his other roles.

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      • ebohsytram: 7 years ago

        Still a very small man. There’s gotta be a better choice. Some unknown, somewhere.

        Reply
30. Baldy1957: 9 years ago

    Absolutely THE BEST series of books I’ve ever enjoyed!!! Reacher is hero material, and there aren’t enough like him in our troubled times.

    Reply