If pulse-pounding thrillers, perplexing mysteries and heart-racing action tales are your style then you have likely encountered Jack Reacher, the tough-as-nails protagonist of Lee Child widely popular series of novels. Reacher is a former military police officer who now wanders the vast expanse of America stumbling into and solving cases that require his unique skill set. He is a lone wolf, a restless drifter and a blunt instrument of justice who isn't afraid to break the rules and get violent when necessary.
The Jack Reacher books are revered for their brisk, suspenseful plotting, unexpected twists that keep readers guessing and a charismatic lead character. They have sold astonishingly well with over 100 million copies in print worldwide. The books have also been adapted into two Hollywood blockbusters starring Tom Cruise as the enigmatic Reacher bringing Child stories to vivid cinematic life. Those new to the Reacher series may be wondering about the optimal way to dive into this incredibly popular 20+ book saga. This handy guide will outline the best approaches for reading the tales
How to Read the Jack Reacher Books
There are two main ways for reading order of the Jack Reacher books:
- By publication sequence - This method follows the order the Reacher books were originally published in, starting with the first, 1997 Killing Floor and going all the way through to the most recent release.
- In narrative chronological order - This approach reads the series in the precise timeline of Reacher life and backstory. It creates a seamless character arc but delays certain reveals.
Both methods work splendidly, since the stories stand alone well. But reading chronologically fills in Reacher past without spoilers. Ultimately the choice depends on your preference as a reader. Either way, strap in for a wild ride!
List of Jack Reacher Books in Publication Order
Below is a helpful table organizing all the Reacher books by original publication date, from the debut entry through the newest. Jump to any book given in table by clicking its name.
| Publication Year | Book Title |
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| 2022 |
1 - Killing Floor (1997)
- Genre: Thriller, Mystery
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Jove Books
- Publication Date: March 17, 1997
If you desire to begin with the first novel that brought Jack Reacher into the world, Killing Floor is the one for you. You'll encounter Reacher in this tale when he comes to a small Georgia municipality dubbed Margrave where he is detained for a homicide he did not commit. Before long, he finds that Margrave is concealing a sinister secret involving counterfeit currency and a family conspiracy. Reacher embarks on a quest to exonerate himself and uncover the reality behind Margrave enigma with assistance from a local officer and an attractive attorney. Killing Floor is a gripping and explosive thriller guaranteed to captivate you from start to finish.
2 - Die Trying (1998)
- Genre: Thriller, Action
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Jove Books
- Publication Date: July 28, 1998
In Die Trying you'll accompany Reacher as he becomes entangled in a kidnapping case that proves far more than it appears. Reacher finds himself abducted along with her by armed men when he helps a limping woman on the road. He quickly realizes the woman is Holly Johnson who is the daughter of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman and an ascending FBI star. The kidnappers are a militia group headed by a charismatic and ruthless leader with a sinister agenda for Holly and Reacher. Die Trying is a thrilling and action-fueled adventure that will transport you from Chicago to Montana where Reacher must utilize his skills and instincts to endure and rescue Holly.
3 - Tripwire (1999)
- Genre: Thriller, Mystery
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Jove Books
- Publication Date: June 28, 1999
In Tripwire, you'll see Reacher as he attempts to settle down in Florida where he works as a handyman and leads a quiet existence. But his peace is shattered when a private eye seeking him ends up dead. Reacher soon grasps that someone from his past is stalking him, someone who knows his secrets and desires him dead. His sole clue is the name of a Vietnam veteran who may or may not be his father. Reacher embarks on a quest to determine who is hunting him and why with help from an old friend and an attractive woman. Tripwire is a tense and fascinating thriller that will uncover more about Reacher history and kin.
4 - Running Blind (2000)
- Genre: Thriller, Mystery
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Jove Books
- Publication Date: August 28, 2000
In Running Blind, you'll witness Reacher as he faces a perplexing case involving the murders of several women having one thing in common: they all were in the military and filed sexual harassment grievances against their commanders. The FBI suspects Reacher involvement, as he knew some victims personally. To prove his innocence and nab the genuine killer, Reacher agrees to work undercover for the FBI. But he soon finds the murderer is smarter and more elusive than anyone imagined and may have a personal tie to Reacher. Running Blind is a clever and twisty thriller certain to challenge your mind and keep you speculating until the climax.
5 - Echo Burning (2001)
- Genre: Thriller, Western
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Jove Books
- Publication Date: June 25, 2001
In Echo Burning, you'll join Reacher as he travels to Texas where he encounters a woman named Carmen who alleges her husband is abusive and needs Reacher help. Reacher consents to protect her and her young daughter from her husband, soon to be released from jail. But he eventually realizes Carmen may not be wholly truthful and there could be more to her tale than is evident. As he probes deeper into her past and family secrets, he becomes ensnared in a web of lies, violence and corruption. Echo Burning is a gripping and atmospheric novel that will transport you to the harsh yet beautiful vistas of Texas.
6 - Without Fail (2002)
- Genre: Thriller, Political
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Jove Books
- Publication Date: May 28, 2002
In Without Fail, you'll observe Reacher as he undertakes a high-stakes assignment concerning the U.S. Vice President security. Reacher is contacted by his old friend Frances Neagley, a Secret Service agent. She asks him to assist in stopping an assassination attempt on the VP, who has received a series of anonymous threats. Reacher agrees to help but soon finds the menace is more tangled and perilous than it appears. He must contend with rogue agents, political foes and a mysterious assassin who seems to know Reacher every move.
7 - Persuader (2003)
- Genre: Thriller, Revenge
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: May 13, 2003
In Persuader, you'll experience Reacher as he seeks retribution against a man who slayed his buddy ten years prior. Reacher gets an opportunity to infiltrate the man drug operation in the guise of a hired gun. But he soon realizes he is not the only one with a hidden agenda and may be out of his depth. He must deal with a merciless drug lord, a rogue DEA agent and an enigmatic woman potentially holding the key to Reacher past. Persuader is a gripping and relentless page-turner certain to test Reacher limits and allegiance.
8 - The Enemy (2004)
- Genre: Thriller, Military
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: May 11, 2004
In The Enemy, you'll revisit 1990 when Reacher was still an Army cop. He is tasked with probing the slaying of a two-star general at a remote North Carolina army base. He soon finds the general briefcase containing top-secret documents is missing. He also learns the general wife was discovered dead in a Paris hotel room where she planned to encounter her lover. As Reacher digs deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy involving the upper echelons of the military and government. The Enemy is an electrifying and elaborate novel exposing a different facet of Reacher and his Army service.
9 - One Shot (2005)
- Genre: Thriller, Crime
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: June 14, 2005
In One Shot, you'll see Reacher get involved in a high-profile case concerning a sniper who murdered five people in Indiana. The sniper is jailed and professes innocence. He also requests Reacher by name. Reacher agrees to meet him but finds him expired in his cell. Reacher then decides to probe the case alone with help from a young lawyer representing the sniper family. He soon grasps there is more to the affair than is visible and he may be the next target. One Shot is an tense and gripping tale adapted into a film starring Tom Cruise.
10 - The Hard Way (2006)
- Genre: Thriller, Action
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: May 16, 2006
In The Hard Way, you'll follow Reacher as he becomes entangled in a kidnapping case proving far more complex than it appears. He sees a man making a ransom drop in New York City and decides to trail him. He soon learns the man is Edward Lane, an ex-mercenary running a private army for hire. Lane wife and stepdaughter were abducted by unknown assailants demanding millions in ransom. Reacher consents to help Lane locate them but soon realizes Lane may be concealing information and more than one kidnapper may be involved. The Hard Way is an exhilarating and action-fueled adventure taking you from New York to London to Africa.
11 - Bad Luck and Trouble (2007)
- Genre: Thriller, Reunion
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: May 15, 2007
In Bad Luck and Trouble, you'll witness Reacher reuniting with old military comrades. He gets a coded alert from Frances Neagley, his former cohort in the 110th Special Investigations Unit. He encounters her in Los Angeles where she discloses that someone is assassinating their former unit members one by one. Reacher gathers the surviving crew and together they strive to uncover who is behind the killings and why. They soon grasp they are up against a formidable and merciless adversary who comprehends their every maneuver. Bad Luck and Trouble is an electrifying and poignant tale displaying the unbreakable bond and allegiance between Reacher and his brothers-in-arms.
12 - Nothing to Lose (2008)
- Genre: Thriller, Adventure
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: June 3, 2008
In Nothing to Lose, you'll join Reacher as he travels to Colorado and happens upon a peculiar and clandestine township called Despair. He is detained and banished from the town without explanation. He then decides to investigate what Despair is concealing and why they are so hostile to outsiders. He collaborates with a female deputy from the nearby town of Hope who is also curious about Despair. They soon uncover Despair sinister and hazardous secret involving a military base, a religious cult and a potential terrorist scheme. Nothing to Lose is an electrifying and daring story certain to keep you on the edge of your seat.
13 - Gone Tomorrow (2009)
- Genre: Thriller, Espionage
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: May 19, 2009
In Gone Tomorrow, you'll see Reacher entangled in an espionage match involving the CIA, FBI, Homeland Security and foreign intelligence services. He on a New York City subway where he notices a woman exhibiting all the indicators of a suicide bomber. He moves to intervene but she kills herself before he can halt her. He then discovers she was no terrorist but an undercover agent carrying vital intel on a flash drive. He decides to determine what data it held and why she eliminated herself. He soon grasps he ensnared in a tangled and deadly conspiracy encompassing politics, power and secrets. Gone Tomorrow is a taut and sophisticated tale exposing the shadowy realm of spycraft.
14 - 61 Hours (2010)
- Genre: Thriller, Suspense
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: March 18, 2010
In 61 Hours, you'll follow Reacher stranded by a South Dakota blizzard and sucked into a local case involving a drug lord, witness and prison. On a crashed tour bus near Bolton, he volunteers to help transport a key witness to a major narcotics trial against the notorious dealer Plato. But Plato has dispatched assassins to erase the witness and anyone in their path. Reacher must protect the witness, elderly Janet Salter, who holds her own secret. He also must contend with vicious weather, hostile townies and a ticking clock leading to an explosive climax. 61 Hours is a gut-wrenching thriller certain to keep you counting down to the end.
15 - Worth Dying For (2010)
- Genre: Thriller, Revenge
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: October 19, 2010
In Worth Dying For, you'll see Reacher pursuing justice for an offense committed long ago. He arrives in Nebraska and becomes entangled in a feud between a local clan and outsiders working for a powerful entity. The Duncan family runs the trucking business and terrorizes all opponents. The outsiders are recruited by an international crime syndicate seeking to exploit the Duncan trucks for lucrative contraband shipping. Reacher decides to assist the locals against the Duncans and their cronies while also unraveling an old mystery concerning a missing girl last spotted with a Duncan. Worth Dying For is an enthralling and gratifying tale displaying Reacher sense of honor and justice.
16 - The Affair (2011)
- Genre: Thriller, Romance
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: September 27, 2011
In The Affair, you'll revisit 1997 when Reacher was an Army police officer. He goes undercover in rural Mississippi where a woman was viciously slain, with a soldier from a nearby base as the prime suspect. The base commander is Reacher friend Leon Garber. Reacher mission is to ascertain the soldier guilt and bury the scandal. But he soon realizes there is more to this case than is evident and he could be in peril on both sides. He also becomes intimate with local sheriff Elizabeth Deveraux, his partner and lover. The Affair is a steamy and pulse-pounding book exposing more of Reacher past and bond with Garber.
17 - A Wanted Man (2012)
- Genre: Thriller, Road Trip
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: September 11, 2012
In A Wanted Man, you'll follow Reacher hitchhiking across Nebraska and winding up in a deadly cross-country chase involving the FBI, CIA and terrorists. He picked up by two men and a woman claiming to be entrepreneurs but actually tied to a remote motel homicide. Reacher realizes he in the wrong crew and might be the only one capable of averting a massive imminent attack on U.S. soil. He also encounters FBI agent Julia Sorenson, who becomes his ally and potential flame. A Wanted Man is an exhilarating road trip tale guaranteed to thrill.
18 - Jack Reacher Rules (2012)
- Genre: Non-fiction, Reference
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: November 6, 2012
In Jack Reacher Rules, you'll gain insight into Reacher through his guidelines for living, fighting and enduring extracted from quotes, advice and anecdotes by Reacher and his confidants. You'll discover how to tackle any predicament, confront adversaries and embrace the drifter lifestyle. You'll also find intriguing trivia and lore surrounding Reacher escapades. Jack Reacher Rules is an enjoyable and illuminating book that will make you appreciate Reacher wit and wisdom.
19 - Never Go Back (2013)
- Genre: Thriller, Reunion
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: September 3, 2013
In Never Go Back, you'll finally see Reacher united with Susan Turner, his former job successor. But she been imprisoned for espionage and he wanted for two alleged felonies. He also discovers he may have a teenage daughter he never knew existed. He decides to aid Turner in clearing her name and unmasking who is behind the conspiracy ensnaring them both. He also seeks to verify if the girl is truly his offspring. Never Go Back is an electrifying and sentimental tale exposing Reacher tender side.
20 - Personal (2014)
- Genre: Thriller, International
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: September 2, 2014
In Personal, you'll follow Reacher traveling to Europe and plunged into a global case concerning an attempted assassination of the French President. His former colleague Casey Nice, now with the State Department, reveals that a sniper tried to murder the President, with an ex-American soldier Reacher once jailed the sole suspect. Reacher consents to help her find the sniper, potentially stowed away in London, Paris or Rome. He also contends with a vicious crime boss, a rogue CIA agent and a cryptic woman who may be a turncoat. Personal is an exhilarating and rapid-fire adventure that spans the globe with Reacher.
21 - Make Me (2015)
- Genre: Thriller, Mystery
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: September 8, 2015
In Make Me, you'll accompany Reacher visiting a small Oklahoma town and plunged into a conundrum entangling the dark web, deep web and hidden web. Arriving in the aptly named Mother Rest, he crosses paths with private eye Michelle Chang, searching for her vanished partner mid-investigation. She suspects Reacher could be the sought-after man, but he refutes it. Regardless, he consents to assist in locating her partner and unmasking the meaning of Mother Rest. But he swiftly discovers the case proves far more complex and treacherous than anticipated, potentially tying to his own history. Make Me is a taut and intriguing tale displaying Reacher inquisitiveness and bravery.
22 - Night School (2016)
- Genre: Thriller, Military
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: November 7, 2016
In Night School, you'll revisit 1996 with Reacher still an Army officer. He dispatched to clandestine training called Night School, partnering with agents from the FBI and CIA. Their mission: uncover why an American turncoat pocketed $100 million from nefarious sources. Their sole lead is a cryptic communiqué: "The American wants a hundred million dollars." Tracing the money trail from Germany to France to England, they must identify the shadowy deal and masterminds behind it, while evading rival operatives and lethal adversaries. Night School is an electrifying and elaborate tale spotlighting Reacher collaborative skills.
23 - The Midnight Line (2017)
- Genre: Thriller, Adventure
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: November 7, 2017
In The Midnight Line, you'll track Reacher as he travels coast-to-coast and becomes entangled in an adventure involving opioids, veterans and bikers. His journey starts in Wisconsin, finding a West Point ring in a pawn shop. He decides to determine its owner and why they pawned it. He soon learns it belonged to Rose Sanderson, a missing Afghan veteran. Resolving to find and return her ring, he swiftly discovers she may be imperiled and he'll likely have to confront mighty adversaries. The Midnight Line is a rousing and daring story underscoring Reacher compassion and drive.
24 - No Middle Name (2017)
- Genre: Short Stories, Collection
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: May 16, 2017
In No Middle Name, you'll gain insight into Reacher through twelve short stories and a novella spanning his life from youth to maturity. You'll see him as a boy in Okinawa, teen in New York City, soldier in Panama, drifter in Maine and hero elsewhere. You'll also meet friends and foes like Frances Neagley, Leon Garber, Joe Reacher, James Penney and John Kott. The exclusive novella Too Much Time serves as a prequel to The Midnight Line. This fun and illuminating book will make you appreciate Reacher adventures and psyche.
25 - Past Tense (2018)
- Genre: Thriller, Mystery
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: November 5, 2018
In Past Tense, you'll see Reacher revisiting his late father New Hampshire hometown and ensnared in a mystery tying into his family hidden history and the town sinister secrets. He arrives in Laconia, hoping to unearth details about his dad past. But he finds his father absent from all records, with no one recalling him. Reacher also crosses paths with a stranded young couple imperiled by dangerous townspeople at a nearby motel. He decides to aid them and unravel the truth about his father and the motel darkness. Past Tense is a taut and captivating tale highlighting Reacher curiosity and bravery.
26 - Blue Moon (2019)
- Genre: Thriller, Action
- Author: Lee Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: October 29, 2019
In Blue Moon, you'll follow Reacher drifting into an unnamed city and caught between two warring gangs embroiled in drugs, money and influence. He begins by aiding an elderly gentleman robbed on a bus. Reacher then escorts him and his wife home, learning they're indebted to a loan shark part of a gang. He vows to help them repay it but swiftly makes formidable enemies who want him eliminated. He also befriends Abby, a struggling waitress who becomes his ally and possible flame. Blue Moon is an exhilarating and action-fueled rollercoaster flaunting Reacher skills and wits.
27 - The Sentinel (2020)
- Genre: Thriller, Cybercrime
- Author: Lee Child and Andrew Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: October 27, 2020
In The Sentinel, you'll see Reacher partnered with his brother Andrew Child who co-wrote this tale unfolding in Tennessee, where they tackle a cybercrime case involving hackers, ransomware and election tampering. Arriving in Pleasantville, they encounter musician Rusty Rutherford, fired as an IT manager after a crippling cyberattack on the town systems. They resolve to exonerate Rutherford and identify who perpetrated the virtual assault. But they soon uncover a more sinister ploy by a Russian hacker, rogue FBI agent and plot to sabotage the imminent presidential election. The Sentinel is a gripping and timely thriller spotlighting Reacher intellect and teamwork.
28 - Better Off Dead (2021)
- Genre: Thriller, Revenge
- Author: Lee Child and Andrew Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: October 26, 2021
In Better Off Dead, you'll see Reacher collaborate again with brother Andrew Child who co-penned this tale unfolding in Arizona, where they pursue a revenge case entangling opioids, veterans and bikers. Their journey begins by aiding Scarlett Mackenzie searching for her missing son, a veteran who became addicted to painkillers after Afghanistan. He went to an Arizona clinic run by the cryptic Dr. Baldwin and vanished. They resolve to find her son and uncover what transpired at the clinic. But they learn Dr. Baldwin is not all he seems and may be tied to a violent biker gang with an ax to grind against Reacher. Better Off Dead is an electrifying and gratifying thriller portraying Reacher empathy and resolve.
29 - No Plan B (2022)
- Genre: Thriller, Adventure
- Author: Lee Child and Andrew Child
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: October 25, 2022
In No Plan B, you'll follow Reacher teaming up with brother Andrew Child again who co-authored this Alaskan adventure tale involving seeking buried gold, survival and peril. Their journey begins by assisting Jack Reacher Jr., claiming to be Reacher son. He a treasure hunter who located a map to hidden Alaskan gold. He implores Reacher to help find it and prove his paternity. They agree to aid him, but soon realize ruthless competitors are also hunting the gold and they'll have to overcome cutthroat rivals and Alaska harsh conditions. No Plan B is an exhilarating tale of danger highlighting Reacher daring spirit and resilience.
DPM Top Picks
- Killing Floor - Meet Reacher for the first time as he unravels a conspiracy after being accused of murder. It sets the template for the intriguing character-driven stories to come.
- One Shot - Reacher investigation skills are put to the test in this riveting thriller that inspired the first Reacher film starring Tom Cruise.
- Worth Dying For - A satisfying blend of Reacher using his military tactics to confront a local criminal cartel and unravel a personal cold case.
- Persuader - Reacher goes rogue, putting his life at risk for vengeance against a drug lord who killed his friend years ago in this adrenaline-fueled page-turner.
- The Enemy - We discover Reacher's beginnings in the Army Criminal Investigative Division as he probes the suspicious death of a general and suspected cover-up
Conclusion
Lee Child electrifying Jack Reacher books feature a charismatic vigilante anti-hero Rarely staying in one place, Reacher wanders from town to town solving problems with his skills honed from years in the military police. The series begins grounded in realistic crime fiction but expands in scope to international threats. With brisk pacing, loads of action and a moral code all his own, Reacher is a riveting protagonist who always sticks to his principles. Child keeps readers hooked with unexpected twists and reveals about Reacher's mysterious background. Though the books jump around in sequence, they can be easily read in publication order or Reacher chronological timeline. Perfect for thriller fans, the Jack Reacher series delivers edge-of-your-seat suspense on every pulse-pounding page.
FAQs
Q: How many Jack Reacher books are written?
As of 2022, there are 27 by Lee Child and 3 co-written, so 30 books total.
Q: Has the Jack Reacher book series ended?
No, the Jack Reacher book series has not ended. Lee Child is retiring but will co-write with his brother Andrew Child as the main author.
Q: Which is the best Jack Reacher book?
This is a subjective question that depends on your personal preference and taste. But some of the most popular and acclaimed Jack Reacher books are Killing Floor, One Shot, Bad Luck and Trouble, Make Me and The Midnight Line.
Q: Is there a Jack Reacher movie?
Yes, two films starring Tom Cruise - Jack Reacher (2012) based on One Shot and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016) based on the novel.