The thrill of diving into a new series of books can be exhilarating, especially when it comes to a beloved character like Jack Reacher. Created by Lee Child, Jack Reacher is a former Military Police Major who roams the country, righting wrongs and fighting for justice. With over two dozen books in the series, it can be daunting to know where to start. That's why we've put together a comprehensive checklist of Lee Child's Jack Reacher books in order.
Why Read the Jack Reacher Series in Order?
While each Jack Reacher book can be read as a standalone novel, reading the series in order provides a richer experience. You'll get to see Reacher's character evolve over time, and witness the subtle connections between each story. Plus, Lee Child carefully weaves in recurring characters and plot threads throughout the series, making it even more satisfying to read in order.
The Jack Reacher Series in Order
Here is the complete list of Lee Child's Jack Reacher books in order:
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Killing Floor (1997)
Introduce yourself to Jack Reacher in this debut novel, where he's arrested for murder in a small Georgia town.
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Die Trying (1998)
Reacher's latest adventure takes him to Chicago, where he teams up with an FBI agent to stop a group of ruthless kidnappers.
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Tripwire (1999)
A mysterious assassin and a cryptic message lead Reacher to the Florida Keys, where he must use his wits to survive.
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The Visitor (2000) (published as Running Blind in the US)
Reacher is recruited by the FBI to investigate a series of murders, which may be linked to a mysterious government agency.
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Echo Burning (2001)
In the scorching Texas heat, Reacher becomes embroiled in a complex web of murder, theft, and deceit.
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Persuader (2003)
Reacher's search for a missing DEA agent leads him to the treacherous world of organized crime in Boston.
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The Enemy (2004)
When a high-ranking military officer is murdered, Reacher must navigate a complex military investigation to uncover the truth.
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One Shot (2005)
A sniper's massacre in a small Indiana town sparks a massive manhunt, with Reacher at the center.
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The Hard Way (2006)
Reacher's latest adventure takes him to New York City, where he teams up with a former Special Forces operative to rescue a kidnapped woman.
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Bad Luck and Trouble (2007)
When a former colleague is killed, Reacher reunites with his old unit to track down the culprit.
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Nothing to Lose (2008)
In a small Colorado town, Reacher becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving a sinister chemical plant.
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61 Hours (2010)
Reacher's latest adventure takes him to the South Dakota Badlands, where he must protect a mysterious woman from a ruthless killer.
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Worth Dying For (2010)
Reacher's search for a missing girl leads him to a sinister human trafficking ring in rural Nebraska.
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The Affair (2011)
This prequel novel explores Reacher's early days as a Military Policeman, as he investigates a murder in a small Mississippi town.
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A Wanted Man (2012)
Reacher teams up with an FBI agent to track down a mysterious suspect, leading them on a thrilling adventure across the country.
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Never Go Back (2013)
Reacher's latest adventure takes him to Virginia, where he must clear his name and uncover a conspiracy within the military.
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Good and Valuable Consideration (2014) (a collection of short stories)
A collection of Reacher short stories, showcasing the character's early adventures and misadventures.
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Personal (2014)
The President of the United States requests Reacher's assistance in a high-stakes international adventure.
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Make Me (2015)
Reacher investigates a mysterious town in California, where he uncovers a dark conspiracy involving a reclusive billionaire.
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Night School (2016)
Reacher teams up with an FBI agent to investigate a possible terrorist threat in Hamburg, Germany.
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The Midnight Line (2017)
Reacher searches for a mysterious woman in Wisconsin, leading him to a complex web of corruption and deceit.
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Past Tense (2018)
Reacher's search for his father's past leads him to a mysterious town in Maine, where he must confront a dark family secret.
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Blue Moon (2019)
Reacher investigates a complex web of corruption and deceit in the city of Boston.
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The Sentinel (2020) (co-written with Andrew Child)
Reacher teams up with a former colleague to investigate a mysterious plot in a small Tennessee town.
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Better Off Dead (2021) (co-written with Andrew Child)
Reacher's latest adventure takes him to the California desert, where he must confront a ruthless killer.
Get Ready for Action
With this comprehensive checklist, you're ready to embark on a thrilling adventure with Jack Reacher. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the series, each book promises to deliver non-stop action, intricate plots, and a healthy dose of Reacher's signature wit and charm. So, grab your favorite book and get ready to join the journey!
What is the correct order to read the Jack Reacher series?
+The correct order to read the Jack Reacher series is the publication order, which is listed above.
Are the Jack Reacher books standalone novels?
+While each Jack Reacher book can be read as a standalone novel, reading the series in order provides a richer experience, as Lee Child carefully weaves in recurring characters and plot threads throughout the series.
What is the best way to get started with the Jack Reacher series?
+Start with the first book, Killing Floor, to introduce yourself to Jack Reacher and the series. From there, follow the publication order to get the most out of the series.