Cover of Killing Floor
Cover of Die Trying
Cover of Tripwire
Cover of Running Blind
Cover of Echo Burning
Cover of Without Fail (Jack Reacher)
Series

Jack Reacher

37 books

The Jack Reacher series by Lee Child and others has 29 books. Start with Killing Floor (1997), then read the rest in the order below. Related works without a series number, like companions and adaptations, are listed after them.

Jack Reacher reading order

1
Cover of Killing Floor

Killing Floor

Lee Child

Ex-military policeman Jack Reacher, a man who lives by his own code and drifts from town to town, finds himself in a situation far from his control when he's arrested for a murder he didn't commit. Stranded in the small town of Margrave, Georgia, Reacher must navigate a labyrinth of suspicion and danger to clear his name. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy far more sinister than a single homicide, forcing him to confront the dark underbelly of the seemingly peaceful community. With his sharp intellect and formidable skills, Reacher must fight for justice in a place where he has no allies and everyone is a potential enemy.

ThrillerDetective FictionMystery
2
Cover of Die Trying

Die Trying

Lee Child

Jack Reacher, a drifter with a knack for trouble, stumbles upon a brutal kidnapping in broad daylight and finds himself unwillingly entangled. Chained and transported across the country with the victim, Reacher must unravel the mystery behind her abduction and the staggering ransom demanded. As the journey intensifies, he discovers the woman is far more than she appears, forcing Reacher to confront a dangerous conspiracy and fight for their survival against overwhelming odds. This thrilling installment showcases Lee Child's signature fast-paced action and intricate plotting, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

ThrillerAdventure FictionDetective Fiction
3
Cover of Tripwire

Tripwire

Lee Child

Jack Reacher, a former military policeman seeking peace in Key West, finds his quiet life shattered by the sudden death of a private investigator. This PI had been hired by the daughter of Reacher's former commanding officer, General Garber, to look into a Vietnam MIA case. Reacher is drawn into a dangerous investigation that pits him against a ruthless adversary known only as "Hook" Hobie, who is on the verge of a massive criminal enterprise. The pursuit leads Reacher through a complex web of past secrets and present dangers, testing his resourcefulness and resolve.

ThrillerDetective FictionAdventure Fiction
4
Cover of Running Blind

Running Blind

Lee Child

A series of baffling murders targeting women across the country leaves law enforcement stumped, with the only common link being that each victim knew Jack Reacher. When Reacher realizes he is the thread connecting these seemingly random killings, he must step out of the shadows to find a killer who is as elusive as they are deadly. As he delves into the investigation, Reacher finds himself not only hunting a phantom but also becoming a target, forcing him into a desperate race against time and suspicion. This gripping thriller masterfully blends suspense and action, pushing Reacher to confront a dark past and a killer who understands him perhaps too well.

ThrillerDetective FictionMystery
5
Cover of Echo Burning

Echo Burning

Lee Child

Jack Reacher finds himself stranded in the sweltering heat of Texas, a drifter in a land of vast distances and hidden dangers. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Carmen, a beautiful and troubled woman with a dangerous past and a child in peril. Drawn into a web of deceit, prejudice, and violence on her remote ranch, Reacher must navigate a treacherous landscape where trust is scarce and the law is unreliable. With a hostile family and untrustworthy authorities, Reacher is the only one who can uncover the truth and protect the innocent from a deadly threat.

ThrillerDetective FictionMystery
6
Cover of Without Fail (Jack Reacher)

Without Fail (Jack Reacher)

Lee Child

When a Secret Service agent needs to test the security of the Vice President, she turns to the one man who can find every flaw: Jack Reacher. His mission is theoretical, but the threat is terrifyingly real, as a shadowy organization has already targeted the VP. Reacher must race against time to uncover their plot and prevent a devastating act of violence. In a world of hidden agendas and deadly precision, Reacher's unique skills and unwavering determination are the only things standing between the Vice President and certain doom.

ThrillerDetective FictionSpy Fiction
7
Cover of Persuader

Persuader

Lee Child

Jack Reacher goes deep undercover to find a missing federal agent, a task that leads him into the dangerous world of a powerful drug lord. As Reacher navigizes this treacherous territory, he uncovers a chilling connection to a ghost from his own past—a man he believed was long dead. This thrilling investigation forces Reacher to confront not only a present-day conspiracy but also the unresolved shadows of his history, testing his skills and his resolve to their absolute limits.

FictionThrillerDetective Fiction
8
Cover of The Enemy

The Enemy

Lee Child

When a two-star general is found dead in a North Carolina motel on New Year's Day 1990, military investigator Jack Reacher is tasked with controlling a situation that quickly spirals beyond his control. As murders multiply and top military commanders become pawns in a deadly game, Reacher discovers he's being set up as a fall guy by enemies within the vast fortress of the U.S. Army itself. Partnered with a young female lieutenant, Reacher pursues a dangerous investigation that takes him from rural army posts to the streets of Paris, forcing him to confront not only a conspiracy more treacherous than anyone imagined, but also shocking secrets about his own family and loyalties. With his French-born mother's dying revelation shaking the foundations of everything he believed, Reacher must navigate a world of desperate desires and violent death to uncover the truth. This gripping military thriller marks a pivotal turning point in Reacher's career—the case that transforms an elite soldier into a renegade willing to question honor, valor, and duty itself.

ThrillerMysteryMilitary History
9
Cover of One Shot

One Shot

Lee Child

A seemingly open-and-shut case of a sniper attack leaves a city in shock, but the accused insists on his innocence and demands the help of the enigmatic Jack Reacher. Pulled from his nomadic existence, Reacher arrives to find a conspiracy far more complex than a simple murder, where hidden motives and dangerous secrets lie beneath the surface. As Reacher teams up with a determined defense attorney, he must navigate a treacherous legal and criminal landscape to uncover the truth behind the killings. In a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, Reacher confronts an unseen adversary, matching wits and ruthlessness to expose a killer who underestimated the power of one shot.

ThrillerDetective FictionMystery
10
Cover of The Hard Way

The Hard Way

Lee Child

When ex-military cop Jack Reacher witnesses a ransom exchange on a New York City street, he's drawn into a dangerous game with Edward Lane, a ruthless operator of a private military company desperate to recover his kidnapped wife and child. Hired to track down the perpetrators, Reacher discovers he's far more than just a hired gun—he's become entangled in a web of secrets, corruption, and a brutal conflict that runs far deeper than a simple kidnapping. As he pursues the trail of a vicious criminal, Reacher begins to uncover the dark truths about his employer's past and realizes that Lane is hiding something far more sinister than a missing family. With his trademark relentless determination, Reacher must navigate a maze of deception and violence to uncover the truth, knowing that he's already committed to seeing this through—the only way he knows how. Lee Child delivers a gripping thriller that showcases Reacher's unmatched skills as a man hunter while exploring the moral complexities of vengeance and survival.

ThrillerSpy FictionAdventure Fiction
11
Cover of Bad Luck and Trouble

Bad Luck and Trouble

Lee Child

When an elite team of army investigators begins to be systematically eliminated, Jack Reacher is drawn out of his nomadic existence by a cryptic signal from a former comrade. A brutal death and the disappearance of others ignite a desperate race against time to uncover a conspiracy that spans from the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas to the shadowy world of international terrorism. Reacher must rely on the bonds forged in his past to protect the remaining survivors and confront an enemy determined to bury the truth, no matter the cost.

FictionThrillerDetective Fiction
12
Cover of Nothing to Lose

Nothing to Lose

Lee Child

Jack Reacher, a man with no permanent address and a penchant for trouble, arrives in the seemingly quiet town of Despair, Colorado. He quickly uncovers a dark secret connecting this isolated community to a brutal war raging far from American shores. As Reacher digs deeper, he finds himself confronting a conspiracy that reaches far beyond the town's borders, forcing him to take on powerful forces with deadly intentions. In a place where desperation breeds danger, Reacher must fight for the truth, even if it means risking everything.

ThrillerAdventure FictionDetective Fiction
12.5
Cover of James Penney's New Identity/Guy Walks into a Bar

James Penney's New Identity/Guy Walks into a Bar

Lee Child

This pair of fast-paced Jack Reacher stories showcases Lee Child’s trademark blend of suspense, sharp observation, and unexpected danger. In “James Penney’s New Identity,” a recently laid-off man fleeing financial ruin finds himself pursued by police—and drawn into the orbit of a mysterious, imposing stranger. “Guy Walks into a Bar” takes place in Manhattan just before the events of *Gone Tomorrow*, as Reacher notices a vulnerable young woman, her formidable protector, and two suspicious observers in a crowded bar. Together, the stories explore identity, survival, vigilance, and the split-second decisions that can expose hidden threats.

ThrillerDetective FictionSpy Fiction
13
Cover of Gone Tomorrow

Gone Tomorrow

Lee Child

In the dead of night on a New York City subway, Jack Reacher spots something others miss—a passenger exhibiting the telltale signs of a suicide bomber. With only seconds to act and the train pulling into Grand Central Station, Reacher must decide whether to intervene and risk being catastrophically wrong, or stay silent and potentially allow a tragedy to unfold. This high-stakes thriller explores the razor-thin line between heroism and recklessness as Reacher's split-second judgment call sets off a chain of events that will test his instincts, his conscience, and his survival. Lee Child masterfully builds tension through meticulous detail and psychological insight, delivering a gripping page-turner that examines the cost of vigilance in an age of terror. Gone Tomorrow showcases why Reacher remains one of crime fiction's most compelling protagonists—a man of action forced to confront the moral complexities of his own judgment.

ThrillerDetective FictionAction Adventure
14
Cover of 61 Hours

61 Hours

Lee Child

A brutal snowstorm strands Jack Reacher in a remote South Dakota town, forcing him into a desperate fight for survival and justice. When a tour bus crashes nearby, Reacher finds himself entangled in a dangerous situation where a lone woman stands against powerful, sinister forces. With a deadly assassin closing in and only 61 hours to act, Reacher must decide whether to keep moving or risk everything to protect the innocent. Lee Child masterfully crafts a high-stakes thriller where every second counts and the secrets uncovered are as deadly as the enemies faced.

ThrillerDetective FictionAction Adventure
15
Cover of Worth Dying For

Worth Dying For

Lee Child

Jack Reacher finds himself in Nebraska, drawn into a local mystery involving a family that has instilled fear throughout the county. His investigation into a long-unsolved disappearance uncovers a far more sinister plot, revealing that the local tyrants are merely pawns in a global criminal enterprise. As Reacher delves deeper, he becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy, facing off against both the ruthless clan and international criminals. In this thrilling installment, Reacher must confront overwhelming odds to expose a conspiracy that extends far beyond the small town, leading to a climactic confrontation.

ThrillerAdventure FictionDetective Fiction
16
Cover of The Affair

The Affair

Lee Child

In 1997 Mississippi, a young woman's body is discovered near a railroad track, and evidence quickly points to a soldier stationed at a nearby military base. When the suspect's powerful connections in Washington threaten to bury the investigation, military investigator Jack Reacher is sent undercover with a dangerous mission: uncover the truth, manipulate the local authorities, and disappear without a trace. As Reacher navigates a web of corruption and cover-ups, he must confront the moral complexities of justice when the system itself is compromised. This gripping thriller showcases Lee Child's masterful ability to blend procedural intrigue with the relentless determination of his iconic protagonist, exploring what happens when one man stands against institutional power.

ThrillerMysteryDetective Fiction
16.5
Cover of Second Son

Second Son

Lee Child

Explore the formative years of Jack Reacher in this compelling short story, delving into the experiences that forged his legendary path. Set on a remote Pacific military base, the narrative follows a teenage Reacher as the younger son of a formidable Marine, offering a glimpse into the disciplined yet challenging environment that shaped his early life. Witness the seeds of his future as a relentless force for justice being sown amidst the complexities of family and military upbringing. This story provides a unique window into the origins of the man known for his unwavering moral compass and formidable skills.

FictionAdventure FictionThriller
17
Cover of A Wanted Man

A Wanted Man

Lee Child

When Jack Reacher accepts a simple ride to Virginia, he becomes entangled in a deadly conspiracy that reaches far beyond the four strangers sharing the car. A murder at an abandoned pumping station sets off a chain reaction—the victim is executed with professional precision, and within hours the FBI arrives to claim the body without explanation, signaling something far larger at play. As Reacher navigates the dangerous intersection of conflicting interests, he discovers that his innocent hitchhike has made him a target for powerful forces on both sides of a shadowy conflict. Lee Child masterfully weaves together tension, mystery, and Reacher's trademark resourcefulness in this gripping thriller that proves sometimes the most dangerous journey is the one you never planned to take. With intricate plotting and relentless pacing, this novel showcases why Reacher remains one of crime fiction's most compelling protagonists.

ThrillerMysterySpy Fiction
18
Cover of Never Go Back

Never Go Back

Lee Child

Jack Reacher returns to the one place he's ever called home—the headquarters of his old military unit in Virginia—only to discover that nothing is as it seems and everything he thought he knew is under threat. When he arrives to meet the new commanding officer, Major Susan Turner, Reacher finds himself ensnared in a web of shocking accusations and personal betrayals that force him to go on the run from the Army, FBI, and Metro police alike. Hunted by multiple forces and desperate to clear his name and find Turner, Reacher must navigate an intricate puzzle of deception while confronting fundamental questions about his identity and his solitary existence. Lee Child masterfully weaves together a high-stakes chase for truth and justice with the psychological complexity that has made the Reacher series a phenomenon, delivering a thriller that tests his iconic protagonist like never before. With relentless pacing and intricate plotting, Never Go Back proves why Reacher remains one of the most compelling characters in modern suspense fiction.

ThrillerDetective FictionSpy Fiction
18.5
Cover of Not a Drill

Not a Drill

Lee Child

While hitching through the remote forests of Maine, Jack Reacher expects little more than a quiet hike and a hot meal—but the wilderness soon takes on a far more dangerous edge. When a trail is abruptly closed and military police descend on the nearby town, Reacher begins questioning whether the emergency is merely a training exercise or something much more serious. With its blend of sharp observation, escalating suspense, and tightly controlled action, this fast-paced short story delivers the resourceful drifter at his most compelling. The volume also includes a preview of the forthcoming Reacher novel *Personal*.

ThrillerSpy FictionDetective Fiction
19
Cover of Personal

Personal

Lee Child

When an assassination attempt on the French president points to John Kott—a disgraced Army marksman with a deadly skill set and a fifteen-year grudge—Jack Reacher knows he's the only one who can stop him. With a G8 summit looming and world leaders gathered in one vulnerable location, the stakes have never been higher, and Reacher's past collides violently with the present. Paired with rookie analyst Casey Nice, Reacher must navigate a treacherous landscape of local criminals, betrayals, and impossible odds to prevent catastrophe. In this high-octane thriller, the legendary drifter finds himself drawn into a personal vendetta that tests his legendary skills and his resolve to remain detached. Lee Child delivers a gripping tale of cat-and-mouse suspense where one man's redemption and another's reckoning converge in a race against time.

ThrillerSpy FictionDetective Fiction
19.1
Cover of Good and Valuable Consideration: Jack Reacher Vs. Nick Heller

Good and Valuable Consideration: Jack Reacher Vs. Nick Heller

Lee Child, Joseph Finder

In this high-stakes crossover novella, private investigator Nick Heller finds himself drawn into a dangerous case that brings him face-to-face with the formidable Jack Reacher. As the two men pursue the truth, they must navigate deception, hidden motives, and mounting danger while relying on very different investigative instincts. Blending Lee Child’s hard-edged suspense with Joseph Finder’s intricate plotting, the story explores justice, loyalty, and the uneasy alliance between two unforgettable protagonists.

ThrillerSpy FictionDetective Fiction
19.5
Cover of Small Wars

Small Wars

Lee Child

Set during Jack Reacher’s years as a military investigator, this taut novella begins with a seemingly isolated act of violence that raises troubling questions within the ranks. As Reacher follows the evidence, he confronts buried tensions, divided loyalties, and the dangerous consequences of conflicts that may be smaller in scale but no less personal. Combining crisp prose, sharp observation, and relentless suspense, the story showcases the resourcefulness and moral clarity that define one of crime fiction’s most compelling investigators.

ThrillerSpy FictionWar Fiction
20
Cover of Make Me

Make Me

Lee Child

In this gripping Jack Reacher thriller, the drifter's simple question about a mysterious small town called Mother's Rest sets off a chain of events that spirals into a dangerous conspiracy. When Reacher teams up with Michelle Chang, a private investigator searching for her missing partner, he discovers that what began as a routine inquiry has turned deadly, pulling him into a desperate cross-country race through major cities and the dark corners of the internet. Hunted by assassins and thugs at every turn, Reacher must uncover the sinister secrets hidden in the wheat fields of Mother's Rest—secrets that lead him back to a confrontation with his worst nightmare. With his trademark determination and moral code, Reacher refuses to back down, proving once again that stopping him is far easier said than done.

ThrillerMysteryDetective Fiction
21
Cover of Night School

Night School

Lee Child

In 1996, freshly decorated Army officer Jack Reacher is unexpectedly pulled from active duty and thrust into a covert intelligence operation alongside an FBI agent and CIA analyst. When a Jihadist sleeper cell in Hamburg receives a mysterious Saudi courier carrying a chilling message—"The American wants a hundred million dollars"—Reacher and his elite team must race across the globe to identify the threat before a catastrophic terrorist attack unfolds. Recruiting the best soldier he's ever worked with, Sergeant Frances Neagley, Reacher navigates a treacherous world of double crosses, false identities, and shadowy enemies from Langley to Hamburg to Jalalabad. With the stakes nothing less than preventing an epic act of terrorism, Reacher operates both inside the game and outside the law, using his unmatched instincts and tactical brilliance to uncover a conspiracy that reaches far beyond what anyone anticipated. Lee Child delivers a high-octane thriller that showcases Reacher at his most resourceful, moving like a bullet through an intricate web of international espionage and danger.

ThrillerSpy FictionAdventure Fiction
21.5
Cover of High Heat

High Heat

Lee Child

In the sweltering heat of July 1977, a young Jack Reacher finds himself in a New York City teetering on the brink of bankruptcy and terrorized by a serial killer. As a devastating blackout plunges the metropolis into chaos, Reacher encounters a woman in desperate need of help. Faced with escalating danger and the city's descent into lawlessness, he must rely on his instincts to navigate the darkness and protect the innocent. This gripping short story offers a thrilling glimpse into the formative experiences that shaped the legendary Reacher.

ThrillerDetective FictionContemporary Fiction
22
Cover of The Midnight Line

The Midnight Line

Lee Child

In the latest installment of the Jack Reacher series, a chance encounter with a West Point class ring sets Reacher on a path of unexpected danger. As he delves deeper into the ring's mysterious past, he uncovers a trail of violence and deception that stretches across the country. Reacher must navigate treacherous landscapes and confront formidable adversaries, all while unraveling a conspiracy that threatens to consume him. Lee Child delivers another thrilling adventure, blending suspense, action, and Reacher's signature brand of justice.

ThrillerDetective FictionMystery
23
Cover of Past Tense

Past Tense

Lee Child

Jack Reacher, a man who travels light and lives by his own rules, finds himself in a small, forgotten town in New England, drawn by a sense of unease. What begins as a simple stopover quickly escalates into a dangerous entanglement with a local mystery that runs deeper and darker than he could have imagined. As Reacher uncovers buried secrets and confronts a ruthless adversary, he must navigate a treacherous path where the past refuses to stay buried. This thrilling installment from Lee Child masterfully blends suspense, action, and Reacher's signature brand of justice, proving once again why he is a titan of the genre.

ThrillerDetective FictionFiction
24
Cover of Blue Moon

Blue Moon

Lee Child

Jack Reacher, a man who lives by his own rules, finds himself entangled in a dangerous conflict after a single, bold action. He becomes the target in a violent struggle between two ruthless criminal organizations, a Ukrainian and an Albanian gang, each vying for control. Driven by a sense of justice, Reacher steps in to protect an elderly couple caught in the crossfire, who have fallen victim to the gangs' predatory lending practices. With his signature blend of sharp intellect and formidable presence, Reacher must navigate a treacherous landscape of betrayal and violence, unraveling a complex plot where one crime inevitably leads to another.

ThrillerDetective FictionMystery
25
Cover of The Sentinel

The Sentinel

Lee Child, Andrew Grant

Jack Reacher arrives in a small Tennessee town just as its IT specialist, Rusty Rutherford, is about to be kidnapped. Reacher steps in to help, but soon discovers that Rusty's troubles are far more complex, involving a dangerous conspiracy and stolen servers holding crucial evidence. As Reacher delves deeper, he uncovers a sinister plot that threatens not only Rusty and his colleagues but the entire town. With his signature blend of sharp observation and decisive action, Reacher must unravel the mystery and bring the perpetrators to justice before it's too late.

ThrillerDetective FictionAction
26
Cover of Better Off Dead

Better Off Dead

Lee Child, Andrew Grant

In a desolate Arizona border town, Jack Reacher finds himself drawn into a dangerous conspiracy when a desperate woman seeks his help to find her kidnapped brother. As Reacher delves deeper, he uncovers a plot that threatens to unleash unimaginable terror, forcing him to confront ruthless adversaries. With his signature blend of sharp intellect and formidable presence, Reacher must navigate a treacherous landscape of deception and violence, where playing dead might be the only way to stay alive and expose the truth.

FictionThrillerDetective Fiction
27
Cover of No Plan B

No Plan B

Lee Child, Andrew Grant

Jack Reacher, the relentless drifter, witnesses a tragic accident in Gerrardsville, Colorado, where a woman is killed by a bus. While authorities deem it a suicide, Reacher's keen eye detects foul play, suspecting she was pushed to her death. His investigation uncovers a sinister conspiracy reaching into the highest echelons of power, leading him to a remote, privatized prison in Mississippi. As Reacher delves deeper, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous game with no room for error, where the stakes are higher than anyone could have imagined.

ThrillerDetective FictionAction
28
Cover of The Secret

The Secret

Lee Child, Andrew Grant

Jack Reacher, the enigmatic drifter, finds himself drawn into a decades-old mystery in the seemingly tranquil town of Pleasantville. What begins as a quest to retrieve a stolen West Point ring quickly unravels into a complex conspiracy involving a series of suspicious deaths. As Reacher delves deeper, he uncovers a dangerous secret that threatens to expose a hidden network of deceit. This thrilling installment, co-authored by Lee and Andrew Child, masterfully blends suspense, action, and Reacher's signature brand of justice.

ThrillerDetective FictionMystery
29

In Too Deep

Lee Child

In Too Deep

Lee Child, Andrew Grant

Jack Reacher wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings, injured and with no memory of how he got there. Handcuffed to a table and suffering from amnesia, he must piece together the events that led him to this dire situation. As he fights to regain his bearings, Reacher finds himself entangled in a dangerous web of deceit and betrayal, where trust is a luxury he can't afford. He must navigate a treacherous path to uncover the truth and survive, even as his own past remains a mystery.

ThrillerDetective FictionAction Adventure
Cover of Deep Down

Deep Down

Lee Child

Jack Reacher is pulled into a high-stakes undercover operation in Washington D.C. when classified information about a revolutionary new sniper rifle begins to leak. Tasked with identifying the mole within the army's top ranks, Reacher must navigate a treacherous landscape of political intrigue and military secrets. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy far more dangerous than he could have imagined, forcing him to confront formidable adversaries and question everything he thought he knew. This thrilling installment showcases Lee Child's signature blend of relentless pacing and intricate plotting, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

ThrillerSpy FictionAdventure Fiction
Cover of No Middle Name

No Middle Name

Lee Child

Lee Child delves into the formative years of his iconic character, Jack Reacher, in this collection of stories. "No Middle Name" explores Reacher's life before, during, and after his military career, offering a unique glimpse into the experiences that shaped the man he would become. From his teenage years on a military base to his early encounters with justice, these narratives reveal the origins of Reacher's unwavering moral compass and his knack for solving complex problems. Child's signature fast-paced prose and keen eye for detail bring these pivotal moments to life, providing essential context for fans of the beloved Jack Reacher series.

FictionThrillerDetective Fiction