Reading Ng Order of Jack Reacher Books

Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher series.

Wikipedia Commons

Is Reading the Jack Reacher Novels in Guild Worth It?

Should y'all read the Jack Reacher book series in order? This is a question almost all fans of Lee Child'southward novels have asked themselves, including me. Kid has said that reading his books in the order they were published is not important, but I have institute that reading them chronologically allows one to institute a useful timeline that tin exist used to identify references to previous scenes and moments.

For instance, the novel The Enemy will mean more to you once you've already gotten to know Jack Reacher. Beingness familiar with the main character from the first creates an enhanced reading experience.

Jack Reacher has get very popular since the showtime novel, Killing Floor, was published. Since reading this book, I have been hooked on the series and expect eagerly each twelvemonth for the author to release another book.

Lee Child'south Jack Reacher Books in Order of Publication

There are many Jack Reacher books and, while each can pretty much stand solitary, reading the series in club allows readers to follow a cohesive storyline, giving them a improve understanding of the main character'south quirks and complexities.

1. Killing Floor (1997): Lee Child's first novel of the thriller series. This is as well the novel that made him a famous author.
2. Die Trying (1998): This 2nd novel of the Jack Reacher series caused me to get deeply involved in the life of the tormented hero.
3. Tripwire (1999)
4. Running Blind (2000): In the United Kingdom, this improver to the series is called The Company.
5. Repeat Burning (2001)
6. Without Fail (2002)
7. Persuader (2003)
8. The Enemy (2004): Although published after Killing Floor, this story takes place before the events depicted the beginning novel. Still, readers should end the previous books earlier diving into this i.
9. 1 Shot (2005)
10. The Hard Way (2006)
11. Bad Luck and Trouble (2007)
12. Nada to Lose (2008)
13. Gone Tomorrow (2008)
14. 61 Hours (2010)
15. Worth Dying For (2010)
16. 2d Son (2011): This is a shorter novella within the series.
17. The Affair (2011)
18. Deep Down (2012): This is a shorter Jack Reacher story found only in ebook (Kindle) format.
19. A Wanted Man (2012)
20. Loftier Oestrus (2013): This is a brusk novella.
21. Never Go Back (2013)
22. Not a Drill (2014): This is a brusk novella.
23. Personal (2014)
24. Make Me (2015)
25. Night School (2016)
26. The Midnight Line (2017)
27. Past Tense (2018)

My hardcover re-create of Gone Tomorrow, ane of my favorite books in the series.

kislanyk

Summaries and Reviews

1.) Killing Floor

Killing Flooring is the first Jack Reacher novel ever written. Truth be told, this was the showtime volume I read. In one case I got through the first two books, I religiously read each new book in the series.

In this very starting time book, Jack Reacher gets arrested for murder and one of the victims is none other than his estranged blood brother. If he is to regain his freedom, he must notice out who really killed his blood brother.

Reacher is a very circuitous antihero and one that is extremely likable despite trying his best not to exist.

"I'm not a vagrant. I'yard a hobo. Large difference."

— Lee Child

ii.) Die Trying

The 2nd installment of the Jack Reacher serial is full of action and suspense that will continue you turning the page until you reach the last one.

In this novel, Reacher and Holly, an FBI agent, are taken earnest. It seems they just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time ... or were they in the right identify and right time to stop a crime from being committed?

3.) Tripwire

In this novel nosotros notice Jack Reacher bankrupt and working two jobs in the Florida Keys. Past day he digs ditches and by night he works equally a bouncer at a local strip order. He is quite content with this relatively peaceful lifestyle until he finds a individual investigator by the proper noun of Costello dead on the street. Costello had been keeping tabs on Reacher and, after finding him murdered near the strip social club, the protagonist realizes his days in paradise are over.

Jack Reacher Official Movie Trailer

4.) Running Blind

In Running Blind, titled The Visitor in the Uk, Reacher is under suspicion for the murder of 2 servicewomen whom he knew.

Read More From Owlcation

When a third woman is institute dead, Jack starts his own investigation in order to find the killer and avenge the women.

The more Jack Reacher books you read, the more than you will similar this reluctant hero. In a style, he reminds me of Michael Connelly'due south character Harry Bosch, however with is own personal manner and amuse.

5.) Echo Burning

In Repeat Burning, our hero returns for another installment of fun, thrill and suspense. We notice him hitchhiking his way through Texas when a adult female named Carmen comes along in her shiny, new Cadillac and picks him up.

Of class, she comes with her own set of issues that only Reacher can fix. Her husband and the police are of no use to her, then, of course, Reacher saves the day.

All of these books are rather anticipated in style, only they're so much fun to read that the repetitive plot doesn't take away from their quality.

"I know I'k smarter than an armadillo."

— Lee Child

six.) Without Fail

Without Fail starts with a bang: Jack is asked by the hush-hush service to impale the Vice President of the United States. That's 1 request he doesn't get every day!

I won't spoil the fun by giving away the plot, but let's just say this book is filled with constant activeness and suspense.

vii.) Persuader

Quinn, Jack Reacher's nemesis, is dorsum. Reacher thought he had eliminated him many years ago, but information technology seems he was incorrect. To kill him for expert, our hero has to go undercover.

This is still another book you lot simply can't put down. It starts a bit deadening, but as it picks up the pace there are twists and turns at every corner.

viii.) The Enemy

The Enemy takes place before the events in Killing Floor. The year is 1990 and a general is plant dead in a hotel room in North Carolina.

While the cause of death is apparently a heart attack, it seems there's more to the story than meets the centre. Jack gets involved with the promise of solving the instance.

This book is total of non-stop action, and makes for a fun and fast read.

9.) I Shot

In this novel Reacher is finally on vacation. He spends his fourth dimension enjoying the sun and beaches of Miami with a gorgeous blonde by his side. But his stay in paradise doesn't concluding long. He must find a sniper who has ruthlessly killed five people at random.

While the killer is easily found, he pleads not guilty, creating difficulties for the prosecution. But Jack Reacher is nevertheless once again at his all-time, following leads, solving crimes and being his adorable, gloomy self.

Lee Kid on Choosing Tom Cruise to Play Jack Reacher

10.) The Hard Manner

Problem always finds Reacher, especially when he'south not looking for it. In this novel he is quietly sipping espresso at a café when he's dragged into solving a kidnapping case.

No stranger to violence, he uses expertise and amuse to solve the puzzle. Sure, the story is a bit predictable, but it's merely equally enjoyable equally Child's first novel.

xi.) Bad Luck and Trouble

Jack Reacher is alone again and couldn't be happier, merely this solitude doesn't last long. One of his old team members has been thrown out of a helicopter, leaving Reacher no option merely to get involved.

He meets upwards with a few of his quondam teammates to investigate why their friend was killed and why others from their squad have disappeared.

For some reason, this book didn't catch me as much as the others. However, information technology's still a smashing read. Jack seems a bit more mellow and soft compared to his character in previous novels.

"Now they broke my toothbrush, I don't own annihilation."

— Lee Child

12.) Nil to Lose

As usual we discover Jack Reacher alone. This time walking on an empty road between 2 desolate towns because he tin can't find a ride. All he wants is a cup of coffee, but, otherwise, he'southward quite happy. This happiness is disrupted, though, when a band of thugs locate him.

This book was my least favorite of the Jack Reacher series. I couldn't relate to the story and found it a bit tiresome and dragging. Information technology wasn't terrible, but I found that it didn't come across Lee Child'south usual standard.

thirteen.) Gone Tomorrow

After the rather disappointing Nothing to Lose, in Gone Tomorrow nosotros find Jack dorsum and in full strength. This book depicts the return of the one-time Jack as nosotros know and dear him. The story starts with a bang: Jack is in a subway in Manhattan when he witnesses an apparent suicide.

But the suicide may not exist quite what it seems, and Jack is fatigued to find out what really happened.

This is one of Lee Child's best books. Jack is back and all the ambience and action we are used to has returned with him.

14.) 61 Hours

61 Hours has a adept, solid plot that reads quite fast. If you're seeking lots of activity, this book probably isn't for you lot. In this novel, Reacher is more preoccupied with running afterward clues and solving puzzles than getting into fist fights.

"I'm not afraid of decease. Death's afraid of me."

— Lee Child

fifteen.) Worth Dying For

Worth Dying For is a perfect example of why you should read the Jack Reacher books in social club. This story takes place soon after the events depicted in 61 Hours. Activeness, suspense, thrill and good old Jack are alive and well in this novel.

16.) The Matter

Chronologically speaking, The Affair is a prequel, coming before Killing Floor, but after The Enemy.

Information technology is 1997 and Reacher is yet in the army. We learn more about why he dropped out of the armed forces and how he became the loner he is.

The story is gear up in a small town like many of the previous books, and Jack has to observe a murderer while simultaneously covering up a scandal. This is a corking read which I highly recommend.

17.) Deep Downwardly

This is a shorter Jack Reacher story that takes place after the events in The Affair. Reacher's new assignment involves going hush-hush to find a spy who leaked information regarding a rifle the United States armed forces is developing.

This being a rather curt story, y'all won't discover the complex character development of other Jack Reacher novels. Nonetheless, for its size, I found it quite fast paced and well-written, which are trademarks of Lee Child's writing.

One bonus is that Deep Downward is cheaper than the other novels because of its size, and so it's worth getting if you desire to read everything past this writer.

xviii.) A Wanted Human being

While the plot and style of A Wanted Human being may seem a fleck repetitive, information technology's exactly what the fans want. Nosotros are so used to the rugged Jack Reacher saving the earth that seeing him practise it over again is extremely satisfying.

While this is a great read, I practise concur with other readers that at times the repetitive plot can become a bit dried.

nineteen.) Non A Drill

Not A Drill is a brusque novella, spanning just 52 pages, which is squeezed betwixt Never Become Back and Personal.

I was not impressed–at all.

I love Lee Kid's novels, but somehow the novellas, due to their short size probably, merely can't achieve what the larger novels practice. I've fallen for the trap before, yet I continue buying them ... oh well.

twenty.) Never Get Dorsum

I was not disappointed by Never Go Dorsum. Jack Reacher is dorsum in activity and depicted in the same style nosotros know and wait from Lee Kid.

This particular novel follows the events in 61 Hours, when Jack is trying to observe Major Susan Turner, his new commanding officeholder, without whatever luck. He has his work cut out for him, and the action doesn't stop until the concluding page. I loved this volume!

The army is different. Whatever else is wrong with it, you tin can trust your blood brother soldiers. And believe in them.

— Jack Reacher

21.) Personal

Jack Reacher is alone and on the road until he is called dorsum into action past the military, beingness the only one who can stop a killer who has taken an involvement in the president of France.

Afterwards reading this volume, I'm rather glad the serial is coming to an end. I retrieve the author has run out of steam and can't go on up. That's fine, for he has given us some not bad books, a smashing hero and many hours of enjoyment. Everything proficient must come up to an end.

© 2012 Marika

Should We Read The Lee Kid Books In Chronological Club? - What do you retrieve? Grab and chair and say Hello

Russ Marris on August 28, 2020:

Absolutely honey these books. And I know you don't need to read them in any order, put I've enjoyed doing so, go along them coming Lee

SHARON KRUMPE on March 30, 2020:

NO ANYTIME You lot Pick UP A Volume Information technology NEVER LETS YOU DOWN.. YOU ABSOLUTLY Tin'T PUT THEM Downwards Whatsoever Book ANY Fourth dimension Crawly.

Denise on March 14, 2020:

Love the Jack Reacher books and Lee Childs is a great writer got them and read them over and over go along them coming

Betty Burton on February fifteen, 2020:

I have them on audiobooks. I have listened to some of them twice! Delight keep them coming Mr. Kid!!!!

Ralph on Apr xviii, 2019:

Tom Cruise is a joke. A better choice would accept been "The Rock"

Karen on February 15, 2019:

I have the perfect histrion to portray Jack Reacher in movies:

Steve Burton who plays Jason Morgan on General Hospital.

He fits the character to a tee.

Douglas on September 01, 2018:

Tom Prowl as Reacher? Just killed the motion picture.

Steve Gregory on Baronial 11, 2018:

The visitor is not on your listing at number iv.

Nancy Steffan on January 31, 2018:

I read them in club and was hooked later book 1. Great character. I preordered the last two and read them in i day subsequently receiving. Sasha Roiz would be a bang-up Jack Reacher.

Maurice Glaude from Mobile on November 20, 2017:

I've never even heard of that movie Running blind. At that place are and then many movies now it'southward hard to continue rails. So many proficient ones go without observe.

Jeff on November 02, 2017:

Love the series although I haven't read all of them yet. Tom Cruise every bit Reacher is a long stretch. Physically he is zilch similar Reacher is described by Child plus he is a horrible role player. He works difficult but can't evangelize a line without sounding like he is reading. Another great character/writer combination is the Doc Ford series past Randy Wayne White. Bank check information technology out.

Barbara Radisavljevic from Paso Robles, CA on March 13, 2014:

I haven't read any of these yet, but I'd like to. I have found information technology's usually best to read a series of books in the right lodge. They make more than sense that way.

bames24 lm on September 29, 2013:

I accept a set of Jack Reacher books in my Kindle notwithstanding waiting to be read. I estimate I improve start reading them then :)

anonymous on September fifteen, 2013:

@Faye Rutledge: Yes, it would have a long time to get current - merely can you think of a better series to read in order. I take them to the gym with me and have large rubber bands to keep them open while working out on the elliptical - times FLIES by and I discover myself cooling down for 10 or 15 minutes then I won't accept to stop!

Faye Rutledge from Concord VA on September 06, 2013:

I always like to read in chronological order if I tin, but in some cases you just can't. There are so many Reacher books, it would take a long time to get electric current. Reading any one of them would be a great start!

bearding on Baronial 29, 2013:

@anonymous: Try the Travis McGee series by John D MacDonald. Fifty-fifty Lee Child has recommended these books. They are slap-up!

anonymous on Baronial 26, 2013:

@anonymous: Effort William Connelly'south Harry Bosch, Ted Bell's Alex Hawke Serial, J A Jance's J P Beaumont and Joanna Brady Series, so many great books, so little time.......

anonymous on August 23, 2013:

@anonymous: Effort Mitch Rapp

Kristen from Boston on August twenty, 2013:

I'm shopping for a new Lee Childs book and not sure if I experience like reading them in order or not. At that place are definite pros and cons, simply normally with a expert author like Childs it doesn't thing.

anonymous on August 17, 2013:

@anonymous: Try John Sanford and James Patterson

bearding on August 16, 2013:

@John Dyhouse: I agree. I have read "A Wanted Man," #17, just have not still read "Killing Floor," #1. Child does a practiced job of recapping pertinent facts, information, etc., to go on each volume flowing on its ain. I accept only seven left to read (including the new one due out in September) and don't know yet what I will do side by side. Maybe I'll try the female Jack Reacher series.

RANADEEP on August 15, 2013:

Hey I oasis't heard him before,at present I got it and It is in my reading list,thank you y'all for sharing it!!

bearding on August 12, 2013:

I am almost finished reading them all in order I have been averaging two books a week I will kickoff the final volume tomorrow. Then at present I have a problem I need to figure out what to read next. I love the Reacher type characters last writer I read was Nelson Demille love the John Corey Character every bit well anyone have any suggestions?

anonymous on Baronial 11, 2013:

@Frischy: If y'all go the E Book version you lot can brand the characters as large every bit you desire on the computer or tablet. The other choice is to go the audio version.

anonymous on August 04, 2013:

@anonymous: Hey John

My married man died at historic period 85, three years ago---without knowing the Reacher series---he would have loved them and so I am reading them for the both of us! I tin't get enough! Read on!

anonymous on July 28, 2013:

I have nigh read all the Jack Reacher books and thought you didn't actually need to read them in order. But now I regret thinking that because at some parts or the story I didn't know what was going on.

anonymous on July 28, 2013:

John

I am retired historic period 79 going on 80 in December. I went to work role time for harric county kibery 4 years agone shelfing books. Love the work. This is when I saw a book by Lee Kid. Yhey don't have all reacher book but I read all they have. Beloved the Jack Reacher books. Be glad when "Never go Back" is at HCPL.

anonymous on July 09, 2013:

I saw the phrase "ticket free", every bit in if he ever wants to get off ticket free. Not something nosotros say in America.

Nosotros say to become off scott free , which ironically is a Scottish expression!

Scott Free

1. To completely get abroad with something, like murder.

Merely amused by this. And so many dissimilar slang terms.

bearding on July 02, 2013:

Since Lee Child does not even write them in chronological order, It stands to reason that reading them that way isn't a priority.

John Dyhouse from Britain on June 29, 2013:

Back over again! I have been reading and catching up with these novels. I don't believe that reading them out of order has been a problem. They are so adept anyhow and they all stand on their own perfectly adequately

anonymous on June 16, 2013:

@anonymous: I and then disagree, as I was very disappointed with Tom Cruise playing Reacher. Null similar the grapheme, first and foremost too too short. Did not have the look, nigh a youthful babe face. I will not ever sentry some other Reacher flick with Cruise playing the gyre

HalloweenRecipes on June 08, 2013:

Whenever I notice a new author I enjoy reading I get all the books bachelor and read them in chronological order. It only makes sense to me to do that even though with almost authors you can read the books in any order you like. I am a big Jack Reacher fan.

PaulRyan on May 31, 2013:

I love the Jack Reacher novels and aye, I do read them in order (fifty-fifty if it'southward not necessary, it's but a "habit" of mine).

novelsinorder on May 21, 2013:

No real need to read in club - the "prequels" work improve every bit backstory IMHO, and the rest are nearly entirely self sufficient. As an acid examination on the subject - I'd recommend picking up whatever one of them at an airdrome regardless of its identify in the series

anonymous on Apr 06, 2013:

Cruises' acting ability was perfect for this part, but, Sasha Roiz (AKA Capt Renard) on the tv serial Grimm would have been a corking pick. Good acting ability and physically much closer to Reacher.

DvdMovieGirl on March xi, 2013:

Glad I have seen this as it really annoys me when I read books out of sequence. swell idea for a Lens too.

badaniels on February 12, 2013:

I am a huge Lee Childs/Jack Reacher fan. I had fun reading this lens.

DecoratingEvents on February 01, 2013:

Very prissy Jack Reacher Lens! I am a HUGE fan, as you know. I am most finished reading the in social club!

Tara Wojtaszek on Jan 19, 2013:

I haven't read any of the Jack Reacher books all the same but you've piqued my marvel. I'll have to bank check them out. Thanks.

Angela F from Seattle, WA on January 17, 2013:

Large fan of the series - can't imagine Tom Cruise in the title role tho on the big screen! *blessed

Lee from Derbyshire, UK on January 02, 2013:

Dear the Jack Reacher books! I've got a Reacher lens to :-)

anonymous on December 31, 2012:

The movie was entertaining but Tom Cruise was extremely disappointing as Reacher. Forget the size consequence. His attempt at the strong, silent, intimidating personality of Reacher just came off as comical overacting. Strutting effectually the motel room shirtless reminded me of his dressing room scene in Rock of Ages. Dozens of other actors could have done improve. Despite this, it was an entertaining movie.

John Dyhouse from UK on December 31, 2012:

I have just just discovered Jack Reacher/Lee Kid, I thought I was a fan of science fiction merely I made upwardly a number of books at a clemency sale with a Jack Reacher novel. (6 for £ane - a bargain!) I was absolutely enthralled and read it in very short time, not being able to put it downwards. I accept read a couple since but desire to definitely read more than. I volition be reading them every bit I detect them then going confronting your advice simply I don't think that will affect the enjoyment. Thank you for the run downward on the books.

Monica Lobenstein from Western Wisconsin on December 26, 2012:

I tend to like this genre of books. I'll be checking out Jack Reacher in the future. Thanks for the book list.

TedWritesStuff on December 19, 2012:

Had never heard of the character or series until the movie was advertised for release here on 3/1/13. I'll be seeing it.

Helen Phillips Cockrell from Virginia on December xiv, 2012:

I've read all the Jack Reacher books...can't say I'm real happy about the choice of Tom Cruise to play Jack Reacher...just can't meet it...

KatPalmer LM on November 24, 2012:

I love the Jack Reacher books and have read every ane of them. Bad Luck and Trouble will always be my favourite because of all of his derisive one-liners!

June Campbell from North Vancouver, BC, Canada on November 21, 2012:

I am a huge fan of Jack Reacher. His more recent books are non equally good as the earlier ones, though. He is turning into too much of a cowboy.

Loraine Brummer from Hartington, Nebraska on September 07, 2012:

I also enjoy the Jack Reacher books, I'm reading Tripwire right now, I'm afraid I haven't ever read them in order.....only, I'k trying to catch up before reading the latest books. It takes a lot of imagination to think of Tom Prowl as Reacher!

BigAbbs on June 08, 2012:

The first 1 I read was "Without Fail" and is, I think, my favourite. I think I then started reading them in published order and was then hooked that I was trying to read them in just one sitting! "Echo Called-for" I constitute hard-going, but my offset existent disappointment was "Ane Shot" - the first time I've found myself one (and more than) steps ahead of the protagonist. I started finding them very formulaic and haven't withal read "61 Hours" or anything after. I probably volition practice at some point, though.

As for Tom Cruise playing Reacher - I really tin't see it working. He'due south likewise old to do information technology now, but someone with a similar physical stature to Arnold Schwarzenneger is what I was expecting. So I was expecting a complete unknown to be bandage as Reacher (similar Sean Connery was unknown when cast as James Bail).

Accept besides heard that the film is at present going to be called "Jack Reacher" because they think it will become a series of films. Information technology gives me the opposite impression: a i-off and expected to bomb.

Withal, I still think Lee Childs and Jack Reacher are my favourite writer and character currently beingness written. Coming second is Andy McNabb and Nick Rock - and once more I'm non up-to-date with them . . . and the start one I read (and favourite) was also Secret Service-related: "Crunch Four".

anonymous on April 26, 2012:

Tom Prowl every bit Jack Reacher-they turned Jack into a hobbit

JimDickens on April 12, 2012:

I would take preferred to encounter Matthew McConnaughy equally Reacher instead of Tom Prowl -- Cruise is as well short. Just finished The Affair. Great volume

Renaissance Adult female from Colorado on March 26, 2012:

I honey the Jack Reacher series and take read all of these books. Other than the outset volume, I think I have read them in social club. Can't expect for the side by side ane to be published. I remember Jack Reacher is 1 of the most interesting characters that has ever been developed. He is such an enigma.

PennyHowe on March 22, 2012:

Just wanted to say thanks for the great lens. I love the Jack Reacher books and take most read them all. I tin can inappreciably await to get my hands on the new ane. Enjoy! Having 1 of these to read on the National Goof Off twenty-four hour period is my idea of a fun way to goof off!

DamienGC on February 23, 2012:

These are cracking books and like shooting fish in a barrel to read, i've read pretty much all of them and equally you come up to wait from Kid, it is fast paced, tense and fun to the end with a real protagonist that you will never tire of, probably why they sell so well despite being the same thing in dissimilar settings. Just hey I'yard non complaining i love these books! Great Lens! And as for reading them in order, its non necessary merely it does give a prissy sense of perspective to the reader which i savour more than just sixteen stand lonely thrillers

Lawrence Hebb from Hamilton, New Zealand on February 18, 2012:

I've read some of them and I agre with yous well-nigh reading a series in order. I'm halfway through that with the Bourne series past Robert Ludlum and Eric Von Lustbader.

Great info here for the likes of me who likes to follow a timeline

entertainmentev on February 16, 2012:

Great information! I love learning about new authors and books. I'm going to try to read the Killing Floor soon.

rextheack.blogspot.com

Source: https://owlcation.com/humanities/jack-reacher-books-in-order

Share this post