Jack Reacher is a fictional character and protagonist of a thriller novel series created by British author Lee Child. A former Major in the United States Army Military Police Corps, Reacher now wanders America as a drifter, taking odd jobs and investigating suspicious situations.
Standing 6'5" and weighing 220-250 pounds, Reacher is an imposing figure with exceptional combat skills honed during his 13 years in the military. He carries almost no possessions (no phone, no permanent address), buying clothes as needed and discarding them when worn.
Reading Order#
See the complete Jack Reacher reading order for all books in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jack Reacher?
Jack Reacher is a former US Army Military Police major who now drifts across America with no fixed address, getting involved in situations that require his particular skills. He’s 6'5’, extremely capable in combat, and has a strong sense of justice.
What order should I read Jack Reacher books?
Read in publication order starting with Killing Floor (1997). While largely standalone, publication order lets you experience character development as intended.
Who plays Jack Reacher?
Tom Cruise played Reacher in two films (2012, 2016). Alan Ritchson stars in the Amazon Prime TV series (2022-present), which is closer to the books’ physical description of Reacher.