Updated: March 2026
With 29 Jack Reacher novels now published (the latest being “In Too Deep” from October 2024), keeping track of this massive series is harder than ever. Whether you’re new to Reacher or trying to figure out which book comes next, this guide has you covered.
If you’ve ever tried to figure out which Jack Reacher book comes next in the series, only to get lost in a maze of titles, welcome to the club. As one of my all-time favourite characters, Reacher’s adventures are like fast-paced, high-octane snacks for my brain. But with Lee Child (and now his brother Andrew Child) publishing what feels like a book every time I blink, keeping track of what’s in the series can be a pain.
So I made this for you (and me). A clear, no-nonsense list of Jack Reacher’s books, organized by publication order. Bookmark it, send it to your book club, or tattoo it on your forearm—I won’t judge.
TL;DR: The Jack Reacher series now has 31 books written by Lee Child and co-authored with Andrew Child. Start with “Killing Floor” (1997) for chronological reading or “The Affair” (2011) to follow Reacher’s timeline from his military days. The TV show “Reacher” on Amazon Prime stars Alan Ritchson and adapts the books in non-chronological order.
The Jack Reacher Series in Order
- Killing Floor (1997)
- Die Trying (1998)
- Tripwire (1999)
- Running Blind (2000) aka The Visitor
- Echo Burning (2001)
- Without Fail (2002)
- Persuader (2003)
- The Enemy (2004)
- One Shot (2005)
- The Hard Way (2006)
- Bad Luck and Trouble (2007)
- Nothing to Lose (2008)
- Gone Tomorrow (2009)
- 61 Hours (2010)
- Worth Dying For (2010)
- The Affair (2011)
- A Wanted Man (2012)
- Never Go Back (2013)
- Personal (2014)
- Make Me (2015)
- Night School (2016)
- The Midnight Line (2017)
- Past Tense (2018)
- Blue Moon (2019)
- The Sentinel (2020) – co-authored with Andrew Child
- Better Off Dead (2021) – co-authored with Andrew Child
- No Plan B (2022) – co-authored with Andrew Child
- The Secret (2023) – co-authored with Andrew Child
- In Too Deep (2024) – co-authored with Andrew Child
- Exit Strategy (2025) – co-authored with Andrew Child
- Chain Reaction (2026) – co-authored with Andrew Child
Bonus: Short Stories & Novellas
- Second Son (2011) – A prequel novella
- Deep Down (2012) – A short story
- The Christmas Scorpion (2020) – A holiday-themed novella
- Safe Enough: Crime Stories (2024) – Collection of Lee Child short stories (non-Reacher)
Where to Start?
If you’re new to the series, it’s generally recommended to start with Killing Floor. However, some readers prefer to begin with The Affair, as it’s a prequel that delves into Reacher’s military background. Either way, you’re in for a thrilling ride.
The books can be read in any order since each one is largely standalone, but reading in publication order gives you the best sense of how Lee Child’s writing evolved.
Why This List?
Keeping track of Jack Reacher’s adventures can be daunting due to the sheer number of books and the occasional prequels or spin-offs. This list helps you navigate the series in a straightforward manner, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of Reacher’s escapades.
Jack Reacher Movies & TV Show FAQ
Q: Are there any Jack Reacher movies?
A: Yes. Jack Reacher (2012) starring Tom Cruise and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016) are the two feature films. Tom Cruise’s height sparked some debate among fans (Reacher is famously 6’5″), but the movies capture the core of the Reacher stories.
Q: Is there a Jack Reacher TV show?
A: Absolutely. Amazon Prime released Reacher in 2022 with Alan Ritchson playing Jack Reacher. Fans love that the show finally captures Reacher’s towering presence and the gritty feel of Lee Child’s novels. Season 3 premiered in February 2025.
Q: Which books do the movies and TV show cover?
A: The first movie (Jack Reacher) is based on One Shot (2005). The second movie (Never Go Back) follows the book of the same name (2013). The TV show’s first season adapts Killing Floor (1997), the very first Reacher novel. Season 2 (2023) is based on Bad Luck and Trouble (2007), the 11th book in the series. Season 3 (2025) is based on Persuader (2003), the 7th book.
Q: Do I need to read the books before watching the adaptations?
A: Not at all. The movies and TV series are enjoyable on their own, but reading the books gives you extra insight into Reacher’s character and makes the storylines even richer.
Q: Will there be more Reacher books?
A: Yes. Andrew Child has taken over as the primary writer (though books are still published under “Lee Child”), with Lee providing guidance. Expect one new Reacher novel per year.
Q: Is Reacher really 6’5″ in the show?
A: Yes. Alan Ritchson brings the towering presence that fans have been waiting for. The TV series finally matches the books in height and build.
More Thriller Series Worth Reading
If you’re working your way through the Reacher series and need something similar, check out my complete guide to James Patterson books in order—especially the Alex Cross series, which has a similar lone-wolf detective vibe. I’m also working on guides for other thriller writers that Lee Child fans would enjoy, including Jussi Adler-Olsen’s Department Q series.
I’ve also got a full Books, TV & Media hub featuring everything I’ve written about books and TV shows.
