It's not just the character of Reacher I enjoy, it's the actual writing style. Whenever I start a new book I always feel like a warm blanket is around me, I say to my wife, "it's like coming home". I love the short sentences, the description of what goes through Reachers' head before an altercation, and his total sense of honour which runs like a river through every book, absolutely fantastic! Thanks for the succinct video!
Oh me too! I love the writing style and as you say the books give me comfort (despite the violence etc). The short sentences are just my favourite. A Lee Child Reacher book is hard to beat! Glad you enjoyed the video. 😊
Totally agree Billy. I have just started reading these books and they are easy to read. I read about 80 pages a night which is good by my standards. I have also gone paperback with this series and look forward to borrowing each book from my local library as part of the fun. Part of my regime to reduce screen time. Working well so far.
Hi Anthony, read the books in order of writing, some fall by the wayside (not many!), but as an ardent reader over many years I have to tell you that the last two or three Reacher books have been poor. I suppose there are only so many variations on the theme of vigilantism that one can come up with. And eventually the law will catch up with big Jack and he'll be sent to prison, not because he has done bad things, but because he has circumvented the ridiculous system of "justice" that envelops our societies. Hey, maybe a story about "the prison years" could be a winner? Enjoy it, and life, while you can. X
Couldn't find book-4 (The Visitor) on my Amazon Kindle, because they/US have it listed as, "Running Blind." Sorry if that's already been noted here somewhere.
First book I read way back was 61 hours. I then had the delight to learn there were so many in the catalogue to get to. I describe him as the man who walks the earth, the ultimate loner, but one who can’t stand bullies. Loved the video. And love the the Amazon series. Season 2 please?
I'm 33 and I wasn't a reader til I picked up 'Midnight Line' when I had nothing else to do. Now I've read 11 of them, so good and addictive. 'Bad Luck & Trouble' was so entertaining that I read it all without sleeping one day.
They are certainly very additive books. I loved The Midnight Line and Bad Luck and Trouble, both would probably be in my top 10 favourites so far. Thanks for your comment, I’m glad you’re enjoying the books! 😊
I’ve been meaning to read Jack Reacher for ages, you make them sound really good. Love a long fast paced series that you can read e.g. one per weekend for months - I’ll get to them after I’m done with Sharpe 😊
It is so good! Reacher is a great character to follow. I've read 2/3 of the books and got away from them. Now I'm eager to read the rest. Now the Amazon Reacher is all the books glory.
I came across the series through 'The Enemy', not even knowing that there were other books. 'The Enemy' explains why Reacher got busted down in rank while still in the army, so while it was my introduction, I also think it's an awesome introduction for anyone, as it really does start pretty much at the beginning, and I'd then just go chronologically. Strange that we both recommend the ones we personally started with!
Does that mean there's really no need to read chronologically? My local library has a lot in the series but of course the first 3 or 4 has a waiting list a mile long. I was thinking about starting with the first available book. Would I miss out on important back story?
Hey i am 12 books into this series. This is my all time fav. Coincidentally i started with 'Die trying' too in 2019. Planning on starting 13th this month. Please make a video on your top 10 as you had pointed in this video. Would help my 13th pick. You earned a new subscriber too. Keep posting the videos.
Thanks for your comment and I’m glad you enjoyed the video and are enjoying the Reacher books. I’m hoping to read Blue Moon very soon, then I only have the latest two or three left. I’ll be making a top 10 soon, thanks for the request and the subscribe. 😊
Did you catch the first season of Reacher yet? I really enjoyed it! I haven't read the books but I love how he operates. Such a smart, badass. Thanks for your review of his book series!
I’ve started it and I love it! Currently watching episode five and it’s quite similar to the books although Reacher is a bit younger than I pictured. Glad you enjoyed the video. 😊
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf perhaps age is the only minor mismatch. other than than, TV series was perfect. Cast,chemistry, dynamics, attention to details. Child looks thrilled talking about the end result
In an interview, Lee Childs describes Reacher as Sherlock Homeless. So apt. I binge-watched the first season on Amazon Prime and loved it. I haven't read the books ... yet. Perhaps, when you haven't yet read a book, you could read the blurb on the back of the book jacket. That is why we write them. :) Oh, and I subscribed. Jon in rural BC, Canada
I could indeed have read out the blurbs. I don’t really know why I didn’t do that at the time. 🤷♀️ Really enjoyed the Prime series and I hope you enjoy the books!
so I've decided to begin with the 61hrs + Worth dying for + A wanted man trifecta but I just wanted to thank you for the recommendations. I'm always a bit skeptical when someone says "you won't want to put it down" (or something along those lines) but I started 61hrs last night and am already more than a quarter way through it. For context, my favorite book ever " Fire and Blood" took me months to complete, casually reading in my free time but still really enjoyed it. I'll be finished 61hrs probably in about 61hrs lol and starting 'worth dying for' most likely. I can't believe how it sucked me in almost immediately, half way through the first paragraph and was completely hooked by the end of the first chapter! Can't wait to read them all now eventually and completely spoil anything beyond season 2 haha
I’m glad you’re enjoying 61 Hours. That’s definitely one of my favourites. I love finding a book series where I just want to read more and more of them. I’m glad your enjoyed the video and I hope you continue enjoying the books. 😊📚
A brilliant video giving an introduction into the books of our favourite fictional character Jack Reacher. If anyone should asks the immortal question of where should I bloody well start theres too many books. I 'll point them to this video on RUclips. Thank you
I really enjoyed this. 5 books down. I liked the Susan Turner connection from A Wanted Man to Never Go Back. I didn’t know there were 4 to this sequence. I’ll be reading the first two next.
After watching the Jack Reacher series (which is really good) I went and bought my first JR book on audible (Die Trying). Great video of breaking down the books.
Thank you for your guide! I hope you'll make a review of the series once you finish it. It will be really interesting to see your view on it as a fan of the books.
I watched the first two seasons of Reacher in amazon prime and I want to read the books should I start with Killing floor or skip it because it is the adaptation of the first season?
I got into listening to the audio books after watching the Amazon series, I never watched the films as I’m not a great fan of Tom cruise and everyone said he was wrong casting. I started with killing floor as I knew it was his first book and I wanted to compare the series to it but I’m going through chronological order from there and then will jump back to his army days.
That sounds like a good order, do you like the audio books? I’ve not listened to any but I think my husband has. Hope you enjoy the rest of the books. I’m looking forward to series 2 next year. 😊
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf I’m really enjoying the audio books, I have dyslexia and though I can read fine I find it tiring and fall asleep within reading for 5 minutes. With audio books I can listen and work so in the space of near 2 years I’ve listened to all the expanse series twice all of Sherlock Holmes , metro 2033 series, a load of James Herbert’s work, 2001, killing floor up to personal and at the moment I’m in the middle of the LOTR trilogy.
Hi! I'm completely new to the Reacher saga and looking forward to the adventures! I am a lover of reading books in publication order - but even more of chronological order, so I'm going to take your recommendation of reading The Enemy, Night School and The Affair before reading KiIling Floor and onwards. Many thanks for this very informative video!
Thank you, I’m very glad you enjoyed the video and found it informative. I hope you enjoy reading the books in chronological order, they are all really good books! 😊📚
Where can I purchase “the fourth man” ? Even though it’s an ebook, it appears as “not available for purchase” on Apple, Amazon, Google. The only places that have it say they are a world market store and since I’m in the US it’s not available. I created a spreadsheet and this is literally book 33 if you read them chronologically. After “Past Tense” but before “Cleaning the Gold”. Any ideas?
Hi, interesting question and until you mentioned it I wasn’t really aware of this short story. I’ve had a look and in the UK it seems much more available. I can get it on Libby, perhaps if you have an app for library books it might be available there too. It comes up as available on all those services over here, so I’m not sure what to suggest. If I come across any more about it I will let you know. Hope you find it!
@@suekinsman9646 Is Kim Otto a character in the Hunt for Jack Reacher books by Diane Capri? I’ve never been able to get hold of any of those in the UK.
I haven’t read any of his books, I’m planning to buy and read two of his books , what’s your recommendation? And which one should I read first?? Thanks in advance
I'm on my second go round on the reacher book series. I'm loving the show too. Do you think they will do tripwire mixed with The Affair? I'd love to see the Garbers.
I have so many Jack Reacher novels!!! I was so disappointed by The casting of Tom Cruise in the movies! He doesn’t fit the reacher description at all!! Fun video!!
This was great, Alice! I have 4 Jack Reacher books on my TBR that a friend gave me: Night School, Blue Moon, Gone Tomorrow & Past Tense. Which of those would you recommend I start with? You have definitely encouraged me to pick one up soon with your description of Jack & the fast paced plot. Tom Cruise as 6 feet 5!!!! In his dreams! 🤣 I’d love you to do a feature on Frieda Klein 😊📚
I’m so glad you said that, Frieda Klein is one I have plans to do in the future. I would either start with Gone Tomorrow because it’s older or Night School to kick off with one of the army adventures. Neither is the best of them but still good. Past Tense I read recently and I don’t think the later ones are as good as the older but it’s very fast paced. Thanks for watching and for your suggestions.
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf thank you for your suggestions; I may add one of those to my October TBR. I look forward to your Frieda Klein video; I love her! I need to get back to the series; I’m up to Friday!
@@reddotreads2693 love Frieda Klein so much! You’re in for a treat with Saturday Sunday and Day of the Dead to go! Thanks for the tag, I have just started watching the video. Glad you mentioned Poirot, I’ve a planned tag video for next week that you may like! 🙂
I have been reading the Jack Reacher books for years -- 14 books now and counting ,at this moment have just started "Night School " I have not read them in any chronological order but just read them as I manage to obtain them usually from 2nd hand book shops. I have nothing against Tom Cruise but at last we now have an actor who resembles the character in the books. A giant of a man who can speak volummes without saying a word.
I, like you, have read all but the last 2. I have them at home, but haven’t yet had the time. Like you said, once you start, you can’t stop! 61 hours is right up there for me too and was the first one I read. Killing floor may be my favourite, although that may be because of Roscoe! I often listen to the audio book versions while I’m working on site. They put me in a good place, perhaps because I find that Reacher’s moral compass wears off on me and helps me to make better decisions. There’s a passage towards the end of Worth dying for when Reacher tries to convince Dorothy not to look in the barn. It’s unbelievably poignant and heartfelt, and I think perfectly describes Reacher’s soul. Great character, beautiful solitude, fantastic books. Be nice to talk about these books with, seemingly, the only person who knows them better than me! Nice video!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the video and love these hooks as much as I do. I think Jack Reacher has such a moral compass and I agree that one of the most poignant moments of the series was trying to stop her looking in the barn. He’s a good man, and I love that that continues no matter what. I’ve never listened to the audiobooks but I’m sure they’d be great too. Thanks for your comment and I hope we both enjoy the last two. Are you planning to watch the tv series when it comes out?
I’ll definitely watch the series. Probably, like any good book, a 2 hour film could never do justice and I hoped that series would be produced. I hope it’s not all action action action, but that there is time for the cerebral element to develop and time for Reacher to say nothing. I’m pleased they’re starting with Killing floor. Each other books do you think would make a good series?
@@electrician1602 I think lots of them will make great viewing. I have a real fondness for Die Trying as it was my first one so I’d like to see what they make of that. 61 Hours and the books that follow will be great if they get them right. I also think it will be really interesting how they deal with the backstory novels, some of the army days stories are so interesting and so much a part of Reacher. I agree that they need to make sure they give time to his character and not just make him an all out action hero type.
I like die trying too. You’re right though, the run of stories from 61 hours to never go back would make a good series of series! Another favourite of mine is the Affair. I think that’d make good viewing. We could chat Reacher for hours, like real geeks!
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf I’ve read the first three already, I am about to start The Visitor. I saw somewhere else that the new season will start in 2023, so we will got a while to get through more books. By the way excellent channel, keep up the great work. Love the enthusiasm, especially towards Jack Reacher!
I think I read one of the books in a small town. I think it was the one where Jack is helping the female sheriff, but it might have been the one where he helps the private investigator. I really don't remember. Not sure if I'm going to pick any more up because the one I read was really violent, and also there are just so many books! 😆
Alisha, there may be violence in the books but Reacher never hurts anyone who isn't intent on causing him serious damage first. I class that as self defence, never violence for the sake of it, that's honourable, John Wayne made a career out of being honourable in his movies, most of which are rightly regarded as classics.
Lee Child is one of my top 4 mystery authors - Agatha Christie, Dick Francis and JD Robb are the others. I only allow myself to read 1 of each author every six months or so to make them last longer! I constantly try out newer authors looking for something equally as good, but don't have much luck.
I love Agatha Christie and Dick Francis too. I have pretty much no Christie books left now (only the plays) but I have over 20 Dick Francis to read so that’s good! I’ve not yet tried JD Robb. My other favourites are Ian Rankin, Nicci French and and Karin Slaughter. All very different but all favourites in their own way. Jack Reacher books are just so good!
I think you would enjoy Robb. They're very readable police procedurals set in the future. Rankin and Slaughter are also some of my favorites along with Elizabeth George, Dana Stabenow, Julia Spencer-Fleming and Linda Castillo (the Kate Burkholder ones, not the romance). I am currently reading Blue Monday by French. The jury is still out on that one. I'm still laughing from the first Louise Rennison. Thank you for the recommendation!!
Could be! I think in earlier books it was an ordinary toothbrush but I’d have to go back to be sure. Either way, I love that that’s pretty much all he carries with him. 😊
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf no problem, a big fan of Lee myself, liked your overview, btw, a couple of the short stories occur when Reacher a) was a teenager & b) just before he went to West Point, but I’m not sure whether Lee published them. Check out the tv series, it’s good, the girl playing Roscoe is really badass, the girl playing Neagley is good as well, keep it up. You should check out Bernard Cornwall’s Last Kingdom, very good, don’t know if you’re in to that, but if you want a bad ass female protagonist, check out the Modety Blaise books by Peter O’Donnell, still quite good, but very 70’s & 80’s
@@johnhickey4289 thanks, I’ll check out the recommendations. Just watched the series and I really enjoyed it. I thought Roscoe and Neagley were both great characters. Thinking of rereading Killing Floor and doing a review and comparison of the two.
Hi Alice, if you like the Jack Reacher series you should check out Karin Slaughter.. Lee Child actually wrote a Novella with her with Karin Slaughter's character(Will Trent) and Lee Child's -Jack Reacher. I thing you would thoroughly enjoy them, especially if you like thrillers and suspense.
Thank you. I really enjoy Karin Slaughter although I didn’t love the novella she did with Lee Child. I particularly enjoyed her Grant County series but I like the Will Trent ones too. 😊📚
I just finished watching last night and I mainly enjoyed it overall. I think they did a pretty good job of the source material but I need to reread it to see how similar they were. Hoping to do a video review very soon. What did you think of it?
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf I smashed them all on Feb 4th. I thought Santor did his best to honour the book, allowing for ‘97 to ‘22 adjustments, I read the books too, so 98% how I visioned Reacher, Alan I think has the mix just right, the producers along with Lee being onsite have pretty much nailed it, safe to say, it’ll be a hell of a job to complete 25 seasons 😉
In Tom Cruise's defense, he absolutely nails the Jack Reacher persona. He gets it so right I can forgive him being a foot shorter and 100#'s lighter than the character. Just watched the television show and while the appearance of the casting is spot on (even though the actor is only 6'2", just to give you some idea of how gigantic 6'5" actually is), he doesn't nail the persona. But I hope he grows into it.
Tom Cruise did play the part well, personality wise! I’m about halfway through the new series and hoping that the new Reacher grows into the personality too. The one liners are not the best bit. Also a bit young for the part but I’m really enjoying it overall. 😊
No definitely not, they all work well as stand alone books and give a good idea of Reacher’s character. I’d say try some of the older ones before the newer but it doesn’t really matter. I know someone who started at 61 Hours and loved it and went on to read them all.
My favourite is 61 hours, you can read the books in any order but I would start with an earlier one than that, highly recommend the first three: Killing Floor, Die Trying and Tripwire so I would pick any two from those four. Hope you enjoy.
Persuader is a good one that is told both in the present time with Reacher and there are a series of flashbacks to a case during his Military Police days. 61 Hours is one of my favourites, very pacey and although it does stand alone it is one of a sequence of a few books in the series that link together. I do know someone who started at 61 Hours, loved it and went on to read the rest! 😊📚
Thank you for the informative book series review. I purchased the Jack Reacher short story collection, No Middle Name, several years ago but haven't finished it. Hopefully, I will resume reading it in the near future. Since you like action adventure books, be sure to check out my series, The Patriot Chronicles featuring Matt Devon (The Devon Proposition, The Devon Intervention and The Devon Acquisition). Take care and God bless.
Lee Child... Yes. But I have read only "Nothing to loose". Then put it into my case for my son. Actually, the man in the novel is Lee Child himself. Traveling in his dreams.
I enjoyed watching your readers guide to Lee child jack reacher books. Before I start to buy them I need to know if there is any profanity and/or any explicit scenes. Please let me know. BTW my name is Alice
From memory there is some profanity, although Lee Child does seem to avoid certain words. I definitely think there are a few instances of that in the books though. Jack Reacher does tend to end up with a woman in pretty much all of the books so there are scenes of that nature although I personally don’t remember them being very detailed or explicit. It’s a long time since I read a lot of the books though so I would recommend seeing if you can find out more online before buying. The books are very violent and can be on the detailed side about that for sure. I hope that helps. 😊📚
8 months later update: I'm 16 books deep now and the most obtuse description I can make of these books is: They're 60's westerns but soaked in testosterone for dudes born between 76 to 98ish. I fall in that window and flat out loved the books. There are periods that are flat ofc (first half of book 2 nearly broke me from the series) but I think that was the longest null. But there are so many parallels to the JR series as vintage westerns. Guy strolls into town. Shit goes down. Damsel in distress. Main character (in his own unique way) usually saves the day. As far JR is concerned it usually means blood, guts, motor oil, dynamite, explosives and protein. ya..... big fan. Almost as impressed about the fact these were written by a Brit turned stateside. Awesome series. Glad I stuck it out.
Glad you’re still enjoying them 16 books on! I’m not even in the demographic for these books and I love them. The Western comparison is spot on though, loads of damsels in distress in these towns Reacher strolls into. Hope you enjoy the next ones you get to. 😊📚
I love absolutely your video!! That's a a lot information of Jack Reacher and it's great, more people must know about the books. For someone who don't know anything from de the character, this is very useful. Thank you very much, I really love to see more videos about Jack reacher. New subscriber Pd: I saw the first Amazon trailer and it looks amazing, what's your opinion about it?
Thanks so much, happy to have you subscribing. I enjoyed the first trailer, really looking forward to Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher, it looks like an exciting series.
Have read all books and became a fan at the reading of the first. Cruise as Reacher was so disheartening. The new series is fan-bloody- tastic, with fantastic casting and production. Had to watch all 8 episodes without a break, it just draws you in. If you know nothing about the books, ythe amazon series will get you hooked.
Hi I really love Jack Reacher can you recommend any other writers ? I am trying David Baldacci memory man series ( it's ok) have also tried Peter James many thanks Tim I saw the films first so I have had no problem making Tom Cruise a bit bigger darker for the book ,but I totally get that he was miscast Cheers Tim
Hi thanks for your comment! Unfortunately I think there is no one quite like Reacher that I have read so far. As a series with a male protagonist (but he’s a police detective in Scotland so quite different) I really love the Rebus series by Ian Rankin. Starts with Knots and Crosses. I also really like Harlan Coben’s thrillers but they are mainly standalones although he does have a series with a sports agent/PI called Myron Bolitar. I liked those ones. Nothing compared to Reacher though. 😊
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf thanks very good of you to reply will try Rebus . Happy reading have you tried Donna Leon or C J samson I sort of enjoyed those ,but Jack Reacher is the crack cocaine of reading !!!
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf I have been researching and Lee Child was heavily influenced by John D Macdonald , I have just started his Travis McGee series looks promising .
I have about 8 of lee child books do you have to read the book series in order or can you read them as stand alones because I currently don’t have them in order
They work fine as stand alones, you can really read this series in any order. There are only about four that have any sort of running storyline with each other, which I mentioned in the video, but even those you could read separately. They are great books in any order! 🙂
I think those four books, 61 hours, Worth dying for, A wanted man and Never go back are best read in order. Not essential, but there is no dead time between them, they flow and link together.
Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher is “Mission Ridiculous”. I visualize that, Jack Reacher would’ve been better cast by, the late Rowdy Roddy Piper of the WWF, and the movie “They Live”. I have read all but 3, and I’m now catching up by listening to audiobooks, which allows me to do my chores. Do you have any opinions about audiobooks, and would you consider adapting Sherlock Holmes, into your library?
I’ve not tried the Reacher books on audio but I do enjoy audiobooks generally as they are ideal for listening to while doing chores. I love Sherlock Holmes and my second video in this series was about him. Something to think about but there are certainly some fantastic audiobooks of his stories out there already. 😊
I read the very first JR book a few months ago and I really enjoyed it, but the most common feedback I got was "If you read one Jack Reacher book, you read them all." How do subsequent books hold up? I really liked the first one (even moreso now that s1 of the amazon show went live) but I don't want to read 20 identical books. If I did, I'd go slog through the old James Bond novels. Racism and all lol
I personally have enjoyed the vast majority of the rest of the books. The first 18 books are all really good. After that I do think they start to be similar, although I still enjoy them. I think season 2 of the show is based on book 11 and one of my favourites is book 14, so although there are ups and downs I think there are a lot of different plots to enjoy before they get samey.
Have you read the Will Trent series by Karin Slaughter? I loved it. Will meets Reacher in one book I believe its called cleaning the gold or something similar ...check it out I think you will love the books. I loved the new series Reacher, it's great!!
Thank you, I am working on the Will Trent series and I really enjoy it although I think I liked her Grant County books more so I loved it when the two crossed over after a few books. I read Cleaning the Gold recently- it was fun to have Trent and Reacher in one book! Looking forward to watching the new series. 😊
Never been much of a reader but I got bored and took out the only book in my little 10 book library I never read: 61 hours. Thought he was dead I guess not. Loved it in some parts but.. the ending was quite disappointing. I mean everything would’ve happened the same if he was there or not. Idk was expecting a better ending and if I had read the whole series I would’ve been quite disappointed. Also the book told be about his time in the army and his overall life like 40 time so .. does he do that every book? Maybe the other books are better. Was a good read tho. Enjoyed it.
61 Hours is one of my favourites and I would say it gives a good flavour of what the Reacher series is like: lots of action and fast paced enjoyment, but there are certainly plot elements that repeat in the series. I hope you enjoy the books of you pick up any more of them.
So like a lot of people having just watched the first season of Reacher, I am interested in potentially starting the books, Now from a awful lot of reviews of the show they mostly say how closely the show adapted the Killing Floor book So I would not want to start with that book since I have literally just watched it, but I will want to read it at some point. Now you mentioned the Chronological order but didn't specifically state your feelings as to whether or not that order works for readers, so what is your feelings on doing it that way, is it a good idea or a terrible one? because if I do it that way it gives me breathing room before I 'tread old ground' or given your knowledge would that be a poor reading experience?
I personally enjoy reading in publication order but I read some before I got hold of others and it didn’t really matter. I think it would be a very different experience to read all of the army days books first as I personally enjoyed getting to know Reacher as a drifter first and then finding out backstory in small amounts as given. That’s not to say that I think it wouldn’t work to read the army ones first, I just enjoyed getting hints and wondering about his past before going into it. If you’d like to start the series but not with Killing Floor I’d highly recommend some of the other early ones to get to know Reacher better. I started with Die Trying which I’m still really fond of, and Tripwire (book 3) was excellent. I hope you have a great time with the books whatever you decide to do! 😊
@@CJR-wv8kc someone else just suggested The Enemy is a great one to start as you are coming in near the beginning and also get some army stuff included. Don’t know if that helps?
at most i reached 5k books in my library, and i have the whole suite from lee childs. its not nobel laurate stuff, but its really, really nice classic black and white lone hero stuff ehich is really enjoyable and comparatively well written for the genre. If you want some entertaining reading this is the way to go. violent? for sure, very graphic at time, but not overly so at any rate. but then again i read thatbtype of stuff from age 7.... I do completly agree that tom cruise is sort of the antithesis to the reacher descibed in the books. sure tom is a ctually (when he isnt a bat shit crazy sciebtologist) a fair actor, and he gets the attitude if reacher fairly well, but hebisnt reacher by any stretch of the imagination. and i have a problem with funding the cult by buying tickets to his franchise....
The only issue I have is a person that stands 6”5 and weighs 250-260lbs would be a tall and skinny dude. I’m 6”4 and 245lbs and I’m called skinny quite often.
The Amazon series is way way better than the movies. (At lease season one as that's all I can speak on since it's the only season out as of my writing this comment.) I watched the movies first, then discovered the series... it was only after watching all that, that I realized that there were books... I could tell that the series was closer to the books before I was sure there was books... like as I was watching it I started to get the distinct feeling that this must be based on books... not something you can tell form the movies. I haven't read a single book *yet*... I plan on reading them. I'm all about reading books in chronological order so I'll be trying to follow it in that order. I can't wait for the rest of the series... it's amazing. I say this months after having watched it, not in the hype of having just watched it so it's a lasting feeling of it being amazing. I have high expectations of the books.
I really enjoyed the Amazon series and did a separate comparison of that to the book as I made this video before it came out. I hope you love the books when you get to them, and I’m sure the chronological order will be a rewarding way to read them, they are fantastic in any order. Thanks for your comment. The series really shows up how far from the books the films were.
I have been a massive Reacher fan from the beginning, left the first film 10 minutes in, didn't bother with the second. Have been blown away by prime's Killing Floor, watched it in one sitting!
Anyone notice that Neagley shows up every 5 books after she first appeared?(until she didn't appear anymore). She appears in book 6,11,16 and 21.........do the math.
There’s no escaping the fact Reacher is getting old (born 1960) but if we condensed the years of each of his adventures we can slow his age down a bit: (Excluding prequel books) Killing Floor 1997 Die Trying 1998 Tripwire 1999 The Visitor 2000 Echo Burning 2001 Without Fail 2002 Persuader 2003 One Shot 2004 The Hard Way 2005 Bad Luck And Trouble 2006 Nothing To Lose 2007 Gone Tomorrow 2008 61 Hours 2009 Worth Dying For 2009 A Wanted Man 2009 Never Go Back 2009 Personal 2010 Make Me 2011 The Midnight Line 2011 Past Tense 2012 Blue Moon 2013 The Sentinel 2014 Better Off Dead 2015 No Plan B 2016 So even by his last adventure he’s still months from his 56th birthday
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf the other vicious villains in the other works are just plain mean and deserved death, but that scheming woman in the visitor is way worse. i really hated her for what she was trying to do and how she was trying to do it.
Good question. 61 Hours is the start of the only sequence I would suggest definitely reading in order as he does go on his way to try to meet her over the next few books. He’s on his way there in Worth Dying For and A Wanted Man. If you want to skip his journey there he meets her at last in Never Go Back, which is another really good one and was adapted (with a lot of changes) for the second Tom Cruise film.
It's not just the character of Reacher I enjoy, it's the actual writing style. Whenever I start a new book I always feel like a warm blanket is around me, I say to my wife, "it's like coming home". I love the short sentences, the description of what goes through Reachers' head before an altercation, and his total sense of honour which runs like a river through every book, absolutely fantastic! Thanks for the succinct video!
Oh me too! I love the writing style and as you say the books give me comfort (despite the violence etc). The short sentences are just my favourite. A Lee Child Reacher book is hard to beat! Glad you enjoyed the video. 😊
Totally agree Billy. I have just started reading these books and they are easy to read. I read about 80 pages a night which is good by my standards. I have also gone paperback with this series and look forward to borrowing each book from my local library as part of the fun. Part of my regime to reduce screen time. Working well so far.
Hi Anthony, read the books in order of writing, some fall by the wayside (not many!), but as an ardent reader over many years I have to tell you that the last two or three Reacher books have been poor. I suppose there are only so many variations on the theme of vigilantism that one can come up with. And eventually the law will catch up with big Jack and he'll be sent to prison, not because he has done bad things, but because he has circumvented the ridiculous system of "justice" that envelops our societies. Hey, maybe a story about "the prison years" could be a winner? Enjoy it, and life, while you can. X
Couldn't find book-4 (The Visitor) on my Amazon Kindle, because they/US have it listed as, "Running Blind." Sorry if that's already been noted here somewhere.
Thanks for letting me know. Yes I think that’s the main one that had a different title in the US, I think the others are mostly the same. 😊
The Jack Reacher books are awesome, and this video is even better. Really helpful guide to the chronology too.
Thank you, glad you liked the video and the chronology! The books are great! 🙂📚
First book I read way back was 61 hours. I then had the delight to learn there were so many in the catalogue to get to. I describe him as the man who walks the earth, the ultimate loner, but one who can’t stand bullies. Loved the video. And love the the Amazon series. Season 2 please?
He’s such a great character and 61 Hours is one of my favourites! I hope the series is really giving each book a series! Thanks for watching. 😊
I think the best description of him was in Personal as “Sherlock Homeless “
I'm 33 and I wasn't a reader til I picked up 'Midnight Line' when I had nothing else to do. Now I've read 11 of them, so good and addictive. 'Bad Luck & Trouble' was so entertaining that I read it all without sleeping one day.
They are certainly very additive books. I loved The Midnight Line and Bad Luck and Trouble, both would probably be in my top 10 favourites so far. Thanks for your comment, I’m glad you’re enjoying the books! 😊
Love the video Alice. I thought Alan Ritchson was absolutely perfect for Reacher, and now I picture him when reading the books
Thank you! I agree, I thought Ritchson did a great job and I’m looking forward to season 2 to see how they get on with it. 😊
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf me too, can't wait for season 2
I’m grateful that there are people out there so passionate about all stories that I can find good information on the stories I’m passionate about
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. 😊
I’ve been meaning to read Jack Reacher for ages, you make them sound really good. Love a long fast paced series that you can read e.g. one per weekend for months - I’ll get to them after I’m done with Sharpe 😊
Oh yes they are a great read for one per weekend! Would love to hear how you get on! 🙂 Are the Sharpe books good?
It is so good! Reacher is a great character to follow. I've read 2/3 of the books and got away from them. Now I'm eager to read the rest. Now the Amazon Reacher is all the books glory.
I highly recommend The Midnight Line or Trip Wire
I came across the series through 'The Enemy', not even knowing that there were other books. 'The Enemy' explains why Reacher got busted down in rank while still in the army, so while it was my introduction, I also think it's an awesome introduction for anyone, as it really does start pretty much at the beginning, and I'd then just go chronologically. Strange that we both recommend the ones we personally started with!
I think it’s hard not to have a fondness for your first one, but you’re right The Enemy would be a great book to read first. 😊
Does that mean there's really no need to read chronologically? My local library has a lot in the series but of course the first 3 or 4 has a waiting list a mile long. I was thinking about starting with the first available book. Would I miss out on important back story?
@@jpaxonreyes no, I think you’ll be fine to start anywhere in the series to be honest. I would just start with the earliest one you can get. 😊
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf - Excellent. Cheers!
Hey i am 12 books into this series. This is my all time fav. Coincidentally i started with 'Die trying' too in 2019.
Planning on starting 13th this month.
Please make a video on your top 10 as you had pointed in this video.
Would help my 13th pick.
You earned a new subscriber too.
Keep posting the videos.
Thanks for your comment and I’m glad you enjoyed the video and are enjoying the Reacher books. I’m hoping to read Blue Moon very soon, then I only have the latest two or three left. I’ll be making a top 10 soon, thanks for the request and the subscribe. 😊
Did you catch the first season of Reacher yet? I really enjoyed it! I haven't read the books but I love how he operates. Such a smart, badass. Thanks for your review of his book series!
I’ve started it and I love it! Currently watching episode five and it’s quite similar to the books although Reacher is a bit younger than I pictured. Glad you enjoyed the video. 😊
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf perhaps age is the only minor mismatch. other than than, TV series was perfect. Cast,chemistry, dynamics, attention to details. Child looks thrilled talking about the end result
@@artdorokhov I really enjoyed it, very pleased to get such a faithful adaptation.
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf I've got 3 Jack Reacher books. The visitor Killing Floor and Die trying. I will get all the others
@@peterwilliamskelhorn6675 all brilliant ones- I hope you enjoy them!
Just finished watching the first season of reacher I absolutely loved it alan did a great job in the role definitely will be reading the books soon
I loved it too and I’m excited that there will be a second season. I hope you enjoy the books when you get to them. 😊📚
I love these. Modern pulp novels.
You have a soothing voice. BTW Im a fan of Jack reacher series...currently on "Worth Dieing For". 😊🎉
Thanks. Glad you’re enjoying the Jack Reacher books. 😊
In an interview, Lee Childs describes Reacher as Sherlock Homeless. So apt.
I binge-watched the first season on Amazon Prime and loved it. I haven't read the books ... yet.
Perhaps, when you haven't yet read a book, you could read the blurb on the back of the book jacket. That is why we write them. :)
Oh, and I subscribed.
Jon in rural BC, Canada
I could indeed have read out the blurbs. I don’t really know why I didn’t do that at the time. 🤷♀️ Really enjoyed the Prime series and I hope you enjoy the books!
Keep up the good work.
so I've decided to begin with the 61hrs + Worth dying for + A wanted man trifecta but I just wanted to thank you for the recommendations. I'm always a bit skeptical when someone says "you won't want to put it down" (or something along those lines) but I started 61hrs last night and am already more than a quarter way through it. For context, my favorite book ever " Fire and Blood" took me months to complete, casually reading in my free time but still really enjoyed it. I'll be finished 61hrs probably in about 61hrs lol and starting 'worth dying for' most likely. I can't believe how it sucked me in almost immediately, half way through the first paragraph and was completely hooked by the end of the first chapter! Can't wait to read them all now eventually and completely spoil anything beyond season 2 haha
I’m glad you’re enjoying 61 Hours. That’s definitely one of my favourites. I love finding a book series where I just want to read more and more of them. I’m glad your enjoyed the video and I hope you continue enjoying the books. 😊📚
I've read 4-5 of them and I love the way they grip your imagination and interest.
I love that too! They are so gripping.
A brilliant video giving an introduction into the books of our favourite fictional character Jack Reacher. If anyone should asks the immortal question of where should I bloody well start theres too many books. I 'll point them to this video on RUclips. Thank you
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😊📚
I really liked this video, it was very helpful and I really want to dive into this series.
Thank you. I hope you enjoy Reacher as much as I have! 😊📚
You can NEVER have too many books! Child's Reacher series is a big inspiration for my latest novel.
Always good to hear! Love the Reacher series so it’s a good place to find inspiration. 😊
Enjoyed your video I'm big jack reacher fan,it's just nice to pick up a good book and enter a new world..
Agreed! Glad you enjoyed the guide. 😊
Good job. Keep up the good work.
Thanks! 😊
I really enjoyed this. 5 books down. I liked the Susan Turner connection from A Wanted Man to Never Go Back. I didn’t know there were 4 to this sequence. I’ll be reading the first two next.
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I hope you continue to enjoy the books! 😊📚
After watching the Jack Reacher series (which is really good) I went and bought my first JR book on audible (Die Trying). Great video of breaking down the books.
Thank you, I hope you enjoy Die Trying, it’s one of my favourites! 😊
Thank you for your guide!
I hope you'll make a review of the series once you finish it. It will be really interesting to see your view on it as a fan of the books.
A review and comparison to Killing floor is coming soon… I’m glad you enjoyed the guide. 😊
I watched the first two seasons of Reacher in amazon prime and I want to read the books should I start with Killing floor or skip it because it is the adaptation of the first season?
Excellently described!!!
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I got into listening to the audio books after watching the Amazon series, I never watched the films as I’m not a great fan of Tom cruise and everyone said he was wrong casting.
I started with killing floor as I knew it was his first book and I wanted to compare the series to it but I’m going through chronological order from there and then will jump back to his army days.
That sounds like a good order, do you like the audio books? I’ve not listened to any but I think my husband has. Hope you enjoy the rest of the books. I’m looking forward to series 2 next year. 😊
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf I’m really enjoying the audio books, I have dyslexia and though I can read fine I find it tiring and fall asleep within reading for 5 minutes. With audio books I can listen and work so in the space of near 2 years I’ve listened to all the expanse series twice all of Sherlock Holmes , metro 2033 series, a load of James Herbert’s work, 2001, killing floor up to personal and at the moment I’m in the middle of the LOTR trilogy.
Thanks for the time line great video
Thank you. 😊
Hi! I'm completely new to the Reacher saga and looking forward to the adventures! I am a lover of reading books in publication order - but even more of chronological order, so I'm going to take your recommendation of reading The Enemy, Night School and The Affair before reading KiIling Floor and onwards. Many thanks for this very informative video!
Thank you, I’m very glad you enjoyed the video and found it informative. I hope you enjoy reading the books in chronological order, they are all really good books! 😊📚
Outstanding. This is everything I want to tell my friends.
Thank you so much for your kind comment, I’m glad you liked the video! 😊
Where can I purchase “the fourth man” ? Even though it’s an ebook, it appears as “not available for purchase” on Apple, Amazon, Google. The only places that have it say they are a world market store and since I’m in the US it’s not available.
I created a spreadsheet and this is literally book 33 if you read them chronologically. After “Past Tense” but before “Cleaning the Gold”.
Any ideas?
Hi, interesting question and until you mentioned it I wasn’t really aware of this short story. I’ve had a look and in the UK it seems much more available. I can get it on Libby, perhaps if you have an app for library books it might be available there too. It comes up as available on all those services over here, so I’m not sure what to suggest.
If I come across any more about it I will let you know. Hope you find it!
Question: which Lee child jack reacher book has jack spending the night in fbi agent Kim Otto’s apartment?
@@suekinsman9646 Is Kim Otto a character in the Hunt for Jack Reacher books by Diane Capri? I’ve never been able to get hold of any of those in the UK.
Thanks for the nice video summarizing the series. I for myself am quite a fan of the Reacher books and can't wait to see the Prime Video series 👍
Thank you, I’m looking forward to the Prime series too! 🙂
I haven’t read any of his books, I’m planning to buy and read two of his books , what’s your recommendation? And which one should I read first??
Thanks in advance
@@n2174 I would recommend Sniper and Wespennest (not quite sure if the english titles are the same), two of my favorites
I'm on my second go round on the reacher book series. I'm loving the show too. Do you think they will do tripwire mixed with The Affair? I'd love to see the Garbers.
Oh good point, I don’t know if they will mix them, but I do love Tripwire and the Garbers are great characters. 😊
I have so many Jack Reacher novels!!! I was so disappointed by The casting of Tom Cruise in the movies! He doesn’t fit the reacher description at all!! Fun video!!
Thank you Sandy, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed these books as well. Thanks for watching! 🙂
This was great, Alice! I have 4 Jack Reacher books on my TBR that a friend gave me: Night School, Blue Moon, Gone Tomorrow & Past Tense. Which of those would you recommend I start with? You have definitely encouraged me to pick one up soon with your description of Jack & the fast paced plot. Tom Cruise as 6 feet 5!!!! In his dreams! 🤣 I’d love you to do a feature on Frieda Klein 😊📚
I’m so glad you said that, Frieda Klein is one I have plans to do in the future. I would either start with Gone Tomorrow because it’s older or Night School to kick off with one of the army adventures. Neither is the best of them but still good. Past Tense I read recently and I don’t think the later ones are as good as the older but it’s very fast paced. Thanks for watching and for your suggestions.
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf thank you for your suggestions; I may add one of those to my October TBR. I look forward to your Frieda Klein video; I love her! I need to get back to the series; I’m up to Friday!
Also, I forgot to say that I have just uploaded The Comfort Tag; not sure if you have done it, but I have tagged you today 😊
@@reddotreads2693 love Frieda Klein so much! You’re in for a treat with Saturday Sunday and Day of the Dead to go! Thanks for the tag, I have just started watching the video. Glad you mentioned Poirot, I’ve a planned tag video for next week that you may like! 🙂
I have been reading the Jack Reacher books for years -- 14 books now and counting ,at this moment have just started "Night School " I have not read them in any chronological order but just read them as I manage to obtain them usually from 2nd hand book shops. I have nothing against Tom Cruise but at last we now have an actor who resembles the character in the books. A giant of a man who can speak volummes without saying a word.
Indeed! I think they are great in any order and I hope you enjoy the new series! 😊
I, like you, have read all but the last 2. I have them at home, but haven’t yet had the time. Like you said, once you start, you can’t stop!
61 hours is right up there for me too and was the first one I read.
Killing floor may be my favourite, although that may be because of Roscoe!
I often listen to the audio book versions while I’m working on site. They put me in a good place, perhaps because I find that Reacher’s moral compass wears off on me and helps me to make better decisions.
There’s a passage towards the end of Worth dying for when Reacher tries to convince Dorothy not to look in the barn. It’s unbelievably poignant and heartfelt, and I think perfectly describes Reacher’s soul.
Great character, beautiful solitude, fantastic books. Be nice to talk about these books with, seemingly, the only person who knows them better than me!
Nice video!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the video and love these hooks as much as I do. I think Jack Reacher has such a moral compass and I agree that one of the most poignant moments of the series was trying to stop her looking in the barn. He’s a good man, and I love that that continues no matter what. I’ve never listened to the audiobooks but I’m sure they’d be great too. Thanks for your comment and I hope we both enjoy the last two. Are you planning to watch the tv series when it comes out?
I’ll definitely watch the series. Probably, like any good book, a 2 hour film could never do justice and I hoped that series would be produced. I hope it’s not all action action action, but that there is time for the cerebral element to develop and time for Reacher to say nothing. I’m pleased they’re starting with Killing floor.
Each other books do you think would make a good series?
@@electrician1602 I think lots of them will make great viewing. I have a real fondness for Die Trying as it was my first one so I’d like to see what they make of that. 61 Hours and the books that follow will be great if they get them right. I also think it will be really interesting how they deal with the backstory novels, some of the army days stories are so interesting and so much a part of Reacher. I agree that they need to make sure they give time to his character and not just make him an all out action hero type.
I like die trying too. You’re right though, the run of stories from 61 hours to never go back would make a good series of series!
Another favourite of mine is the Affair. I think that’d make good viewing.
We could chat Reacher for hours, like real geeks!
Where does “Running Blind” fit in the series?
In the UK, Running Blind was published as The Visitor, so it’s the fourth book in the series.
Great video. Very helpful.
Thank you. 😊
Bad luck and trouble is the second season in the ‘Reacher’ series on Amazon. Need to read this now before it gets released
I’d better give it a reread before the series, I remember it’s a really good one! Definitely in my top 10! 😊📚
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf I’ve read the first three already, I am about to start The Visitor. I saw somewhere else that the new season will start in 2023, so we will got a while to get through more books. By the way excellent channel, keep up the great work. Love the enthusiasm, especially towards Jack Reacher!
@@Mr.dnicholson thank you, that’s very kind of you! Hope you enjoy the rest of the books! Jack Reacher is the best! 😊📚
I think I read one of the books in a small town. I think it was the one where Jack is helping the female sheriff, but it might have been the one where he helps the private investigator. I really don't remember. Not sure if I'm going to pick any more up because the one I read was really violent, and also there are just so many books! 😆
They are very violent, that’s true. Both the ones you mention were particularly nasty, but there’s violence in all of them. 26 is a lot of books! 😂
Alisha, there may be violence in the books but Reacher never hurts anyone who isn't intent on causing him serious damage first. I class that as self defence, never violence for the sake of it, that's honourable, John Wayne made a career out of being honourable in his movies, most of which are rightly regarded as classics.
Lee Child is one of my top 4 mystery authors - Agatha Christie, Dick Francis and JD Robb are the others. I only allow myself to read 1 of each author every six months or so to make them last longer! I constantly try out newer authors looking for something equally as good, but don't have much luck.
I love Agatha Christie and Dick Francis too. I have pretty much no Christie books left now (only the plays) but I have over 20 Dick Francis to read so that’s good! I’ve not yet tried JD Robb. My other favourites are Ian Rankin, Nicci French and and Karin Slaughter. All very different but all favourites in their own way. Jack Reacher books are just so good!
I think you would enjoy Robb. They're very readable police procedurals set in the future. Rankin and Slaughter are also some of my favorites along with Elizabeth George, Dana Stabenow, Julia Spencer-Fleming and Linda Castillo (the Kate Burkholder ones, not the romance). I am currently reading Blue Monday by French. The jury is still out on that one. I'm still laughing from the first Louise Rennison. Thank you for the recommendation!!
Thanks Alice!
Jack Reacher carries a folding toothbrush if I am remembering that correctly, I could be wrong but there it is anyway.
Could be! I think in earlier books it was an ordinary toothbrush but I’d have to go back to be sure. Either way, I love that that’s pretty much all he carries with him. 😊
The Midnight Line is the first Reacher book I read, and it’s my favorite, then Trip Wire.
I think The Midnight Line is one of my favourites too, and Tripwire is brilliant! 😊
Jack Reacher’s ex colleague Francis Neagley, in her name the G is silent (Lee Child pronounces the name this way in interview)
Thanks for letting me know. I didn’t realise that. 😊
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf no problem, a big fan of Lee myself, liked your overview, btw, a couple of the short stories occur when Reacher a) was a teenager & b) just before he went to West Point, but I’m not sure whether Lee published them. Check out the tv series, it’s good, the girl playing Roscoe is really badass, the girl playing Neagley is good as well, keep it up. You should check out Bernard Cornwall’s Last Kingdom, very good, don’t know if you’re in to that, but if you want a bad ass female protagonist, check out the Modety Blaise books by Peter O’Donnell, still quite good, but very 70’s & 80’s
@@johnhickey4289 thanks, I’ll check out the recommendations. Just watched the series and I really enjoyed it. I thought Roscoe and Neagley were both great characters. Thinking of rereading Killing Floor and doing a review and comparison of the two.
Hi Alice, if you like the Jack Reacher series you should check out Karin Slaughter.. Lee Child actually wrote a Novella with her with Karin Slaughter's character(Will Trent) and Lee Child's -Jack Reacher. I thing you would thoroughly enjoy them, especially if you like thrillers and suspense.
Thank you. I really enjoy Karin Slaughter although I didn’t love the novella she did with Lee Child. I particularly enjoyed her Grant County series but I like the Will Trent ones too. 😊📚
I really enjoy Karin slaughter books
Alice, your take on the new series?
I just finished watching last night and I mainly enjoyed it overall. I think they did a pretty good job of the source material but I need to reread it to see how similar they were. Hoping to do a video review very soon. What did you think of it?
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf I smashed them all on Feb 4th. I thought Santor did his best to honour the book, allowing for ‘97 to ‘22 adjustments, I read the books too, so 98% how I visioned Reacher, Alan I think has the mix just right, the producers along with Lee being onsite have pretty much nailed it, safe to say, it’ll be a hell of a job to complete 25 seasons 😉
@@mikeb3010 I agree, was very happy with it and I look forward to the next series!
In Tom Cruise's defense, he absolutely nails the Jack Reacher persona. He gets it so right I can forgive him being a foot shorter and 100#'s lighter than the character. Just watched the television show and while the appearance of the casting is spot on (even though the actor is only 6'2", just to give you some idea of how gigantic 6'5" actually is), he doesn't nail the persona. But I hope he grows into it.
Tom Cruise did play the part well, personality wise! I’m about halfway through the new series and hoping that the new Reacher grows into the personality too. The one liners are not the best bit. Also a bit young for the part but I’m really enjoying it overall. 😊
He seemed a little too 'smiley', but I think he did nail the character pretty well.
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf Just FYI, but Alan Ritchson, the actor who plays Reacher, is 39. Reacher is 35 or 36 in Killing Floor.
@@arthurodell3281 oh really? I guess I’m picturing him older because of the later books. Thanks.
Tom isn’t near as good as the Amazon series guy.
I can see I will have to read a Jack Reacher book some time.
You should! 😊
Im just going to read the books based by each season the reacher series is based on. Good thing is i can read this in any order .
Perfect! They are great reads in any order. I’m currently rereading Bad Luck and Trouble to compare it to Season 2.
2 years ago damn just starting to read after watching the series
Awesome books to start reading at any time, hope you enjoy!
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf is there any good places I could read them online for free ?
Yes, I totally agree with Tom Cruise. I go that far to say : don't watch these movies, read the books👍Great video, thank you, 😀👍👍👍
The books are always best! Thanks for watching. 😊📚
The Enemy ,,,my fave,,,,Killing Floor on Amazon was fantastic .You will be very happy.
I’m enjoying it so far! The Enemy was a good one for sure. 😊
I've read most of Jack Reacher books and enjoyed them all but the stand out for me was The Hard Way, I couldn't put it down.
That was a really good one! 😊
Do we need to read the books in order? (Might be a v v stupid question but worth an ask lol)
No definitely not, they all work well as stand alone books and give a good idea of Reacher’s character. I’d say try some of the older ones before the newer but it doesn’t really matter. I know someone who started at 61 Hours and loved it and went on to read them all.
I’m going to buy and read 2 of his books, what do you recommend guys? And which one should I read first?
My favourite is 61 hours, you can read the books in any order but I would start with an earlier one than that, highly recommend the first three: Killing Floor, Die Trying and Tripwire so I would pick any two from those four. Hope you enjoy.
I'm going chronological, really enjoying The Enemy and just about to start Night School
Good choice, will be interesting to follow the series in that order as you’ll have all of Reacher’s background first. 😊
I have a question which book should I start with The persuader or 61 hours ?
Persuader is a good one that is told both in the present time with Reacher and there are a series of flashbacks to a case during his Military Police days. 61 Hours is one of my favourites, very pacey and although it does stand alone it is one of a sequence of a few books in the series that link together. I do know someone who started at 61 Hours, loved it and went on to read the rest! 😊📚
Thank you for the informative book series review. I purchased the Jack Reacher short story collection, No Middle Name, several years ago but haven't finished it. Hopefully, I will resume reading it in the near future. Since you like action adventure books, be sure to check out my series, The Patriot Chronicles featuring Matt Devon (The Devon Proposition, The Devon Intervention and The Devon Acquisition). Take care and God bless.
Lee Child... Yes. But I have read only "Nothing to loose". Then put it into my case for my son. Actually, the man in the novel is Lee Child himself. Traveling in his dreams.
Thanks for your comment. I agree there is a lot of Lee Child in the character, writing who he would like to be.
I enjoyed watching your readers guide to Lee child jack reacher books. Before I start to buy them I need to know if there is any profanity and/or any explicit scenes. Please let me know. BTW my name is Alice
From memory there is some profanity, although Lee Child does seem to avoid certain words. I definitely think there are a few instances of that in the books though. Jack Reacher does tend to end up with a woman in pretty much all of the books so there are scenes of that nature although I personally don’t remember them being very detailed or explicit. It’s a long time since I read a lot of the books though so I would recommend seeing if you can find out more online before buying. The books are very violent and can be on the detailed side about that for sure. I hope that helps. 😊📚
8 months later update: I'm 16 books deep now and the most obtuse description I can make of these books is: They're 60's westerns but soaked in testosterone for dudes born between 76 to 98ish. I fall in that window and flat out loved the books. There are periods that are flat ofc (first half of book 2 nearly broke me from the series) but I think that was the longest null. But there are so many parallels to the JR series as vintage westerns. Guy strolls into town. Shit goes down. Damsel in distress. Main character (in his own unique way) usually saves the day.
As far JR is concerned it usually means blood, guts, motor oil, dynamite, explosives and protein. ya..... big fan. Almost as impressed about the fact these were written by a Brit turned stateside. Awesome series. Glad I stuck it out.
Glad you’re still enjoying them 16 books on! I’m not even in the demographic for these books and I love them. The Western comparison is spot on though, loads of damsels in distress in these towns Reacher strolls into. Hope you enjoy the next ones you get to. 😊📚
I love absolutely your video!! That's a a lot information of Jack Reacher and it's great, more people must know about the books. For someone who don't know anything from de the character, this is very useful. Thank you very much, I really love to see more videos about Jack reacher. New subscriber
Pd: I saw the first Amazon trailer and it looks amazing, what's your opinion about it?
Thanks so much, happy to have you subscribing. I enjoyed the first trailer, really looking forward to Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher, it looks like an exciting series.
Have read all books and became a fan at the reading of the first. Cruise as Reacher was so disheartening. The new series is fan-bloody- tastic, with fantastic casting and production. Had to watch all 8 episodes without a break, it just draws you in. If you know nothing about the books, ythe amazon series will get you hooked.
I love the books and I thought the new series does a great job with book one, I hope they get a chance to adapt a lot more of the books! 😊
Hi I really love Jack Reacher can you recommend any other writers ?
I am trying David Baldacci memory man series ( it's ok) have also tried Peter James many thanks Tim
I saw the films first so I have had no problem making Tom Cruise a bit bigger darker for the book ,but I totally get that he was miscast
Cheers Tim
Hi thanks for your comment! Unfortunately I think there is no one quite like Reacher that I have read so far. As a series with a male protagonist (but he’s a police detective in Scotland so quite different) I really love the Rebus series by Ian Rankin. Starts with Knots and Crosses. I also really like Harlan Coben’s thrillers but they are mainly standalones although he does have a series with a sports agent/PI called Myron Bolitar. I liked those ones. Nothing compared to Reacher though. 😊
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf thanks very good of you to reply will try Rebus . Happy reading have you tried Donna Leon or C J samson I sort of enjoyed those ,but Jack Reacher is the crack cocaine of reading !!!
@@timwarner5540 I like CJ Samson but wasn’t keen on the Donna Leon I tried. So hard to find anything as good as Reacher.
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf I have been researching and Lee Child was heavily influenced by John D Macdonald , I have just started his Travis McGee series looks promising .
@@timwarner5540 oh sounds good, let me know how you get on!
I have about 8 of lee child books do you have to read the book series in order or can you read them as stand alones because I currently don’t have them in order
They work fine as stand alones, you can really read this series in any order. There are only about four that have any sort of running storyline with each other, which I mentioned in the video, but even those you could read separately. They are great books in any order! 🙂
I think those four books, 61 hours, Worth dying for, A wanted man and Never go back are best read in order. Not essential, but there is no dead time between them, they flow and link together.
@@electrician1602 I agree! I enjoyed following the storyline through.
Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher is “Mission Ridiculous”. I visualize that, Jack Reacher would’ve been better cast by, the late Rowdy Roddy Piper of the WWF, and the movie “They Live”. I have read all but 3, and I’m now catching up by listening to audiobooks, which allows me to do my chores. Do you have any opinions about audiobooks, and would you consider adapting Sherlock Holmes, into your library?
I’ve not tried the Reacher books on audio but I do enjoy audiobooks generally as they are ideal for listening to while doing chores. I love Sherlock Holmes and my second video in this series was about him. Something to think about but there are certainly some fantastic audiobooks of his stories out there already. 😊
I read the very first JR book a few months ago and I really enjoyed it, but the most common feedback I got was "If you read one Jack Reacher book, you read them all." How do subsequent books hold up? I really liked the first one (even moreso now that s1 of the amazon show went live) but I don't want to read 20 identical books. If I did, I'd go slog through the old James Bond novels. Racism and all lol
I personally have enjoyed the vast majority of the rest of the books. The first 18 books are all really good. After that I do think they start to be similar, although I still enjoy them. I think season 2 of the show is based on book 11 and one of my favourites is book 14, so although there are ups and downs I think there are a lot of different plots to enjoy before they get samey.
Have you read the Will Trent series by Karin Slaughter? I loved it. Will meets Reacher in one book I believe its called cleaning the gold or something similar ...check it out I think you will love the books.
I loved the new series Reacher, it's great!!
Thank you, I am working on the Will Trent series and I really enjoy it although I think I liked her Grant County books more so I loved it when the two crossed over after a few books. I read Cleaning the Gold recently- it was fun to have Trent and Reacher in one book! Looking forward to watching the new series. 😊
Wonderful
Thank you, that’s very kind of you to say.
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf 😊
If you live in Canada you will probably not find the visitor as it is called running blind, same book, hope that helps.
Thank you. I didn’t mention the alternative titles but I think that is the main one that has a different title.
Never been much of a reader but I got bored and took out the only book in my little 10 book library I never read: 61 hours. Thought he was dead I guess not. Loved it in some parts but.. the ending was quite disappointing. I mean everything would’ve happened the same if he was there or not. Idk was expecting a better ending and if I had read the whole series I would’ve been quite disappointed.
Also the book told be about his time in the army and his overall life like 40 time so .. does he do that every book? Maybe the other books are better. Was a good read tho. Enjoyed it.
61 Hours is one of my favourites and I would say it gives a good flavour of what the Reacher series is like: lots of action and fast paced enjoyment, but there are certainly plot elements that repeat in the series. I hope you enjoy the books of you pick up any more of them.
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf I’m thinking I will because this one was still enjoyable to read. Thank you.
So like a lot of people having just watched the first season of Reacher, I am interested in potentially starting the books, Now from a awful lot of reviews of the show they mostly say how closely the show adapted the Killing Floor book So I would not want to start with that book since I have literally just watched it, but I will want to read it at some point.
Now you mentioned the Chronological order but didn't specifically state your feelings as to whether or not that order works for readers, so what is your feelings on doing it that way, is it a good idea or a terrible one? because if I do it that way it gives me breathing room before I 'tread old ground' or given your knowledge would that be a poor reading experience?
I personally enjoy reading in publication order but I read some before I got hold of others and it didn’t really matter.
I think it would be a very different experience to read all of the army days books first as I personally enjoyed getting to know Reacher as a drifter first and then finding out backstory in small amounts as given. That’s not to say that I think it wouldn’t work to read the army ones first, I just enjoyed getting hints and wondering about his past before going into it.
If you’d like to start the series but not with Killing Floor I’d highly recommend some of the other early ones to get to know Reacher better. I started with Die Trying which I’m still really fond of, and Tripwire (book 3) was excellent.
I hope you have a great time with the books whatever you decide to do! 😊
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf thanks for the reply, I will give it some thought. Thanks for your insight
@@CJR-wv8kc someone else just suggested The Enemy is a great one to start as you are coming in near the beginning and also get some army stuff included. Don’t know if that helps?
at most i reached 5k books in my library, and i have the whole suite from lee childs. its not nobel laurate stuff, but its really, really nice classic black and white lone hero stuff ehich is really enjoyable and comparatively well written for the genre. If you want some entertaining reading this is the way to go. violent? for sure, very graphic at time, but not overly so at any rate. but then again i read thatbtype of stuff from age 7.... I do completly agree that tom cruise is sort of the antithesis to the reacher descibed in the books. sure tom is a ctually (when he isnt a bat shit crazy sciebtologist) a fair actor, and he gets the attitude if reacher fairly well, but hebisnt reacher by any stretch of the imagination. and i have a problem with funding the cult by buying tickets to his franchise....
Thanks for watching, I hope you enjoyed the video. Reacher is a classic lone hero for sure!
The only issue I have is a person that stands 6”5 and weighs 250-260lbs would be a tall and skinny dude. I’m 6”4 and 245lbs and I’m called skinny quite often.
Fair point. I never really pictured him as skinny as such but I also don’t picture Reacher as muscular as he is in the tv series. 🤷♀️
If you haven't read Running Blind one of the best, you should. He has to solve a really bizarre set of murders.
It’s a really good one I agree. In the UK it was called The Visitor. I loved it. 😊
Okay, cool. Saw the new series on Prime, its great.
@@johnharris721 really enjoyed the series, I thought they did a good job of bringing Killing Floor to life.
I thought they did a great job, too. Nothing against Tom Cruise but I avoided those two movies like the plague.
The Amazon series is way way better than the movies. (At lease season one as that's all I can speak on since it's the only season out as of my writing this comment.) I watched the movies first, then discovered the series... it was only after watching all that, that I realized that there were books... I could tell that the series was closer to the books before I was sure there was books... like as I was watching it I started to get the distinct feeling that this must be based on books... not something you can tell form the movies. I haven't read a single book *yet*... I plan on reading them. I'm all about reading books in chronological order so I'll be trying to follow it in that order. I can't wait for the rest of the series... it's amazing. I say this months after having watched it, not in the hype of having just watched it so it's a lasting feeling of it being amazing. I have high expectations of the books.
I really enjoyed the Amazon series and did a separate comparison of that to the book as I made this video before it came out. I hope you love the books when you get to them, and I’m sure the chronological order will be a rewarding way to read them, they are fantastic in any order. Thanks for your comment. The series really shows up how far from the books the films were.
I have been a massive Reacher fan from the beginning, left the first film 10 minutes in, didn't bother with the second. Have been blown away by prime's Killing Floor, watched it in one sitting!
I enjoyed the series too. Jack Reacher is the best!
Anyone notice that Neagley shows up every 5 books after she first appeared?(until she didn't appear anymore). She appears in book 6,11,16 and 21.........do the math.
I had never noticed this until now! Good Neagley maths. 😊📚
Tom cruise put the reacher franchise on the map
I've read the first 5 books. And the one I disliked the most was Running blind. Favorite was die trying
I’m really fond of Die Trying, I think it’s a great book. 😊
They can be read pretty much in order they were released.
Indeed they can. Or any order really, its a good series to dip in and out of if you like to read that way. :)
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf I’ve read nearly all of them.Ironically, it’s the first Tom Cruise movie which inspired me to seek out the books
@@Chopperwocky excellent! I do really like that film, I just don't picture Tom Cruise as anything like Reacher! :)
شكرا جزيلا
Glad you enjoyed the video.
The Reacher TV series is great. I hope it doesn't get sacked early.
Me too, I really enjoyed it. Glad there’s a season two to come at least. 😊
nice channel seems useful.👍
Thank you. 😊
I enjoyed the first movie with Tom Cruse. Tom Cruse has charisma that is the important part not his physical accurate.
I do agree his charisma worked for Reacher’s personality. I did enjoy the two films.
I started with '61 hours' and went backwards.
A great place to start- one of my favourites! 😊
There’s no escaping the fact Reacher is getting old (born 1960) but if we condensed the years of each of his adventures we can slow his age down a bit:
(Excluding prequel books)
Killing Floor 1997
Die Trying 1998
Tripwire 1999
The Visitor 2000
Echo Burning 2001
Without Fail 2002
Persuader 2003
One Shot 2004
The Hard Way 2005
Bad Luck And Trouble 2006
Nothing To Lose 2007
Gone Tomorrow 2008
61 Hours 2009
Worth Dying For 2009
A Wanted Man 2009
Never Go Back 2009
Personal 2010
Make Me 2011
The Midnight Line 2011
Past Tense 2012
Blue Moon 2013
The Sentinel 2014
Better Off Dead 2015
No Plan B 2016
So even by his last adventure he’s still months from his 56th birthday
Good to know he’s not getting too old to solve crimes and so on just yet!
the visitor is somewhat disturbing too.
It is quite disturbing I agree. One of the darker ones in this series.
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf the other vicious villains in the other works are just plain mean and deserved death, but that scheming woman in the visitor is way worse. i really hated her for what she was trying to do and how she was trying to do it.
Yeah, she’s horrible. Good story, the Visitor.
Lee Child is God
Does he ever find Susan? I don’t wanna start reading this just for the whole thing to not be mentioned again.
Good question. 61 Hours is the start of the only sequence I would suggest definitely reading in order as he does go on his way to try to meet her over the next few books. He’s on his way there in Worth Dying For and A Wanted Man. If you want to skip his journey there he meets her at last in Never Go Back, which is another really good one and was adapted (with a lot of changes) for the second Tom Cruise film.
@@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf thank you so much, I’ll pick them up then shave a nice one.
Hope you enjoy. 😊📚
Thank you, great review and I agree Tom Cruse is just not Reacher he is a great actor I mean he is Mavrick but just not Reacher.
Completely agree! He is great in the Reacher films even, they are really good action films, just he is not Jack Reacher.
You're voice great I like
Thank you.
The nick Stone is a good series
Thanks for the recommendation, I’ll have to check that one out.
Agree, superb.
I like this book (sri Lanka)
Me too, they are great books!
👍👍👍
You don't 'win' a Purple Heart. It is awarded as a booby prize for people wounded in combat.
I worded this badly, my apologies.