Reacher by Lee Child is a memoir, a remembering of the writing of each book of the Reacher series. Where he was; what else was going on; the details of writing the book. It was interesting to get inside the writer’s mind. I normally don’t read non-fiction, but occasionally one speaks to me and I pick it up. This was one such and it was worth the time. I love the Reacher books, as well as Lee Child’s other books and reading this was like having a conversation with him. Who. When. Why. How. Well worth the read, just for the stories.

I was invited to read Reacher by Penzler Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #PenzlerPublishers #LeeChild #Reacher

This enlightening series of essays were originally written as introductions first appearing in a series of special editions of the Reacher books. Each essay offers a glimpse into the personality and the process of the author. He offers anecdotes about his personal life, and describes how outside events will often influence the theme and direction of a story.

This is a quick read, as each essay is only about 5 to 7 pages long. I was fascinated by his descriptions of how he came up with ideas, and how he develops story. I couldn't put it down, needing to read just one more essay. Written in a narrative style, it reads just like one of his books in a voice that practically screams Reacher. It's obvious you can't separate the character from the author. As an added bonus, the book concludes with a new Reacher short story.

This is an absolute must read for any Reacher fan.

Y’all! This is a backstage pass to one of fiction’s toughest drifters—Jack Reacher. If you’ve ever wondered what fuels Reacher beyond the fists, car chases, and killer one-liners, this book spills all the secrets.

Child shares origin tales of every Reacher novel with juicy anecdotes about the real-life sparks behind the stories. It’s like watching a master storyteller plate an action thriller while tossing in witty, behind-the-scenes magic. 🌶️👀

Plus, there’s a brand-new, never-before-seen Reacher short story—enough to make any fan do a happy dance. 🕵️‍♂️💨 The essays hit that sweet spot between insightful and entertaining, though sometimes it reads more like an author’s notebook than a seamless narrative.

Four stars because I wanted a tad more oomph in the new story, but overall? Pure Reacher gold. 🥇💥 #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks#ReacherTheStoriesBehindTheStories

I went into this book expecting it to be a Reacher story. Please know that is not what this is. This is more a summary of all the Reacher books in chronological order. Though there is a very, very short story at the end of the book.
Was it somewhat interesting to read? I would have to say yes…..but, it was interesting to read how Lee Child writes his books.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Excellent read especially if you ever wonder how an author comes up with plot and characters. An eye opening read.

Reacher: The Stories Behind the Stories is a collection of essays related to the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. Ever since making his debut in 1997 with The Killing Floor, Reacher has been popular. Here we are almost 30 years later and Reacher is still relevant, starring in a hit television series adaptation.

Reacher: The Stories Behind the Stories is a treat. Lee Child lets readers behind the scenes of what inspired every book of the Reacher series. Each essay features a Reacher book in chronological order from The Killing Floor to 2019's Blue Moon. We learn what inspired the plot, how the location was determined, what was happening in Lee Child's real life at the time of publication, title hassles and more colorful anecdotes.

It was like reading his index cards or outline notes found in an unlocked desk drawer. Although I was disappointed that Lee Child did not cover how Andrew joined the writing team and their process. It was addressed before in an Author's Note but would have been nice to include in this collection too. My favorite part was learning more about Lee Child's writing style when it comes to leaving gaps. (You'll have to read when it releases to find out more!)

Please do not mistake this for a new full length novel of the Reacher series; it is strictly a behind-the-scenes look. But fans are given a surprise short story at the end to satisfy that Reacher fix you are sure to have by the end!

Happy Early Pub Day, Lee Child! Reacher: The Stories Behind the Stories will be available Tuesday, September 9.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

A must-read for Reacher fans everywhere

The first thing you need to know is that this is NOT a new Reacher novel (although there will be a brand new Reacher tale included as a bonus, though it was not included in my early reader's copy). No, this is a series of essays written by author Lee Child over the years, originally done as the preface to special editions of his books. In them he discusses how he came up with the idea for each of the 24 Reacher novel he wrote alone (later books he has co-written with his brother Andrew)....where the basic plot ideas originated, how he decided from what perspective to tell the story, how outside events impacted certain books, and even where he was living at the time he wrote each book (which varies quite a bit more than you expect). It is part memoir, part spotlight on the writing process, For anyone who enjoys the series (be it the books, the Amazon streaming series or the Tom Cruise movies), this is a fantastic companion. Because each essay was originally written as a standalone rather than part of a compilation, there is some duplication of observations. But Mr. Child has a keen eye for detail and he puts that skill to work in chronicling both his evolution from his job in British TV to bestselling author getting a phone call from then-President (and apparent Reacher fan) Bill Clinton and beyond and that of Reacher himself. In addition to fans of Mr. Child's iconic hero, those who enjoyed On Writing by Stephen King or The Harry Bosch Companion might want to check out this peek behind the curtain. My thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers/Mysterious Press for allowing me access to this illuminating work in exchange for my honest review.

The introductions and history in Reacher by Lee Child add another dimension to reading these great books.

This book is basically Lee Child sitting you down over a strong drink and saying, “Let me tell you how it really went down,” and then instead of wild confessions or top-secret FBI intel, he just tells you about the time he couldn’t figure out a book title so he pulled one out of a cereal box. And honestly? I'm into it.

“Reacher: The Stories Behind the Stories” is not a Reacher novel. There are no necks snapped, no sheriffs intimidated into silence, no Greyhound bus routes recalculated mid-fight scene. What we get instead is a curated scrapbook of Lee Child’s intros, originally written for those bougie leather-bound special editions of the Reacher books, you know, the kind of box set that says “I own a humidor and I drink my whiskey neat.” This is the behind-the-scenes content that hardcore fans foam at the mouth for and casual fans will probably skim with one eyebrow raised like, “Huh. So he doesn’t outline?”

Each chapter pairs with a Reacher book, like a wine flight but for murder drifters, and walks you through what Lee was doing, thinking, or annoyed by when he wrote it. Some start with nothing more than a sentence. Others were born because he wanted to write about snow or New York or, in one case, absolutely nothing but vibes. Occasionally he dips into publishing gossip, muses about politics, or drops humble brags like "When I cameoed in the Tom Cruise movie..." (Sir. Flex.)

But here’s the thing: after twenty-something chapters of “I started writing on September 1,” “My desk is in Colorado,” and “I don’t plot ahead,” you do kind of want to shake him and scream, “Give me ONE spicy secret, Lee. Just one!” Because the man is fascinating, but he’s also a deeply consistent, wildly controlled chaos machine. It’s like watching a volcano that refuses to erupt but instead releases one perfectly shaped smoke ring every fall.

Emotionally, the most interesting thread is Lee Child’s own journey from out-of-work TV guy scribbling on paper to household name. There’s something sincerely moving about him passing the baton to his brother, about how much he respects his readers, about how Reacher, this unstoppable, justice-fueled enigma, gave him a new life. You can feel the gratitude baked into every “I didn’t plan this, it just happened,” like the man is still surprised anyone showed up to read.

This isn’t for newcomers to the series, and it sure as hell isn’t the place to start if you’re looking for action. But if you’ve ever sat up at 3AM whisper-screaming “GET OUT OF THE WAREHOUSE, REACHER” at your Kindle, this one’s for you.

3.5 stars. It’s not a thriller, it’s a literary hangout. Like loitering in the lobby of the Reacher Universe. Would I read a full memoir from Lee Child? Absolutely. Do I want it to include more dirt, wild fan stories, and maybe a secret vendetta against the British publishing industry? YES. But for now, I’ll take this anthology of methodical mayhem and Reacher-lore and call it a win.

Big thanks to Penzler Publishers, HighBridge Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC and the advanced audiobook, a true tag team of literary blessings. The audiobook, narrated by Jeff Harding and Lee Child himself? It’s giving “Reacher but make it storytime,” and honestly, it’s the way to go. If you’re gonna get deep into the Reacherverse, you might as well let the man who created him walk you through it like a very polite British GPS with opinions.

This is not a fiction book of the Reacher series. Fans of the Reacher series by Lee Childs will find this interesting. This book is a compilation of the author’s notes from 1999-2019 on his writing process, how the ideas for each book came about, how some characters got named, what was going on in the author’s life and in the world at the time of the different books. It’s a very quick read and I found it somewhat interesting since I’ve read a lot of Reacher books but it truly didn’t give me a whole lot of insight other than he writes as he goes and is good at it. I give the book 3 stars out of 5 - not a great read but a nice look into how the writer approaches his craft.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on September 9, 2025.

Penzler Publishers asked Lee Child to write a new forward for special editions of his Reacher books. They are collected into this volume. Child has included stories about his writing process - where he was for each book - the germ of the idea (turns out some books started out with nothing more than a name or first sentence) I thought it interesting that he always tried to start each new book on September 1. The Netgalley ebook did not include the new story. Jack Reacher fans will enjoy the behind-the-scenes of all of the books.

I have enjoyed reading all of the Jack Reacher series. This book is more like a a recap of each book as well and the thought process, or lack thereof, in writing the books. It was quite repetitious and I ended up skimming the last 25% just to finish it. I will just stick to Child’s “real” books.

2.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced copy.

Only having read a few Reacher books and of course seen the movies, I always search out Lee Child books on NetGalley. I had no idea there were so many books of the series and that the brothers now share the series or even that the authors name was a pseudonym. Obviously, that sharing is seamless since I didn't notice significant changes in style or voice of the last few books. I love reading about how authors write and where ideas make their way onto a page so this book was right up my alley. Many authors have also noted that once started their characters and books practically beg to get onto paper. OH How I wish I could have been one of the lucky people to enjoy the complete set with all these forwards in green marble covers with gold stamped black leather bound spines! The compilation of all the forwards with autobiographical tidbits was absolutely fascinating. It dawned on me about midways, I can't remember exactly what triggered the thought, that the author in many ways deep down is Reacher-just without the violence. Overall, this book is almost an autobiography as he tells of various travels along with the birthing of each book. Since I also love history, I wish he had included some pictures and more information regarding some of those obscure places he and his wife traversed. Hm, maybe in another book? If you have any interest in an author's thought processes and how their books flow through them, definitely read this book. I was provided an Advanced Reader Copy of this book at my request and was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to peruse these pages.

The foreword about the author and how his career started was as enjoyable as the short story. I loved it all from the front to the back. He intrigued me touching on several books and I now can’t wait to start reading what I haven’t. I love Reacher’s character! It’s no wonder, even if you’ve only read the shorts, why he’s done so well and got a movie deal. Provided by NetGalley.

Thank you Penzler Publishers | Mysterious Press for the ARC!

This was everything you expect from a Lee Child book! It had mystery, suspense, twist and turns. Another fun ride from Lee Child!

As an avid Reacher/Lee Child fan I couldn't wait to delve into this collection of stories behind the stories. It did not disappoint. Originally written as introductions to a limited edition set of Reacher books, this collection covers the first 24 books in the reacher series just before he started cowriting with his brother Andrew. A quick read, I blew through it in one day, this is a must read for Reacher fans. It makes me want to start over and reread the series from the beginning, which I just might do. Highly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Mysterious Press for an advanced reader copy.

"After making his debut in 1997's The Killing Floor, Jack Reacher has quickly become one of the most popular - and most enduring - fictional heroes to emerge in the past half century. Now, his creator tells the stories behind the stories.

These are the origin tales of all of the Reacher novels written solely by Lee Child, chock full of colorful anecdotes and intriguing inspirations. One by one, they expand upon each novel and place it in the context not only of the author's life, but of the world outside the books. And taken together, they chart the rise of an action icon, from 1997's The Killing Floor to 2019's Blue Moon. An afterword by crime fiction expert and bookseller Otto Penzler considers the importance of the character and novels in the canon of contemporary crime fiction.

In addition to the essays, this collection also includes an original Reacher short story - the first new Reacher appearance entirely written by Lee Child since 2019. Entertaining and enlightening, Reacher: The Stories Behind the Stories is a must-read for fans of the Jack Reacher series and a capstone to any collection of this excellent author."

While I'm not a fan of Reacher, being a fan of Tasha Alexander means I've heard a lot of her husband Andrew's stories about his brother Lee. And let me tell you, the stories behind the stories is a must read for me.

A great book for true Reacher fans as Lee Child gives detailed backstory to the various novels.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I really enjoyed this book! If you are a Reacher fan like I am, this is a great read. Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC.

This is the story of Reachers writing of the book. He is no longer going to be writing the books, his brother is going to continue the series. If you haven’t read the Reacher books this isn’t for you. It was interesting to a point but not what I expected. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.