The Jack Reacher franchise, consisting of crime thriller novels and movies, has been captivating audiences since 1997. Written under the pen name Lee Child by Jim Grant, a new novel is released every year. The series follows the story of a retired U.S. Army Major, Jack Reacher, who investigates crimes during his travels.
1. Bravo Two Zero by Andy McNab
Andy McNab, a former SAS member, wrote Bravo Two Zero, a book about a behind-enemy-lines mission during the 1991 Gulf War. Although some of the elements in the book were disputed by others involved in the mission, McNab’s account of the mission is a powerful story of heroism in the face of extreme difficulties.
McNab’s book has been criticized for exaggerating some of the details to increase suspense, but it remains a gripping read for those interested in military history and stories of bravery.
2. The Bone Labyrinth by James Rollins
In The Bone Labyrinth, James Rollins presents a gripping mystery novel that combines military action with archeological discoveries. The story follows Commander Gray Pierce and his team of military heroes as they investigate two seemingly unrelated incidents that occur simultaneously in Atlanta and Croatia.
The Sigma Force team is tasked with unraveling a mystery that involves the discovery of a neanderthal woman’s skeleton in an ancient Catholic Church and the work of a modern-day scientist.
Through his unique storytelling, Rollins weaves together various elements that raise questions about the birth of human consciousness. The novel is a perfect fit for readers who enjoy geopolitical themes in mystery novels, such as those found in Jack Reacher novels.
3. Remote Control by Andy McNab
Nick Stone, the protagonist in Andy McNab’s Remote Control, is a retired British Special Forces officer who has transitioned into intelligence work. Similar to Jack Reacher, Stone is also a former military professional. McNab, who is a pen name for Stephen Mitchell, brings a level of authenticity to his writing based on his personal experiences in the British Special Forces SAS unit.
In the story, Stone visits the home of a former colleague, Kev Brown, and discovers the family has been murdered, leaving only the youngest daughter alive. This event sets off a chain of events that forces Stone and the young girl to flee to the U.K. while being pursued by unknown assailants.
The book is a thrilling tale of survival and showcases McNab’s ability to create compelling characters and situations. McNab’s background in the military provides a unique perspective on the world of espionage and intelligence gathering.
4. Project Strike Force by Kevin Lee Swaim
Kevin Lee Swaim is an author who writes in the same vein as Lee Child, with a central character much like Jack Reacher. John Frist, the protagonist of Project Strike Force, is an ex-military officer who undergoes a series of scientific experiments that wipe out his memories and create a super-soldier.
The themes of the book are centered around the effects of PTSD and the challenges that Frist faces as he tries to stop a terrorist attack by chasing down the terrorist, Abdullah. The book explores the moral dilemmas that arise when a super-soldier is created and used for a specific purpose.
Swaim’s background in creative writing is evident in his ability to craft a compelling story, and his work in insurance for a Fortune 50 company brings a sense of realism to the book. The action-packed narrative, combined with the exploration of moral dilemmas, makes Project Strike Force a thought-provoking and thrilling read.
5. Black 13 by Adam Hamdy
Adam Hamdy’s Black 13 introduces Scott Pearce, a former military man turned spy for MI6. The novel is reminiscent of the popular Jack Reacher series, with both protagonists sharing a military background and the skills to accomplish their missions.
Black 13 is a thrilling spy novel that takes readers on a global adventure from Pakistan to Thailand and back to the UK. The death of a friend sets off a chain of events that forces Pearce to confront his past and change his approach to his career. The codename Black 13 becomes a turning point for Pearce, leading him down a dangerous path that tests his abilities and loyalty to his country.
The novel explores the complex relationships and alliances within the secretive world of espionage, highlighting the global nature of the spy community. Hamdy’s writing is fast-paced and action-packed, keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout the book.
6. Hard Road by J.B. Turner
Hard Road is the first book in the Joe Reznick spy series, written by Scottish author J.B. Turner. The novel features a character with several traits similar to those of Jack Reacher. The world of Joe Reznick is filled with deception and mistrust, much like the world of Jack Reacher.
The book follows the story of Joe Reznick, who is assigned to assassinate a high-level target and make it look like a suicide. However, as he gets closer to his target, Reznick begins to question the true motives behind the assassination order. The story takes several twists and turns as Reznick and his target escape together to uncover the truth behind the assassination.
The novel is a gripping thriller that explores the world of spies and their modern-day challenges. The author uses his experience in the field of espionage to create a believable and exciting story. Fans of spy novels and thrillers will enjoy the action-packed pages of Hard Road.
7. Made to Kill by Adam Christopher
In “Made to Kill,” Adam Christopher presents a unique take on the 1960s by introducing a parallel universe inhabited by robots and supercomputers. Raymond Electromatic, the last known robot, works as the sole employee at the Electromatic Detective Agency. Raymond’s programming is centered around working as a private detective and maximizing profits.
To prevent any issues, Raymond’s memory is wiped every 24 hours, leaving him unaware of the outcomes of his investigations. The introduction of a glamorous woman into Raymond’s world leads him on a journey into the dark side of Hollywood and celebrity.
Adam Christopher’s work offers a fresh perspective on the traditional detective novel, incorporating comedy and mystery in the style of the Doctor Who television franchise.
8. A Dangerous Man by Robert Crais
In A Dangerous Man, Robert Crais tells the story of Joe Pike, a traveling crime expert who witnesses the abduction of a bank teller during her lunch break. Pike quickly realizes that the conspiracy he has uncovered is too large for him to handle alone and enlists the help of Elvis Cole.
The novel is part of the Joe Pike and Elvis Cole crossover series, which has been published since 1987. Crais, a professional crime novelist who began his career writing for TV shows, has won several awards, including the Private Eye Writers of America and the Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Award.
The plot of A Dangerous Man is similar to that of the Jack Reacher series, as Pike finds himself in a dangerous situation and must use his expertise to navigate the dangerous world of crime. The novel is a thrilling page-turner that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
9. Capture or Kill by Tom Marcus
Tom Marcus, a former MI6 operative, has spent most of his life working with special forces in the U.K. He is known for his accurate portrayal of intelligence services in his novels, following in the footsteps of Andy McNab. Marcus holds the distinction of being the youngest soldier to pass the special forces training camp in the U.K.
Capture or Kill is the first novel in the series featuring MI5 agent Matt Logan. The story revolves around Logan’s pursuit of two brothers who plan to carry out a terrorist attack in Europe. To catch them, Logan joins a specialist group called Blindeye. The novel offers an insight into the workings of intelligence agencies and the challenges they face in preventing terrorist attacks.
The novel is a gripping thriller that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Marcus’ experience in the field adds a layer of authenticity to the story, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
10. The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum
The Bourne Identity is a novel written by Robert Ludlum that has been adapted into a successful movie franchise. The storyline of the book is similar to that of the Jack Reacher series, with the rogue operative element being a common theme. Ludlum’s influence on modern thriller novelists is evident in the focus on a single heroic individual.
The protagonist of the book, Jason Bourne, is left with amnesia after an explosion on a yacht. The book follows his journey as he tries to uncover his true identity. Ludlum takes the reader on a thrilling race across Europe, with the notorious terrorist, Carlos the Jackal, in hot pursuit of Bourne.
For fans of the Jack Reacher series or the Bourne movie franchise, reading the source material may provide a new perspective on the story. The Bourne Identity is a gripping novel that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.
11. The Necessary Death of Lewis Winter by Malcolm Mackay
Malcolm Mackay’s debut novel, The Necessary Death of Lewis Winter, introduces us to a different voice in the thriller and crime genre. Mackay’s writing style is concise, with short and snappy prose that propels the story forward through the perspectives of various characters. The book’s anti-hero elements are reminiscent of Jack Reacher.
From the first page, Mackay reveals the identity of the murderer, Calum MacLean, who has been tasked with killing Lewis Winter. The novel takes readers on a journey into the criminal underworld of Scotland, where various gangs are on the brink of an all-out war. This book is the first in a trilogy that is both original and addictive.
12. No Man’s Land by David Baldacci
David Baldacci’s John Puller Jr. franchise has been a hit with readers. In No Man’s Land, Puller investigates the mysterious disappearance of his mother thirty years prior. The former Army Ranger suspects a prison inmate may be involved and sets out to prove a connection.
The fourth book in the series moves at a rapid pace, drawing comparisons to the Jack Reacher series. Puller’s character is a military police investigator who delves into complex cases with precision and determination.
Baldacci’s writing style is engaging and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The plotline of No Man’s Land is intricate, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.
13. A Brewing Storm by Richard Castle
In “A Brewing Storm,” Richard Castle, the pseudonym of Tom Straw, tells the story of Derrick Storm’s return to the intelligence services after faking his own death to escape his life of service. Storm teams up with FBI agent April Showers to investigate the abduction of a U.S. Senator’s son, leading them into a world of conspiracies.
Similar to the Jack Reacher novels, this Derrick Storm short story is action-packed and full of suspense. Fans of the TV series Castle will recognize the character of Derrick Storm as the fictitious author portrayed in the show, with Straw writing the novels detailed in the series.
14. Memory Man by David Baldacci
In the book Memory Man, Amos Decker is the central character who possesses a photographic memory that has improved due to a football injury. Decker is portrayed as an anti-hero who can switch between the light and dark sides of life.
David Baldacci, a trained lawyer, is the author of this book and has woven a complex story around the murder of Decker’s wife and child. After losing everything, Decker is offered a chance at redemption when a confession to the murders is discovered.
David Baldacci has written 40 best-selling books, including Absolute Power. He is a best-selling author who found fame after an unsuccessful career as a screenwriter. Memory Man is a thrilling book that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot and well-developed characters.
15. The 14th Colony by Steve Berry
Steve Berry is a renowned thriller author who blends historical facts with speculation to create gripping novels. The 14th Colony, part of the Cotton Malone series, features a flawed protagonist who uncovers a plot to assassinate the President and Vice President-elect on inauguration day. This fast-paced thriller takes readers on a global journey from Russia to Washington D.C.
Cotton Malone, a former Justice Department agent, is portrayed as an anti-hero with a traumatic past that influences his every move. The novel is reminiscent of the Jack Reacher series and is filled with conspiracy theories and historical speculation. The 14th Colony is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling ride that combines fact and fiction.
Summary
This article explores books similar to the Jack Reacher series. The books listed below share similar themes, characters, and plotlines with the popular thriller series. Readers who enjoy the Jack Reacher series may find these books equally thrilling and engaging.
- “Orphan X” by Gregg Hurwitz
- “The Gray Man” by Mark Greaney
- “The John Puller Series” by David Baldacci
- “The Joe Pike Series” by Robert Crais
- “The Mitch Rapp Series” by Vince Flynn
- “The Dewey Andreas Series” by Ben Coes
These books offer fast-paced action, complex characters, and intricate plots that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.