Unforgettable Jack Reacher Books You Can't Afford to Miss (And 5 You Can)

Summary

Reacher series skips certain novels to focus on major plot points and character development, raising concerns for fans.

The excitement and dramatic moments of Tripwire make it an essential chapter in Reacher's journey, warranting a revisit in the future. To fully comprehend Reacher's past and character growth, it is imperative to include the pivotal novels Never Go Back and The Enemy within the series.

The Reacher series by Amazon doesn't seem interested in adapting all of Lee Child's novels, but certain entries in the series are essential. While Child's novels tell independent stories, there are crucial plot points that need to be included in the show. Jack Reacher's journey is intricate and captivating, and these moments are necessary for the depth of his character to shine on the show.

The first season of Reacher loosely adapted Killing Floor, the novel where Jack Reacher was first introduced. It effectively establishes the character, explores his backstory, and showcases his abilities. However, instead of progressing to Die Trying, season 2 of the show draws inspiration from Bad Luck And Trouble, the eleventh book in the series. This decision creates a significant gap and raises concerns among fans who are invested in the character.

Can’t Skip: Tripwire

Although season 2 is technically scheduled to occur after Tripwire, this is a narrative that Reacher must revisit at some point in the future. It could be accomplished through the use of flashbacks (or even an entire prequel series), but it remains a crucial aspect of Jack Reacher's journey. This happens to be the third story in the series, often hailed as the best, and it follows Reacher as he is reluctantly pulled out of retirement when someone hires a private investigator to track him down. Not only is Tripwire considered one of Child's most thrilling novels, but it also encompasses some of the series' most intense and awe-inspiring moments.

Can Skip: Echo Burning

The fifth book in the series, Echo Burning, arrives at a point when Child's narratives were starting to lose their momentum. Although he would later revitalize the storylines by finding a new direction for the character, Echo Burning simply continues in the same vein. It presents an intriguing tale about a woman whose dangerous husband has been recently incarcerated, but it fails to significantly contribute to Reacher's personal journey. While Reacher season 2 will introduce several new characters, it is crucial to retain the core cast for the show's success - and it remains unclear how these characters will fit into the plot of Echo Burning.

Can’t Skip: Never Go Back

Can Skip: A Wanted Man

Never Go Back, the eighteenth installment in the franchise, marks the convergence of various story elements from 61 Hours, Worth Dying For, and A Wanted Man. This novel serves as the grand finale of this particular narrative arc, necessitating its prior introduction in the series. Undoubtedly, this colossal event must eventually find its place within the series.

A Wanted Man serves as a mere stepping stone for Reacher before the events of Never Go Back unfold. Its main objective is solely to position Reacher in a way that sets the stage for the subsequent book. In terms of Reacher's personal journey, A Wanted Man adds very little of significance - it essentially functions as a means for the character to transition from Nebraska to Virginia. Fortunately, in the show, this transition could be accomplished much more seamlessly without necessitating an entire plotline to explain Reacher's whereabouts and actions.

Can’t Skip: The Enemy

The Enemy is a captivating addition to the Jack Reacher series as it predates Killing Floor, serving as a prequel to the entire franchise. This storyline revolves around Reacher during his time in the service, employing his unconventional methods to unravel a gruesome murder. The significance of The Enemy lies in its role in shedding light on why Reacher abandoned his service and embraced a rebellious way of life. Consequently, addressing this pivotal phase in the character's life becomes essential for Reacher in due course. Furthermore, The Enemy presents an opportunity to provide a thrilling narrative while potentially resolving unanswered questions that Reacher season 2 might overlook.

Can Skip: Nothing To Lose

Although Nothing To Lose is a solid installment in the Jack Reacher series, it is advisable for the Amazon show to skip it. The main reason being that it immediately follows Bad Luck And Trouble, which serves as the foundation for season 2. With a ten-story gap between the first and second seasons, it is prudent to maintain a similar gap before season 3. Additionally, Nothing To Lose does not introduce any crucial elements that warrant inclusion in the show. Moreover, the book presents memorable villains that might not reach their full potential on screen, making it a missed opportunity for Reacher.

Can’t Skip: Personal

Can Skip: Make Me

Regrettably, the more recent installments of the Jack Reacher series are often regarded as the poorest in quality by audiences, with one exception being Personal. Serving as the nineteenth novel in the series, it offers a self-contained narrative that would lend itself well to adaptation for television. Set in Paris, the story is rife with intense suspense and high-stakes, reminiscent of the gripping plots found in Killing Floor and Bad Luck and Trouble. Moreover, Personal follows directly after Never Go Back, making it an excellent continuation should the show opt to tackle that extensive storyline.

Although its storyline may not be particularly memorable, Make Me is primarily known for introducing the character Michelle Chang to the series. As an ex-FBI agent, Chang teams up with Reacher for several stories, forming a romance that feels somewhat out of place within the series. While it would be impossible to adapt Make Me (or The Midnight Line) without addressing the Chang romance, it is a subplot that could be omitted from the show. Including it would only divert attention from Reacher's action-packed style and might not be well-received by new viewers.

Can’t Skip: Gone Tomorrow

Can Skip: Blue Moon

Gone Tomorrow is yet another remarkable addition to Lee Child's collection, following closely after the thrilling Bad Luck And Trouble. At this point, it seemed like Lee Child could simply do no wrong. Bursting with intensity and high-stakes, this gripping tale skillfully unravels a web of deadly terrorist schemes and unexpected betrayals, featuring one of the most intricate and complex storylines in the series. Its sheer richness and depth would make it the perfect candidate for a captivating TV adaptation. With such abundant material, it would be an outright crime for Reacher not to seize this opportunity. While Reacher season 2 promises an array of exciting adventures, it is stories like Gone Tomorrow that truly propel this series forward with unparalleled momentum.

With its position being the 24th installment in the series, Blue Moon has instilled a sense of caution among devoted Jack Reacher fans regarding the more recent releases. It's not that Lee Child's writing has declined in quality or that Reacher's narrative has reached its conclusion; rather, many of the later books strive to be more violent and melodramatic in order to stand out from the crowded book market. The abundance of deaths and intricate plotlines in Blue Moon creates a barrier between the readers and the story, making it difficult to establish a genuine connection. Nevertheless, the fact that the events of Blue Moon are set far in the future assures readers that Reacher won't have to confront its repercussions anytime soon.