Jack Reacher: A Mysterious Profile (Mysterious Profiles)

4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars | 1,571 ratings

Price: 2.99

Last update: 08-21-2024


About this item

The #1 New York Times–bestselling author reveals the story behind “one of this century’s most original, tantalizing pop-fiction heroes” (The Washington Post).

In this short piece, the creator of Jack Reacher shares the origins of the ex-military cop who now makes use of his skills in the civilian world—a place where he never feels quite at home. In addition, Lee Child reflects on writing and his own life story: the importance of character; making the transition from a television career to a literary career; how his famous character was almost named Franklin—and how he wound up being called Reacher instead.

“Jack Reacher is today’s James Bond, a thriller hero we can’t get enough of. I read every one as soon as it appears.” —Ken Follett, international-bestselling author of The Pillars of the Earth

“Every Reacher novel delivers a jolt to the nervous system.” —Kirkus Reviews

Top reviews from the United States

P. Roberts
5.0 out of 5 stars Lee Child explains Reacher
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2023
This story is interesting in a unique sense of character. Most writers don't really explain why a character is who he is! Mr. Child explains that his character has flaws and he has no intention of correcting them! What you see is what you get! I accept Teacher at face value and I don't have to take sides! Sometimes his flaws get him in trouble. As in the story where he is given a gun and enough bullets to kill all the bad guys, but he uses them up and still has two bad people left! Later the policeman indicates that Teacher was intentional in running out because he had a special fate for the last two, even though he suffers wounds because of it! Very unusual for a main character to have to face the flaw afterwards! I like the writing, no one is perfect! Thanks!
Ken Karcher
4.0 out of 5 stars The creation of an icon
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2022
These looks behind the curtain, revealing the origins of our favorite fictional characters is surprisingly fascinating, it gives readers insight into those characters they have come to know and love over many decades. Reacher is a singularly interesting person, physically imposing and laser focused on doing right as opposed to obeying the rules; which makes him stand out in a world of flawed heroes. I read Child's work as an escape, it's nice to lose the world while I follow Reacher on his various adventures. Like Stuart Woods Stone Barrington, Reacher is one of my guilty pleasures; where Stone is cerebral, Reacher is purely physical and finding that is exactly what Lee Child intended for his creation is truly a dream come true. These books were interesting to me because I enjoy certain characters and want to know more about them directly from their source, but now I'm thinking I should investigate some characters that I'm unfamiliar with to see if perhaps I could find new series I haven't given a chance yet. If you love these characters or just want to know more about how they came to be these vignettes are perfect.
Karen Dailey
5.0 out of 5 stars just wanted I needed
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2023
An explanation of why I like Reacher. Why I reach for his books to read. What is he going to get into and why. How is he going to get out of trouble and win. Could I have thought his moves out first? How does he not get older in body. grin. How does he continue on as the hero Reacher? Amazing and I enjoy every exploit!
the Butch Bell
3.0 out of 5 stars Very Interesting with surprises
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2023
Short but interesting history of Lee Child. However decided to write novels and how he came up with the character of Jack Teacher with some real surprises along the way.
JANET
5.0 out of 5 stars Thanks Lee Child! ????
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2024
I've loved Jack Reacher for years and have wished for real people like him who aren't afraid of or impressed with modern technologies, or the bullies all around us. Whether intended or not, the books show what a troubled society we live in, no matter where in the US. So, no matter where Reacher's wanderings happen to take him, he encounters people in bad situations they cannot extricate themselves from without significant help. And therein is the magic of great storytelling. And the reader knows, no matter what, a beatdown of some degree is coming and Reacher will always prevail. That he then simply walks away without fanfare, continuing his journey as if no big deal, nothing to see here!? Brilliant! Jack Reacher is just plain awesome! All books highly and happily recommended! ????❤????
Alan Hoshor
5.0 out of 5 stars I’ve told friends and family for years that Lee Child had learned his genera from Travis McGee.
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2023
I’m 70 years old. Like Lee Child my earliest reading was mythology. Greek, Norwegian, Chinese, American Indian; what ever was in the three city libraries that I could ride my bike to. I then discovered Science Fiction and read about 1,000 SF stories over the next 20 years. Then work and supporting my family took presidency.

I was middle aged when I discovered John D. McDonald. His books became my only escape from work and family. I read every book he wrote. I never managed that with Asimov. Asimov wrote hundreds of books. Two thirds were science based. McDonald and Child however, stuck with their genre. And, true to form I read all of their books.

For 20 years I’ve told friends and family (not that they were interested) that modern mystery writers owed major debt to McDonald. I considered this to be particularly true of Jack Reacher. He wa born from Travis McGee genetics. I’ve particularly enjoyed how both McDonald and Child allow their characters to evolve with the times. Since our world is changing rapidly, allow their main characters to evolve with the times makes them even more real to me, and admirable. Travis was a true chauvinist in the early books. But he matures with the times. Staying strong while still open to growth as a person.

I really appreciate that Lee Child is such a generous person. Not only does he help another author write books searching for Jack…but he shares now with Jack’s inception and Mythology.

Alan Hoshor, author of “Requiem for Humanity”.
Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Mini Bio Lee Child + Jack Reacher
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2022
This one is a mini bio of Lee Child and Jack Reacher.
The author relates how he created the character of Jack Reacher. The story of how he created Jack Reacher and why. This is a short interesting very short read. I liked this short origin story of Jack Reacher. It is worth it if you see discounted for .99 cents to a 1.99.
I have to make my review longer so it meets the minimum quota to be posted on this site. Feel free to move on to your next book.
Edward Cole
1.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't find anything about Jack but a title that would not open.
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2023
A waste of my time.....mmm just the title page showed up as page 22of30
There was no actual thing to review

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