Lee Child Reflects on Jack Reacher, Life, and Writing

Updated⁣ June⁢ 07, 2025

Lee Child, the 70-year-old author of the Jack reacher series, shared personal reflections on life, ⁢success, and his writing career. ⁢Born in the West Midlands, Child initially studied law before transitioning ‍to television. A corporate restructuring led him to ‍pen “Killing Floor” in 1997, launching the Reacher series. Now collaborating with his brother Andrew, Child is set to headline Theakston old Peculier crime writing festival in Harrogate next month.The 30th Reacher⁤ thriller, “exit Strategy,” arrives in November. He currently resides in the north of England with his wife and daughter.

When asked about his happiest moment, Child recalled making love on a⁢ deserted bahamas‍ beach in 1993. Regarding his ⁢greatest fear, the Birmingham native quipped, ‍”I’m from Birmingham. ⁤I’m not⁣ afraid of things. Things are afraid of me.”

Child expressed admiration for the “exact median middle-aged black woman in ⁤the US,” noting that despite lacking guaranteed success, “she keeps on going.” He cited always‍ saying yes to people as a personal trait he deplores.

The Jack Reacher author recounted an embarrassing moment on US breakfast radio when he was mistaken for author Lincoln Child. He ‍chose to impersonate lincoln to avoid embarrassing the DJ.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Do the secret thing you know you were born to do.

When asked about what makes him unhappy, Child lamented that people of his generation believed‍ the universe bent toward justice, adding,‍ “Oops. A⁣ lot to rethink, at this late stage.” He also joked about his prominent chin and his 60-year ‍smoking habit, which he still enjoys.

child revealed his celebrity crushes to ‍be Alice Roberts and Lucy Worsley, musing⁤ about a “threesome crush.” As a child, his ambition was ⁤to‍ be “first loved, then laid, then paid.”

What keeps you awake ⁣at night?

Nothing. If I’m worried or upset or tormented, I go to sleep quickly and easily, to find welcome oblivion.

He humorously dismissed the options of more sex, money, ‍or fame, stating they were either medically implausible or already abundant. Child acknowledged his parents for ‍providing ‍the best education and encouraging his ⁢love for ⁣books.⁤ He hopes to leave his daughter with more than he can, recognizing the sterner challenges she will face.

Child’s secret? “I love ironing.”

What’s next

Lee⁢ Child⁤ is preparing for the Theakston Old Peculier crime writing festival and the release of his 30th Jack⁣ Reacher thriller, “Exit Strategy,” promising more action and suspense for his dedicated ⁤readership.