For Jack Reacher fans, there’s suddenly a new way to become a Reacherexpert. Just released on September 9, is a brand new book from Lee Child simply called Reacher: The Stories Behind the Stories. The book features several deep dives on the first 24 Reacher books, from Killing Floor (1997) all the way through Blue Moon (2019). But, as a bonus, tucked away at the end of the book is a brand-new Reacher short story, penned by Lee Child himself.
Here’s what to know about this essential new Reacher book and where to snag it.
Related: How to Read the Jack Reacher Books in the Correct Order (Hint: It’s Not What You Think)
Reacher: The Stories Behind the Stories, explained
Essentially, Reacher: The Stories Behind the Stories is an essay collection written by Lee Child, featuring his real-life inspirations and anecdotes about how each novel was written. For those who haven’t read all the novels— or haven’t watched the three existing seasons of the popular TV series — this means that this book is jam-packed with spoilers.
And, if you’re looking to dive deeper into the mythos of Reacher, this book is now the essential guide to the literary franchise. This includes how Lee Child came up with the character, and his inspirations for the books that have become seasons of the TV series, including Killing Floor (Season 1), Bad Luck and Trouble (Season 2), Persuader (Season 3), and Gone Tomorrow, which will serve as the basis for the upcoming Season 4.
But the book isn’t just a trip down memory lane for Lee Child. Tucked away in the back of the book is a special treat: A new Reacher short story.
Related: ‘Reacher’ Creator Doubles Down on Jack’s Secret Origin
New 2025 Reacher short story “A Better Place”
Starting in 2020, Lee Child’s brother, Andrew Child, has slowly taken over the series, beginning with the novel The Sentinel. Earlier this year, Andrew Child published a new Reacher short story called “Bat out of Hell,” which was published in an anthology of the same name. But this new story, “A Better Place,” is written by the original creator himself, and is the first new Reacher story from Lee Child since 2023.
The story itself is a kind of echo of the original Reacher book, Killing Floor, and even involves a similar set-up; that Reacher is accosted in a diner after walking for several miles. Reacher himself even references the events of that book, including the murder of his brother. It also has a classic Reacher moment, in which he orders coffee, can’t get coffee, and, coincidentally or not, chaos ensues.
It’s a thrilling story, and a perfect encapsulation of what makes Reacher great: straight talk, kicking ass, and a little bit of philosophy on how to clear your head.
Related: ‘Reacher’ Season 4 is Making One Change With a Crucial Character
How to get Reacher: The Story Behind the Stories
Reacher: The Story Behind the Stories was published by Mysterious Press on September 9 and is out at bookstores and booksellers online. It’s also available on Audible, with the bulk of the book narrated by Lee Child. For the final new story, “A Better Place,” Jeff Harding narrates.
The next Reacher novel, Exit Strategy, will be published on November 11, 2025.
Related: Brand-New ‘Reacher’ Story Features the Most Reacher Thing Ever
