Lee Child

Author:
Lee Child

Date of birth: 29-Oct-1954
Place of birth: Coventry, England UK

About the author:
Lee Child is the pen name of James Dover Grant, a British-American author best known for his internationally bestselling Jack Reacher thriller series. Known for his lean prose, relentless pacing, and iconic protagonist, Child has become one of the most successful thriller writers of the 21st century.

Born on October 29, 1954, in Coventry, England, Child studied law at the University of Sheffield before working in television production for ITV for nearly two decades. After being laid off in the mid-1990s, he decided to try his hand at writing fiction.

In 1997, he published his debut novel, Killing Floor, which introduced Jack Reacher, a former military police officer turned drifter who wanders across the U.S. helping people in need—and often confronting corruption, violence, and injustice. The book won the Anthony Award for Best First Novel and launched a series that now spans nearly 30 titles.

Reacher quickly became one of the most recognised characters in modern crime fiction—tough, resourceful, and morally grounded despite his brutal efficiency. The books have sold over 100 million copies worldwide and have been translated into multiple languages. Reacher has also been adapted for the screen, including two feature films starring Tom Cruise and an Amazon Prime series featuring Alan Ritchson.

Child is known for his minimalist style, often using short, punchy sentences to build tension and action. He has received numerous accolades, including the CWA Diamond Dagger for Lifetime Achievement and the ThrillerMaster Award.

In 2020, Child announced he would be stepping back from writing the series and handing over the reins to his younger brother, Andrew Grant, who now writes under the name Andrew Child.

Lee Child became a U.S. citizen in 2014 and continues to be a respected voice in the crime and thriller community. He lives in the United States and remains involved in the continued success of the Jack Reacher brand.