How do you stack up against Lee Child’s renegade hero?
Could you keep up with Jack Reacher? We put together 20 rules of Reacher, embracing the code of conduct of this kick-ass character, so you can learn from the best, and see how you measure up. These are the rules he lives by, and so should any other renegade hero for justice.
HOPE FOR THE BEST AND PLAN FOR THE WORST
1. In bars and restaurants, sit with your back to the wall to avoid being surprised from behind.
2. Go to bed fully clothed, so you’re always ready for action.
3. Keep all exits in view.
4. Hit early, hit hard.
5. Always have a coin in your pocket. You never know when you’ll need it to remove license plates.
LIVE OFF THE GRID
6. On the road, don’t pack anything more than a toothbrush (preferably a folding one) and an expired passport.
7. Use an alias when checking into motels. Past American presidents generally work well.
8. Don’t use a credit card. Use cash.
9. Never use a smartphone with GPS. It will give away your location.
10. Soak or rinse dirty clothes and place under the mattress to press. Or just buy a new set.
11. Always travel by road. You won’t need ID and you can pay with cash.
FUEL UP
12. Eat when you can. You never know when you’ll next get the chance.
13. Always eat a perfect breakfast: Pancakes, egg on top, bacon on the side, plenty of syrup. Plenty of coffee.
14. Sleep when you can and as much as you can. Tiredness causes more foul-ups than carelessness and stupidity put together.
HEAL YOURSELF
15. To set your own broken nose, smack yourself firmly in the face with the heel of your hand.
16. Use duct tape to keep a broken nose in place or to patch up a knife wound.
BE SMART
17. A courageous guy is someone who feels the fear but conquers it.
18. Take things exactly as they come, for exactly what they are.
19. Know when to get mad, and know when to count to ten before you get mad.
20. If in doubt, say nothing.
Want to read the Reacher series but not sure where to start? This guide will tell you how to read the Jack Reacher books in order, so you can start with book one and work your way through all thirty!
Everything you need to know about the Jack Reacher books. Learn about Lee and Andrew Child, figure out which order to read them and quiz your Reacher knowledge.
You know him, you love him. But how well do you *really* know Jack Reacher?
An exclusive Lee Child short story to celebrate the release of No Middle Name.
We caught up with Lee and Andrew Child to find out how the brothers worked together to write No Plan B. We also learned about their favourite Reacher quote and got a hint at what’s to come.
Lee Child and younger brother Andrew have collaborated for the first time on The Sentinel and Jack Reacher fans are in for a treat.
An in-depth discussion between Lee Child and George Martin in Santa Fe, New Mexico, November 2018.
Whether you're stocking your school library shelves or looking for books to read with the class in 2026, these are the books the Penguin team recommend.
Discover six perfect food and book pairings to gift this Christmas. From thrillers and fancy cheese to heart-warming reads and sweet treats.
Check out the most anticipated YA books hitting shelves in 2026.
Looking for the best Aussie Christmas books for kids? From Bluey favourites to heartwarming stories set under the summer sun, these festive reads make perfect gifts for little book lovers.
Discover the best crime books to gift this Christmas. From chilling thrillers to clever mysteries, these six page-turners will keep readers hooked.
