How to Read the Hunt For Reacher Series
Diane Capri's Hunt For Reacher series is a unique spin-off in the thriller genre. Written with the blessing and active support of Lee Child, the series tracks the elusive Jack Reacher from the perspective of two FBI Special Agents, Kim Otto and Carlos Gaspar. Because the series features an ongoing narrative concerning Otto and Gaspar's careers, investigations, and relationships, reading the books in publication order is highly recommended.
Hunt For Reacher Publication Order
Here is the complete list of books and novellas in the series by publication date, including the latest releases through 2026. This list includes both full-length novels and shorter novellas that bridge the gaps between major investigations:
- Don't Know Jack (2012) – Novel
- Jack in a Box (2012) – Novella
- Jack and Kill (2012) – Novella
- Get Back Jack (2013) – Novel
- Jack in the Green (2014) – Novella
- Hit the Road Jack (2014) – Collection/Anthology
- Jack and Joe (2015) – Novel
- Deep Cover Jack (2016) – Novel
- Jack the Reaper (2017) – Novel
- Black Jack (2018) – Novel
- Ten Two Jack (2018) – Novel
- Jack of Spades (2019) – Novel
- Prepper Jack (2020) – Novel
- Full Metal Jack (2020) – Novel
- Jack Frost (2021) – Novel
- Jack of Hearts (2021) – Novel
- Straight Jack (2021) – Novel
- Jack Knife (2022) – Novel
- Lone Star Jack (2022) – Novel
- Bulletproof Jack (2023) – Novel
- Bet on Jack (2023) – Novel
- Jack On A Wire (2024) – Novel
- Tracking Jack (2024) – Novel
- Jack Rabbit (2025) – Novel
- Jumping Jack (2025) – Novella/Short Read
- Shadow Jack (2026) – Novel
Note: The series is planned to continue with No Way Jack, scheduled for release in 2027.
Chronological Context and Lee Child Book Connections
Each book in the Hunt For Reacher series is designed as an authorized companion to a specific novel in Lee Child’s Jack Reacher franchise. Rather than following a separate timeline, Capri’s novels pick up the trail in the immediate aftermath of Reacher's exploits, exploring the physical and legal wreckage he leaves behind. While the FBI agents move forward chronologically in their own lives, the cold cases they investigate map back to specific points in Reacher's history:
- Don't Know Jack is a direct companion to Lee Child's debut novel, Killing Floor. Agents Otto and Gaspar are sent to Margrave, Georgia, to gather intelligence on Reacher's background.
- Get Back Jack serves as a companion to Bad Luck and Trouble, exploring Reacher's former military unit.
- Jack and Joe connects to The Enemy, uncovering secrets involving Jack Reacher's brother, Joe.
- Deep Cover Jack serves as a companion to Persuader.
- Jack the Reaper serves as a companion to The Affair.
- Ten Two Jack deals with the fallout from The Midnight Line.
- Jack of Spades uses Past Tense as its primary source material.
- Prepper Jack is inspired by the events of Die Trying.
- Full Metal Jack is connected to The Affair.
- Jack Frost is inspired by the events of 61 Hours.
- Jack of Hearts connects directly to Worth Dying For.
- Jack Knife connects to the events in Never Go Back.
- Lone Star Jack follows the timeline of Echo Burning.
- Bulletproof Jack follows the events of Make Me.
- Bet on Jack is a companion to Nothing to Lose.
- Jack On A Wire is connected to Tripwire.
- Tracking Jack picks up threads left behind after Gone Tomorrow.
- Jack Rabbit follows the trail of Reacher after the events of Night School.
- Shadow Jack connects to the events of Blue Moon.
Novellas, Short Reads, and Collections
In addition to the main novels, Diane Capri has published several short stories and novellas that flesh out the investigations. If you want to read these without buying them individually, look for the collection Hit the Road Jack. Released in 2014, it compiles the series' early novellas (Jack in a Box, Jack and Kill, and Jack in the Green) along with two short stories from Capri’s separate Hunt for Justice series. Shorter entries like Jumping Jack (2025) focus on standalone, fast-paced rescues and investigations involving characters connected to the Reacher universe, such as Jack's nephew, Jake Reacher.
Where Should You Start Reading?
The definitive starting point is the first novel, Don't Know Jack. This book introduces the premise of the FBI's investigation, establishes the tension between Agents Kim Otto and Carlos Gaspar, and explains why they are tracking down a ghost. Starting here ensures you understand their working relationship and the legal constraints they operate under as they try to keep up with the drifter. While you do not need to read Lee Child's novels first to enjoy these thrillers, having some familiarity with Child's books will significantly enhance the experience, allowing you to recognize returning characters, locations, and references.
What to Know Before You Start
The most important thing to know before starting the Hunt For Reacher series is that Jack Reacher himself rarely appears on the page. True to his character, Reacher remains a shadowy figure, always one step ahead of the law. Instead, the focus is on Agents Otto and Gaspar as they conduct interviews, process crime scenes, and deal with the fallout of Reacher’s vigilante justice. Thanks to Diane Capri's career as a former high-profile lawyer, the books lean heavily into authentic legal thriller territory and detailed FBI investigative protocols, distinguishing them from the raw, lone-wolf action of Lee Child's primary series.