Author: Lee Child Memoirs | Literary essays | Literary studies: fiction, novelists & prose writers | Crime & mystery | Thriller / suspense Published on 9th September 2025 by Transworld Publishers Ltd (Bantam Books (Transworld Publishers a division of) in the United Kingdom.Hardback | 256 pages 222mm x 138mm | 400g On Monday September 5th, 1994, at home, at the dining room table, I sat down to write. An hour later, I gave the first chapter to my wife. I asked, “Should I continue?”“Yes,” she said. “I like it.”From global bestseller and creator of Jack Reacher, comes Lee Child’s first-ever autobiographical collection. 'Essential reading for all Reacher fans.' STEVE CAVANAGHFrom urgently scribbling out his debut Killing Floor in pencil (the stub of which he still owns), to taking a step back with Blue Moon, and everything in between, here are 24 honest, witty and wise personal reflections on his life and work, crafted across decades. Whether it is through Lee’s moving account of meeting a fan years after her mother brought her to a book signing; facing his first computer and the coming of the internet; writing about New York just before – and just after – 9/11, to later seeing his novels adapted for the big screen, each riveting piece deftly evokes where he was psychologically and physically when he wrote each novel. Lee has clearly felt unwavering gratitude for his readers since 1997. And these stories were originally designed for fans of Reacher who may be interested in a ‘behind-the-scenes’ – or, in Lee’s words: ‘why the books turned out the way they did’. But this collection is also so much more. It is the story of a man who once put pencil to paper in an attempt to turn his luck around . . . and who made every word count. 'Whip-smart, gripping and chock-full of wit and charm, just like the author himself.' KARIN SLAUGHTER, No.1 bestselling author of the Will Trent series'A unique, fascinating insight into the creative and personal journey of one of the world’s finest authors. I loved it.' STEVE CAVANAGH, bestselling author of Fifty Fifty and Thirteen'A fascinating look at the brilliant mind that created the iconic Jack Reacher. Both inspiring and instructive, this is a must-read for both readers and writers.' TESS GERRITSEN, bestselling author of the Martini Club series'A terrific accompaniment to the books, and answers so many questions.' JOANNE HARRIS, bestselling author of Chocolat
