Jim Grant (Lee Child)
- Born:
- 29 October 1954, Coventry, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Author
Early Life and Education
- Born James Dover Grant in Coventry, England.
- Moved to Birmingham at age four.
- Attended King Edward's School, Birmingham.
- Studied Law at the University of Sheffield.
Career and Major Achievements
- Worked in commercial television for Granada Television after graduation.
- Held various positions, including presentation director.
- Took voluntary redundancy in 1995 and began writing novels.
- Created the Jack Reacher character, a former military policeman.
- Debut novel, Killing Floor, published in 1997, became an instant success.
- Recipient of the Anthony Award for Best First Novel (1998) for Killing Floor.
- The Lee Child author wikipedia page provides further detail on his prolific output.
- Sold over 100 million books worldwide.
- Awarded the CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger in 2013 for lifetime achievement in crime writing.
Notable Works
- Jack Reacher novel series (28 books as of 2024).
- Key Reacher novels include Killing Floor, Die Trying, Without Fail, and Gone Tomorrow.
- Co-authored novels with his brother, Andrew Child, continuing the Jack Reacher series.
Film and Television Adaptations
| Title | Year | Based on | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Reacher | 2012 | One Shot | Starring Tom Cruise. |
| Jack Reacher: Never Go Back | 2016 | Never Go Back | Starring Tom Cruise. |
| Reacher (TV Series) | 2022-Present | Killing Floor, Die Trying, Persuader, The Affair | Starring Alan Ritchson. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video. |
Legacy and Impact
Jim Grant, writing under the pen name Lee Child, has established himself as one of the most successful thriller writers of his generation. His creation, Jack Reacher, has become a cultural icon, and his work has significantly impacted the thriller genre. He's also been recognized for championing literacy.