10 Thrillers Every Reacher Fan Should Read Next

With authors like Gregg Hurwitz and Nick Petrie creating series that feature similar protagonists, there are dozens of authors who deliver thrillers that have the same energy as the Reacher series. While none of them are exactly the same, they all feature similar enough elements to create high-stakes stories that pull readers in as they continue to develop. Whether they offer wandering heroes, high-stakes espionage, or alluring adventures that are full of gritty investigations, these thrillers make it clear that the sub-genre that Reacher is a part of is alive and well, waiting for readers to dive into their TBR.

10 The Monkey’s Raincoat by Robert Crais

As the first book of the Elvis Cole series, The Monkey's Raincoat by Robert Crais sets up an exciting universe. The novel follows an LA investigator, Elvis Cole, after he's hired to find a missing husband and young son. While the case initially seems straightforward, Cole and his partner, Joe Pike, are brought into a dangerous underworld as they get to work. Like Child's Reacher novels, Crais' Cole refuses to abandon a case when the stakes become personal, which is an energy Child fans will recognize. The novel offers a challenging case and a springboard for an exciting novel series.

9 Rain Fall by Barry Eisler

Barry Eisler's Rain Fall is the first book in his John Rain series, and introduces the character in a fascinating way. Rain, a Japanese-American assassin whose specialty is making murders appear to be natural deaths, takes on an assignment involving a former CIA operative's son in the first novel. While Rain is more deeply embedded in the covert world than Reacher, the lack of independence in his character is often better for the stories. Both characters have specialized skills that help them operate outside the ordinary boundaries of an investigator, and their tactical instincts almost always work to their advantage.

8 The Lions of Lucerne by Brad Thor

The first book in the Scot Harvath series, Brad Thor's The Lions of Lucerne introduces Harvath, a former Navy SEAL and current Secret Service agent. When terrorists kidnap the President of the United States while he's on vacation, Harvath follows his instincts surrounding the investigation and decides to take his own path, uncovering a conspiracy that looms larger than he anticipated. Much like Reacher, Harvath is a highly trained operative who refuses to accept answers given to him when the evidence suggests something more sinister. Reacher fans would enjoy Harvath's position against the authority he's previously been a part of.

7 The Ranger by Ace Atkins

The first novel in the Quinn Colson series, Ace Atkins' The Ranger sees Army Ranger Quinn Colson returning to his hometown after years of military service, only to find a Mississippi community that's been overrun by corruption and violence. Colson begins to investigate the murder of his uncle, the local sheriff, despite it being ruled a suicide. Uncovering a larger, darker conspiracy, Colson begins confronting the area's bigger problems. Sharing Reacher's military background, Colson is practical and determined, but his connection to his hometown gives the novels a stronger foundation. Still, Reacher fans will enjoy the thrilling series of novels.

6 Transfer of Power by Vince Flynn

While Transfer of Power by Vince Flynn is the third book in the Mitch Rapp series, it's one of the closest to the Reacher series fans will find. In Transfer of Power, after terrorists seize control of the White House, Rapp discovers that things are far more complicated than Washington's leadership realizes. As Rapp works through the case, he uncovers evidence that someone within the government wants the rescue operation to fail, and has to work against the power structure to survive. Much like Child's series of Reacher thrillers, Transfer of Power is a high-energy read that feels consistently anti-authority.

5 The Watchman by Robert Crais

Another series from Robert Crais, this one following Cole's partner Joe Pike, is a great match for Reacher readers. The Watchmen follows Pike, a former Marine and mercenary, who's hired to be security for wealthy heiress Larkin Conner Barkley after she witnesses a car accident that leads to her becoming the target for trained assassins. Much like Reacher, Pike is a disciplined and physically fit lead who follows his own rules when the traditional authorities can't be trusted. Pike prefers direct action, which should appeal to Reacher readers who enjoy the more intense, dangerous storylines in the hit novel series.

4 Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz

Gregg Hurwitz is one of the closer matches to Lee Child in terms of style, and the first book in the Orphan X series would be great for Reacher fans. The novel follows Evan Smoak, who was recruited into a secret government program as a child and trained to be an assassin, after he reinvents himself to help people who don't know where else to turn. As the Nowhere Man, Evan is driven by his distinct moral code, pushing back against conventional authority. Using his physical skills like Reacher, Evan relies on technology, but will work well for Child fans.

3 Point of Impact by Stephen Hunter

The first book of the Bob Lee Swagger series, Point of Impact by Stephen Hunter follows a former marine sniper who's hoping to leave his violent past behind after serving in Vietnam. When he's recruited to an organization that operates in the shadows, Swagger is framed and pursued by law enforcement, leaving him with no choice but to clear his own name. With strong military expertise that will work in Reacher reader's favor, Point of Impact is a great entry for the series, which allows former military man Swagger as he becomes a more fully realized character throughout the books.

2 The Gray Man by Mark Greaney

Mark Greaney's first novel in The Gray Man series, The Gray Man, brings viewers into the story of Court Gentry, a freelance assassin with CIA experience who operates under the name the Gray Man. Gentry's abilities make him valuable when it comes to assignments, but often leave him vulnerable when the powers that be decided he was no longer useful. Readers who enjoy Reacher’s tactical intelligence and ability to overcome the odds will find Gentry to be similar, though the series differ by way of locale, with Reacher getting involved with crimes during his travels, and Gentry an international agent.

1 The Drifter by Nick Petrie

The best possible read for Reacher fans, The Drifter by Nick Petrie is the first book of the Peter Ash series, and follows a former Marine who struggles with claustrophobia after returning from war. Having served in Iran and Afghanistan, Ash is in seclusion, but decides to help with repairs for a fellow former Marine's wife when he dies by suicide. When he discovers a conspiracy larger than he could've imagined, Ash begins to investigate the world he wanted to leave behind. The Ash series is an excellent match for Reacher fans because it's thoughtful, balancing suspense and action perfectly.