Lee Child to write more Reacher novels

Transworld has signed a new contract with international bestselling writer Lee Child for three further thrillers plus a volume of short stories and a novella. New books in the deal will feature maverick ex-military policeman Jack Reacher.

Marianne Velmans, publishing director, who has been Child's editor since Killing Floor, the first Reacher thriller, bought UK and Commonwealth rights from Child’s agent Darley Anderson. The first book under the new contract, as yet untitled, will be published in autumn 2017. 

Imprint Bantam Press will publish the 21st Reacher book, Night School on 7th November 2016. In 2012, Child had suggested that he might stop at number 21 to the dismay of fans believing Night School would be the last in the series.

However, Child changed his mind, "because of the readers, simple as that," he said. "They created the Reacher phenomenon in the first place, and they want more, so who am I to say no to them? And there are still plenty of stories to tell. I'm delighted that Transworld agreed with me - I've been with them from the beginning, and they're like family to me.  I'm really looking forward to the next few years."

Velmans said: "We really didn’t know whether Lee would continue the series – I’m not sure he himself knew either.  But the fact that he will write three more Reachers is a dream come true for all of us at Transworld, and it will delight his millions of fans the world over."

The second Jack Reacher film, "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" is released in October this year.