Lee Child

James Dover Grant, better known by his pen name Lee Child, is a celebrated British author renowned for his gripping thriller novels, particularly the Jack Reacher series. Born in 1954, Child initially pursued a career in commercial television after earning a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Sheffield in 1977. His tenure at Granada Television, where he worked from 1977 to 1995, saw him deeply involved in the production of acclaimed series such as *Brideshead Revisited* and *Prime Suspect*. His experience in television writing thousands of commercials and news stories laid a solid foundation for his literary career.

In 1997, Child made a dramatic career shift with the publication of his debut novel, *Killing Floor*. The book, which introduced the world to the rugged ex-military policeman Jack Reacher, earned him both the Anthony Award and the Barry Award for Best First Novel. This success launched Child into the literary spotlight, leading to a prolific output of Reacher novels that have captivated readers globally. His unique pen name, derived from a family joke and a mispronunciation of Renault’s Le Car, cleverly places his books alphabetically between crime fiction luminaries like Raymond Chandler and Agatha Christie.

Child’s contributions to literature extend beyond writing. He served as president of the Mystery Writers of America in 2009 and has been involved with various literary events, including the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival. In 2019, he announced a new TV show, *Lee Child: True Crime*, and in 2020, he joined the Booker Prize judging panel.

As of January 2020, Child has begun transitioning the Jack Reacher series to his brother, Andrew Grant, while continuing to collaborate on the series. Child’s recent ventures also include a musical collaboration with Naked Blue and contributions to exploring the Jack Reacher character in song. His enduring impact on crime fiction and his role in shaping the genre continue to resonate with readers and viewers alike.