Diane Capri, a successful thriller author in her own right, found herself presented with an extraordinary opportunity after a casual conversation with none other than Lee Child, the creator of Jack Reacher. This wasn’t just a fleeting idea; it was an invitation to delve deeper into the world of Jack Reacher, leading to the creation of her acclaimed “Hunt for Reacher” series.
“It all started with idle hands, red wine, and cocktail parties,” Diane Capri humorously recalls, referencing a conversation with Lee Child at an author event in New York City. Both authors, having recently concluded their service on the board of the International Thriller Writers, were looking for new creative avenues. Lee Child proposed a collaboration, something “short, quick, and easy.” This initial idea sparked the concept for Diane Capri’s series, which would use Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels as a foundation, branching out to explore new narratives within the established universe. He enthusiastically embraced the concept, and from there, the “Hunt for Reacher” series was born.
To date, Diane Capri has penned two novels and three shorter books featuring FBI Special Agents Kim Otto and Carlos Gaspar, the protagonists of the “Hunt for Reacher” series. Jack in the Green, a notable addition to the series, was released on May 1st, with a fourth novel in development and slated for release later in the year.
Jeffrey Bruner, in the original interview, pointed out the exceptional generosity of Lee Child in allowing Diane Capri to develop this series without demanding a ghostwriting arrangement or overshadowing her authorship. Diane Capri acknowledges this generosity, stating, “I’d be thrilled to co-author with Lee Child in almost any capacity, and we had hoped that might happen.” However, due to Lee Child’s demanding schedule, a direct co-authorship hasn’t materialized. Crucially, Diane Capri emphasizes that the “Hunt for Reacher” series, while born from the Reacher universe and with Lee Child’s blessing, is distinctly her own. She explains, “we’re not trying to pass my books off as his work. How could we? He has a style that is all his own.” She openly admires Lee Child’s unique and immensely popular writing style, recognizing it as inimitable and expressing her hope for many more Jack Reacher novels from Child in the future.
The interview touches upon the inherent pressure of writing within such a beloved and established universe as Jack Reacher’s, particularly without directly emulating Child’s distinctive style. Diane Capri addresses this directly, stating, “As much as I’d like to claim that I made a choice not to write like Lee, the truth is that no one can write like Lee.” She acknowledges the futility of imitation and emphasizes her focus on writing in her own voice. This authentic approach resonated with readers, as she notes, “There were many tense moments when I worried that Reacher fans would hate my work. Fortunately, readers like my style and enjoy my books, too.”
Maintaining continuity and accuracy within the Jack Reacher canon is paramount for the “Hunt for Reacher” series. When asked about resources or a “Jack Reacher encyclopedia,” Diane Capri reveals her multifaceted approach to ensure faithfulness to the source material. Firstly, she is a dedicated Jack Reacher fan herself, engaging in detailed note-taking, creating charts and outlines, and leveraging her strong memory for crucial details. Secondly, she credits “Reacher’s Creatures,” the dedicated fanbase, as an invaluable source of knowledge and assistance. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, she consults directly with Lee Child, “After all, who knows Reacher better than his creator?”
Diane Capri’s “Hunt for Reacher” series offers a thrilling expansion of the Jack Reacher world, providing fans with new perspectives and adventures while staying true to the spirit of Lee Child’s iconic creation. Her dedication to the canon, combined with her own storytelling prowess, has carved out a unique and appreciated space within the broader Jack Reacher phenomenon.
To explore more about Diane Capri and her work, visit her website at DianeCapri.com. Her latest Hunt for Reacher book, Jack in the Green, is available now.
