Lee Child, born James Dover Grant on 29 October 1954, is a renowned British author famous for his thrilling novels. He is best known for his Jack Reacher series, which follows the adventures of a former American military policeman who travels across the United States. His debut novel, Killing Floor (1997), won both the Anthony Award and the 1998 Barry Award for Best First Novel.

Lee Child was born in Coventry, England, and raised in Birmingham. Interestingly, he attended the same high school as JRR Tolkien. He later studied law in Sheffield. Prior to becoming an author, Child enjoyed a successful 18-year career as a presentation director at Granada Television in Manchester during British TV's "golden age." Although he was dismissed in 1995 due to corporate restructuring, he saw this as an opportunity to pursue his passion for writing.