Here are some tough guy book series that actually have literary merit.
Parker by Richard Stark. “The Hunter,” “The Seventh.” “Slayground” He’s been played by Mel Gibson, Jim Brown, and Jason Statham. A stone cold killer who finds crews of similarly desperate crooks to pull off big money crimes.
Easy Rawlins and Fearless Jones by Walter Mosley. “Fearless Jones” and “Devil In a Blue Dress.” Two Black men in 1950s and 1960s Los Angeles, who work alone and together. Jones’ stories are narrated by his friend, a cowardly bookworm who often ends up in peril despite his best efforts to avoid danger.
Travis McGee by John D. MacDonald. “The Deep Blue Goodbye” “Darker Than Amber.” Trav is a beach bum who lives on a house boat he won in a poker game. All he wants to do is enjoy life, so he periodically retires. When the money gets low, he seeks out victims who can’t go to the police and steals back what’s been stolen for 50% of the value.
[off topic?]
Here are some tough guy book series that actually have literary merit.
Parker by Richard Stark. “The Hunter,” “The Seventh.” “Slayground” He’s been played by Mel Gibson, Jim Brown, and Jason Statham. A stone cold killer who finds crews of similarly desperate crooks to pull off big money crimes.
Easy Rawlins and Fearless Jones by Walter Mosley. “Fearless Jones” and “Devil In a Blue Dress.” Two Black men in 1950s and 1960s Los Angeles, who work alone and together. Jones’ stories are narrated by his friend, a cowardly bookworm who often ends up in peril despite his best efforts to avoid danger.
Travis McGee by John D. MacDonald. “The Deep Blue Goodbye” “Darker Than Amber.” Trav is a beach bum who lives on a house boat he won in a poker game. All he wants to do is enjoy life, so he periodically retires. When the money gets low, he seeks out victims who can’t go to the police and steals back what’s been stolen for 50% of the value.
All are a thousand times better than Reacher.
Thanks for the book tips. I actually enjoy the televized Reacher with Alan Ritchson but sometimes the tough guy stuff gets cringey
Ritchson moves like a body builder and not like a really big strong guy that like knows judo or whatever. Always ruined it for me
I think he’s way too good looking.
I’m not a fan of the books, but I’ve skimmed a few. I’d say he should look more like Brad Garrett.
Parker is amazing.