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'Jack Reacher' creator visits Arlington Heights book club

The Tuscan Market Book Club in Arlington Heights drew a superstar to close out its sixth year: author Lee Child, creator of the Jack Reacher series.

More than 250 fans gathered Monday night at the Metropolis Center for the Performing Arts for the chance to meet the author and pepper him with questions about the blockbuster series. But they were in for a treat: Child's brother, author Andrew Grant, and his wife, historical novelist Tasha Alexander, also headlined the event.

"A Family Affair" opened with the three authors signing copies of their books before they moved to the stage for a Q&A session.

Andrew Grant, who has appeared at previous Tuscan book club events, said the gatherings go beyond a typical book signing.

"Nearly everyone has read the book, so it makes for the best questions and engaging conversation," said Grant, who signed copies of his book, "Run," his latest in a series that revolves around the life of spy David Trevellyan.

But many of the fans came to see Child, who spent 18 years as a director and documentary filmmaker in British television. He turned to writing after he was fired from Granada Television as a result of corporate restructuring.

"I keep thinking Jack Reacher is going to come out," said Marc Klein of Arlington Heights, who has read nearly every book in the series. "You just think of Lee Child as being Jack Reacher."

Child, whose real name is Jim Grant, confirmed that his main character has many of his own traits, from an uncanny ability to tell the time without looking at a watch, to traveling lightly during his wanderings.

Yet, when asked about the origins of Reacher, Child told the audience that it was something of a response to his anger over losing his job.

"Reacher was the person I wanted to be at the time," Child said. "If I lived in a fictional universe, Jack Reacher is the character I'd want to be."

Child said he also drew on his years in television - his company produced such blockbusters as "Jewel in the Crown," "Brideshead Revisited" and "Prime Suspect" - to craft a story that would draw in readers.

Since he wrote his first novel in 1997, "Killing Floor," Child has written a book each year. Of the 20 in the Reacher series, 10 have been on best-seller lists. His latest, "Make Me," which he signed for fans on Monday, came out in June.

His 2005 Reacher book, "One Shot," was made into a 2012 movie starring Tom Cruise and Rosamund Pike; a second Reacher movie is reported to be released in 2016.

Debbie Smart, one of the managers at Tuscan Market & Wine Shop, started the book club, drawing on her own experiences in the industry and love of reading. She also is president of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Board.

"Who would have thought a little shop with seven tables would have this kind of event going on?" Smart asked the audience.

Child is the biggest author since "Sex in the City" author Candace Bushnell came to the book club in June. The wine shop hosts an author every six weeks and commits half its dates to promoting local authors.

"We feel it fits with our mission of bringing people together," says Lisa Gilbert, who owns Tuscan Market with her husband, Colin. "Just seeing readers becoming star struck when they meet the authors is fun. It's great to see that kind of energy and excitement."

• Book Club authors nights are $25; doors open at 6:15 p.m. and the discussion starts at 7 p.m. Most events are limited to 60 attendees. Check tuscanmarketandwineshop.com for the schedule and registration.

Authors Andrew Grant, left, Tasha Alexander and Lee Child meet with patrons and sign their books. Courtesy of Tuscan Market & Wine Shop
From left, authors Andrew Grant, Tasha Alexander and Lee Child take questions from the audience at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. Courtesy of Tuscan Market & Wine Shop
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