The New York Times–bestselling author of The Keep tells the real and fictional origins of the mysterious man who battles criminals and the supernatural.

In 1984, Repairman Jack debuted in F. Paul Wilson’s horror thriller The Tomb. Jack would go on to star in twenty-three novels, ten short stories, and a graphic novel. But how did the antithesis of James Bond and Jason Bourne get his start in the battle between good and evil?

In this essay, Wilson lets his readers in on how his beloved hero came to be. Wilson begins his personal story after he scored a hit with The Keep, when he found his inspiration for his next book in a dream. He discusses selecting and researching a monster, as well as developing Jack, his supporting cast, and settling on a villain. He also shares how the first title in the series came to be—it wasn’t always The Tomb. Wilson closes with Jack’s fictional backstory and his thoughts on Jack’s potential future—if there is one . . .

Praise for Repairman Jack

“One of the all-time great characters in one of the all-time great series.” —Lee Child, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of the Jack Reacher series

“Repairman Jack is one of the most original and intriguing characters to arise out of contemporary fiction in ages. His adventures are hugely entertaining.” —Dean Koontz, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Strangers