Lee Child, Yasmin Angoe to Co-Write Neagley Novel Zero Margin

Penguin Random House has announced Zero Margin, a new novel set in the world of Reacher and co-written by Lee Child and Yasmin Angoe. The book marks the first time a novel has centered on Frances Neagley, the fan-favorite character from the Reacher universe.

The announcement arrives as Neagley's on-screen profile is rising. Prime Video's Neagley spin-off premiered on September 16 and entered the streamer's Top 10 in more than 25 countries shortly after, according to Collider.

Maria Sten has portrayed Frances Neagley since the Reacher series, bringing the character to life across multiple seasons before headlining her own show.

In the books, Neagley served in the 110th Special Investigations Unit in the Military Police and held the rank of Master Sergeant. Her haphephobia — a fear of being touched — was established in her first appearance in the novel Without Fail. Lee Child previously told The Wrap he avoided depicting the reason behind Neagley's haphephobia in the books to maintain her mystique.

Child's recent publishing history includes The Sentinel, written with his brother Andrew Child and released in 2020. With last year's Exit Strategy, Andrew Child fully assumed writing duties for future Reacher books. Zero Margin, co-written with Angoe, represents a new branch of the franchise focused on Neagley.