The Big Thrill’s Behavioral Analysis Unit: Jack Carr

Interview by Eric P. Bishop

Jack Carr burst onto the writing scene in 2018 when his debut novel, The Terminal List, showed up on the “Best Of” lists for countless thriller critics and fans alike. As a 20-year member of the elite US Navy SEALs, Jack knows a thing or two about what his protagonist, James Reece, faces on the pages of the fictional tales that hit readers like a slug to the chest.

After the success of The Terminal List, three more books followed: True Believer, Savage Son, and The Devil’s Hand. Now the fifth novel in the series, IN THE BLOOD, drops this month, and Carr’s fans are still begging for more books and want to know where James Reece goes from here. So what’s up next? Jack’s first book The Terminal List was optioned by Chris Pratt (yes, Star-Lord himself) and his production company Indivisible Productions. The series filmed in 2021 and releases from Amazon Studios on July 1, 2022.

Over the years, Carr has been kind enough to appear on countless podcasts, television programs, and given print interviews with a plethora of sources. However, The Big Thrill wanted to peel back another layer of the onion and see what awaits our readers’ eyes when the Behavioral Analysis Unit gets involved. Turns out, Carr’s years as a SEAL gave him the upper hand—Carr kept his answers close to his chest and even avoided some. Coy! (We still love you, Jack!)

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Home with the family, reading by the fire.

What is your greatest fear?

Not being there when my family needs me.

Carr behind the mic, hosting his podcast Danger Close

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Rudeness.

What is your favorite way to waste time?              

That question does not compute.

If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?

A Navy SEAL, but I did that for 20 years, so taking writer and SEAL off the table, I’d probably be a river guide.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

We will have to see how the kids turn out.

What’s your favorite place in the world?

Classified.

Carr displays the sold-out special edition of IN THE BLOOD that featured a title page with signature and bullet hole.

Who are your real-life heroes?

Those men and women who put it all on the line time and time again from the inception of the United States through today who gave me the ability to forge my own path.

What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?

“The only difference between a published author and an unpublished author is that the published author never quit.”  Brad Thor passed it along to me as it had been passed along to him.

What’s your favorite drink?

Coffee in the morning and bourbon at night.  If I start reversing those, then I’ll know it’s time to take a vacation.

Plotter or pantser?

Plotter.

What is your motto?

Never pay attention to the odds.