Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we spotlight strong women and non-binary folks who inspire us. These characters are prime examples of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said examples to follow.
This week, we celebrate Frances Neagley, first introduced in Lee Child’s 2002 novel Without Fail, the sixth book in the Jack Reacher series. She is the definition of a GGA Crush — both physically and mentally strong, choosing to face danger to protect and support those she cares about, and rooted in the knowledge that she is a capable and valued individual.
Disclaimer: The following contains spoilers for Reacher Seasons 1 and 2. Read on with this in mind.
Frances Neagley
Frances Neagley sprang from occasional appearances in Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels to become a fully-formed force of nature through Maria Sten’s portrayal in the Prime Video Reacher series. Despite not being a part of The Killing Floor or Persuader novels, she was included in the scripts of Seasons 1 and 3 (based on the two novels, respectively) to much critical and audience acclaim. She’s become such a fan-favorite that a spin-off series based on her adventures as a private eye got the greenlight back in October 2024 with a potential premiere date in 2026.
Fast Facts
Frances Neagley was a U.S. Army Master Sergeant working with the Military Police when Jack Reacher (Alan Ritchson) shoulder-tapped her to join his newly-formed Special Investigations Unit, known as 110th. She was the only enlisted member to be included as a Special Investigator.
RELATED: Jack Meets His Match in Reacher Season 3 Official Trailer
Neagley is Reacher’s closest confidante. He’s trusted her with his life many times and she’s never let him down. Reacher’s not easily impressed but describes Neagley as “sometimes scary.”
Since retiring from the military, she works as a private investigator and security specialist in Chicago. Although she and Reacher aren’t in contact regularly, he’s one of only two people she’s shared her personal phone number with. Fiercely loyal, she’s always ready to step in and have his back. No questions asked.
The Real Deal
Resourceful, intelligent, and capable, Neagley is sometimes thought of as a female version of Jack Reacher. But she’s more than a copy or echo of the big guy. She is a complementary partner, someone whose skills fill in the gaps in Reacher’s toolbox. She’s tech-savvy with an established (and secured) homebase where Reacher prides himself on living the hobo lifestyle, traveling with nothing more than a bank card, a passport, and a toothbrush. She has a network of informants and intel specialists she maintains transactional relationships. Like Reacher, they trust her to deliver on anything she promises to do.
Why She Matters
Neagley stays connected. It’s why she’s successful and how she stays ahead of the bad guys. She makes connections and closes cases. And while she’s all business and pragmatism on the clock, she’s intensely loyal to Reacher and the other members of the 110th. As Reacher’s closest friend, she understands and accepts him and his choices without reservation. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t call him on his quirks but she gets that he’s never going to change. Their bond is unbreakable.
RELATED: Looking for another strong crush? Check out our Geek Girl Authority Crushes of the Week
In the Reacher Season 3 trailer, Neagley figures something out about Reacher. She says, “You hate the big, the powerful who think they can get away with things so you make sure they don’t.” Game recognizes game. Neagley has no interest in playing games of power and influence. She uses her skills to serve justice on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves. Living by the mantra, “You do not mess with the Special Investigators,” she carries the legacy of the 110th with pride, teaching lessons not easily forgotten.
Neagley returns in Prime Video’s Reacher Season 3 premiering on February 20. Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Prime Video. She’ll be seen next in her own series on Prime Video, potentially dropping in 2026.
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