BOB LEE SWAGGER

Full Name:	Bob Lee Swagger
Nationality:	American
Organization:	None
Occupation	Other - Former Sniper

Creator:	Stephen Hunter
Time Span:	1993 - 2021

ABOUT THE SERIES

Bob Lee Swagger is a former U.S. Marine Sniper.

Born in 1946 and raised in Polk County, Arkansas, Swagger is the son of a Medal of Honor winner named Earl Swagger, a State Trooper who was killed in the line of duty when the young boy was 9 years old.

When he was old enough, Swagger followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Marines. He was trained to be a sniper and during his three tours in Vietnam with the CIA's Special Operations department, he earned the nickname of 'Bob the Nailer'. [According to Wikipedia, he was officially credited with 87 combat kills but in reality actually dispatched nearly 400.]

Receiving a wound in the hip towards the end of that conflict, Swagger would retired from the Marines with the rank of Gunnery Sergeant but the depression that followed would bring on far too much drinking, resulting in the break-up of his second marriage.

For the next decade and a half, he would live an almost hermit-like existence back home. When the events told in the first recorded adventure take place, his attitude is forced to change and his life starts anew.

The adventures of Swagger are part of this compendium because, while he is not a spy or would want to be considered one, he seems to find himself in the middle of governmental intrigue and having to deal with or against operatives in a wide variety of alphabet agencies.

The many stories related to Swagger run a wide gamut of times and places and events. Some look back to his father and the escapades he had. One even goes a generation further back to the grandfather Swagger never knew. Yet another lets the readers know about the son that Swagger lost as an infant during his time serving in Vietnam. And many move the life of Swagger along in a fascinating and quite varied journey.

BOOKS

Number of Books:	12
First Appearance:	1993
Last Appearance:	2021


1			Point of Impact Written by Stephen Hunter Copyright: 1993 Approached to assist in preventing an assassination attempt on the President by a Soviet sniper who helped end his career, Bob Lee Swagger reluctantly agrees and then finds himself framed for the act and on the run.

1.1			Dirty White Boys Written by Stephen Hunter Copyright: 1994 Tangentially related to the series, this novel talks of a murderer who escapes from prison and races across the state with his mentally handicapped brother spreading destruction as they go. Mention is made of the episode many years before in which Bob Lee Swagger's father, Earl, was killed in the line of duty as a State Trooper.

2			Black Light Written by Stephen Hunter Copyright: 1996 A combination of stories involving Bob Lee Swagger's personal look into the case that took the life of his father, Earl Swagger, a State Trooper, three decades before.

3			Time To Hunt Written by Stephen Hunter Copyright: 1998 The sniper that many years before ended Bob Lee Swagger's military career and took the life of his good friend, Fenn, is back and posing an immediate threat to Swagger and his wife and daughter.

3.1			Hot Springs Written by Stephen Hunter Copyright: 2000 The first of several books about Bob Lee Swagger's father, Earl. The action takes place just after WWII in the town of Hot Springs, Arkansas, where the DA is determined to break the hold of organized crime and asks Earl, a former marine, to spearhead the charge.

3.2			Pale Horse Coming Written by Stephen Hunter Copyright: 2001 The second book about Bob Lee Swagger's father, Earl. In 1951, a friend of Earl Swagger is asked to investigate possible trouble in a remote Mississippi town that houses a prison for black convicts. When that friend disappears, Earl decides he has to check into things himself.

3.3			Havana Written by Stephen Hunter Copyright: 2003 The third book about Bob Lee Swagger's father, Earl. It is 1953 and Earl Swagger reluctantly allows himself to be talked by the CIA into heading to Havana to look into the nascent activities of a lawyer named Castro and the unrest he is inciting.

4			The 47th Samurai Written by Stephen Hunter Copyright: 2007 During the battle of Iwo Jima in which Bob Lee Swagger's father, Earl, won his Medal of Honor, Earl also took as a war souvenir the sword of a slain Japanese officer. Decades later, the son of that warrior comes to Idaho to ask Swagger's help in recovering it. It turns out the sword is far more valuable than Swagger or the son realize and there are many who would kill to possess it.

5			Night of Thunder Written by Stephen Hunter Copyright: 2008 The Sinnerman is a psycho killer in Tennessee who likes to use his car as his weapon of choice. When that man goes after Bob Lee Swagger's daughter, an investigative reporter, and nearly kills her, he gets a very dangerous and angry father on his trail.

6			I, Sniper Written by Stephen Hunter Copyright: 2009 Four radicals of the 60s have been shot down by a sniper. All evidence points to a decorated sniper named Hitchcock and his suicide seems to close the case. The FBI asks Bob Lee Swagger to examine the evidence just to confirm but Swagger comes up with a different conclusion - the real killer is still out there.

7			Dead Zero Written by Stephen Hunter Copyright: 2010 An Afghan war lord is the target of a US hit squad named Whiskey 2-2. One of that group is a sniper named Ray Cruz. When the assault is detected, all but Cruz are killed. Now, a few months later, the war lord is considered a friend of the US and is being brought to America to be honored. A message is intercepted saying that Whiskey 2-2 is back in action and ready to finish the mission. Bob Lee Swagger is brought in to stop Cruz but the more he learns of the Afghan target, the less he likes.

8			The Third Bullet Written by Stephen Hunter Copyright: 2013 The wife of a writer working on another book about the JFK assassination comes to Bob Lee Swagger for help in looking into the murder of her husband. At first Swagger is not interested but when she reveals some very interesting facts about his death and the decades-old killing, Swagger changes his mind. That now makes him a possible target as well.

9			Sniper's Honor Written by Stephen Hunter Copyright: 2014 Ludmilla “Mili” Petrova was a woman who was hunted by both Hitler and Stalin during WWII. She is considered by some to be that conflicts greatest sniper but her role in history is almost erased. A modern reporter is out to learn more and asks the help of Bob Lee Swagger. Swagger is in turn very curious why such an important Soviet figure would have been so on the outs with her government and what really did happen to make her disappear.

10			G-Man Written by Stephen Hunter Copyright: 2017 Back during the Depression, the new FBI was charged with stomping out the reign of bank-robbing hoodlums. They called upon the sheriff of Polk County, Arkansas, to help in one particular case. That lawman was Charles Swagger. Eighty years later, Bob Lee Swagger finds a strongbox containing memorabilia from the time and begins to wonder what happened to his grandfather and why his own father, Earl, never talked about him.

11			Game Of Snipers Written by Stephen Hunter Copyright: 2019 "When Bob Lee Swagger is approached by a woman who lost a son to war and has spent the years since risking all that she has to find the sniper who pulled the trigger, he knows right away he'll do everything in his power to help her. But what begins as a favor becomes an obsession, and soon Swagger is back in the action, teaming up with the Mossad, the FBI, and local American law enforcement as he tracks a sniper who is his own equal...and attempts to decipher that assassin's ultimate target before it's too late."

12			Targeted Written by Stephen Hunter Copyright: 2021 "After his successful takedown of a dangerous terrorist, Bob Lee Swagger learns that no good deed goes unpunished. Summoned to court by the United States Congress, Swagger is accused of reckless endangerment by a hardheaded anti-gun congresswoman. But what begins as political posturing soon turns deadly when the auditorium where the committee is being held is attacked. Swagger, the congresswoman, and numerous bystanders are taken hostage by a group of violent criminals. Soon, the very people who had accused him are depending on him to save their lives."

MOVIES

Number of Movies:	1
First Appearance:	2007
Last Appearance:	2007


1			Shooter Director: Antoine Fuqua Writer: Jonathan Lemkin Actors: Mark Wahlberg as Bob Lee Swagger, Danny Glover as Colonel Johnson, Kate Mara as Sarah Fenn Released: 2007 A more modern version of the first Bob Lee Swagger book, it tells how the ex-soldier is approached by a former commander to help figure out the most likely site for an assassination attempt. When it goes off, the killing is blamed on Swagger and he must go on the lam to prove his innocence.

TELEVISION


Number of Episodes:	18
First Appearance:	2016
Last Appearance:	2018
Network:	USA

REGULAR CAST
Ryan Phillippe	Bob Lee Swagger [ 1-2 ]
Omar Epps	Colonel Johnson [ 1-2 ]
Shantel VanSanten	Julie Swagger [ 1-2 ]

Another version of the initial Bob Lee Swagger adventure, this USA Network series provides an ongoing serial into Swagger's adventures.

Season 1 was based on the book Point Of Impact.

Season 2 was based on the book Time To Hunt.

Season 3 was based on the book Black Light.

Note: The data is derived from two terrific sites that I visit a lot: Epguides.com and TVMaze.com. Special thanks to those who maintain such terrific source of information.

Note: Plots are taken from the much appreciated entry on Wikipedia.


1	Point of Impact Episode 1-1, first aired 11/15/2016 Director: Simon Cellan Jones Writers: John Hlavin, Jonathan Lemkin Bob Lee Swagger, a retired Marine Corps sniper, is approached by Isaac, his former captain, now in the US Secret Service, to do some security work before the President's visit to Seattle. His job is to scout the venues for possible sniper nests due to credible threat. However, he is unable to prevent the shot from being taken; the visiting Ukrainian president is killed and Bob Lee is the fall guy. Nadine, a disgraced FBI agent, arrests him.

2	Exfiltration Episode 1-2, first aired 11/22/2016 Director: Simon Cellan Jones Writer: John Hlavin Awaiting arraignment, Bob Lee has to stay alive in federal prison, while the conspirators are trying to get him killed. During one of those botched attempts, Bob Lee manages to escape. He vows to do what he does best: hunt.

3	Musa Qala Episode 1-3, first aired 11/29/2016 Director: Roxann Dawson Writer: Adam E. Fierro Since Bob Lee is out in the world, he's the subject of a manhunt. He is able to tell his wife that Isaac is part of the conspiracy and later gets help from a friend at the VA to fake his own death and become a ghost. He trusts Nadine with this secret.

4	Overwatch Episode 1-4, first aired 12/06/2016 Director: Simon Cellan Jones Writers: T.J. Brady, Rasheed Newson In flashbacks, Isaac is saved by Bob Lee in Afghanistan in a plot to snatch a warlord for the CIA. Meanwhile, the conspirators try to silence Nadine, who started asking the wrong questions, though Bob Lee is just in time to save her.

5	Recon by Fire Episode 1-5, first aired 12/13/2016 Director: Adam Davidson Writer: Dara Resnik Bob Lee finds the original bullet used in the assassination and traces it back to a fringe militia. Even though they aren't the source for the bullet, they are preparing for something nefarious and Bob Lee stops them.

6	Killing Zone Episode 1-6, first aired 12/20/2016 Director: Simon Cellan Jones Writer: Matt Bosack Bob Lee follows the breadcrumbs the bullet left to his former instructor, O'Brien. He tells Bob Lee to find the "black kings", one of only four sniper rifles capable of making the shot. He gives Bob Lee his own black king after they both deal with a clandestine outfit the conspirators send on their path called "Annex B". Nadine is finally able to convince her boss at the FBI some things aren't adding up.

7	Danger Close Episode 1-7, first aired 12/27/2016 Director: Christoph Schrewe Writer: Tim Talbott Bob Lee crosses the country to find the shooter while Julie deals with a family betrayal. Meanwhile, Nadine contacts a Ukrainian reporter who can explain the conspiracy. Also, Isaac questions his allegiance.

8	Red on Red Episode 1-8, first aired 01/03/2017 Director: Kevin Bray Writer: Matthew Newman Bob Lee and Nadine weave a plan to secure the evidence that could expose the conspiracy. Meanwhile, Isaac gropes for an exit strategy, Payne tries to flee, and Julie and Mary face grave danger.

9	Ballistic Advantage Episode 1-9, first aired 01/10/2017 Director: Christoph Schrewe Writers: T.J. Brady, Rasheed Newson Bob Lee must broker a dangerous exchange in order to save his family. Meanwhile, Nadine struggles to balance her allegiance to Bob Lee and the FBI. Later, Isaac strikes a tenuous deal for his freedom.

10	Primer Contact Episode 1-10, first aired 01/17/2017 Director: Simon Cellan Jones Writer: John Hlavin Bob Lee, Julie, Nadine, and Isaac must work together to breach the Russian Embassy, save Mary, shut down the conspiracy and its remaining players, and prove Bob Lee is innocent once and for all.

11	The Hunting Party Episode 2-1, first aired 07/18/2017 Director: Yuval Adler Writer: John Hlavin In the season premiere, Bob Lee Swagger and wife Julie join his former Marine unit in Germany and narrowly escape a deadly terrorist attack. FBI Agent Nadine Memphis, meanwhile, takes a job in Washington with Patricia Gregson.

12	Remember the Alamo Episode 2-2, first aired 07/25/2017 Director: Yuval Adler Writer: Will Staples Bob Lee investigates the terrorist attack that may have targeted his Marine unit. Memphis helps on the ground in Germany. Flashbacks to Afghanistan help shed light on who might be after them.

13	Don't Mess with Texas Episode 2-3, first aired 08/01/2017 Director: Jaime Reynoso Writers: T.J. Brady, Rasheed Newson Bob Lee finds Isaac Johnson in Texas after an attempt on his life. Nadine discovers just how much influence Patricia Gregson wields, and a traumatized Julie fights to stay strong for her family.

14	The Dark End of the Street Episode 2-4, first aired 08/08/2017 Director: David Straiton Writer: Kate Barnow Bob Lee and Isaac learn who the world's greatest assassin is in the U.S. Flashbacks to a mission in Afghanistan reveal his identity: Solotov. Nadine comes to Texas with suspicions of a conspiracy.

15	The Man Called Noon Episode 2-5, first aired 08/15/2017 Director: Lukas Ettlin Writers: Jennifer Cacicio, John Hlavin Bob Lee works to piece together Solotov's motive for targeting their unit. Nadine uncovers a surprise witness to the event that set everything off. Solotov's hunt has him hiding in plain sight.

16	Across the Rio Grande Episode 2-6, first aired 08/22/2017 Director: David Straiton Writer: Matthew Newman Bob Lee tracks Solotov's money, pitting himself against a Mexican cartel. Nadine helps a journalist investigate a cover-up involving Bob Lee's unit. Julie shoots a guy's ear off with a gun to vent her frustration.

17	Someplace Like Bolivia Episode 2-7, first aired 08/29/2017 Director: Chloe Domont Writer: John Hlavin Bob Lee and Isaac must team up to escape a Mexican prison before Solotov finds them. As Nadine digs deeper into Atlas, the cover-up points back to Bob Lee's unit. Julie has problems with the law.

18	That'll Be the Day Episode 2-8, first aired 09/05/2017 Director: Jaime Reynoso Writer: Scott Gold Bob Lee tries to draw Solotov into the open, but realizes the Chechen holds the upper hand. Flashbacks reveal the origins of Solotov, while Isaac is courted by his creator in the present.

19	Backroads Episode S3-1, first aired 06/21/2018 Director: Jaime Reynoso Writers: Rasheed Newson, T.J. Brady Flashbacks to a childhood trauma plague Bob Lee as he's held hostage with Isaac and Julie in pursuit. Nadine confronts a corrupt senator.

20	Red Meat Episode S3-2, first aired 06/28/2018 Director: David Straiton Writer: John Hlavin Determined to find the truth about his father's death in 1988, Bob Lee starts to investigate. Harris gets dragged into Isaac and Nadine's predicament.

21	Sins of the Father Episode S3-3, first aired 07/05/2018 Director: Amanda Marsalis Writer: Amanda Segel Harris gets on Bob Lee's nerves out on the road as they chase more leads. Nadine and Isaac locate a person of interest who may or may not be friendly.

22	The Importance of Service Episode S3-4, first aired 07/12/2018 Director: Christopher Schrewe Writer: Jennifer Cacicio Bob Lee pays a visit to the Pooles after hearing a new rumour, and Julie follows a lead of her own. Isaac and Nadine pursue an Atlas target.

23	A Call to Arms Episode S3-5, first aired 07/19/2018 Director: David Straiton Writer: Matt Bosack A visit to an old friend of his father's leads Bob Lee back to D.C., where he connects with Isaac, Nadine and Harris for a mission at a formal event.

24	Lines Crossed Episode S3-6, first aired 07/26/2018 Director: Jessica Lowrey Writers: T.J. Brady, Rasheed Newson Bob Lee and Isaac visit a man who served with Earl in Vietnam. Nadine takes on a risky mission alone. Julie confronts the Bamas.

25	Swing Vote Episode S3-7, first aired 08/02/2018 Director: Christoph Schrewe Writers: Scott Gold, Tim Walsh Bob Lee and Isaac track down a key contract at a psychiatric facility. Memphis looks for evidence at Gregson's house. Red Jr. makes an offer to Sam.

26	The Red Badge Episode S3-8, first aired 08/09/2018 Director: Chloe Domont Writer: John Hlavin Bob Lee and Julie discover what Red Jr. wanted from Sam. Red Sr. ends up in a tough spot. Carlita, Harris, Isaac and Nadine plot their next move.

27	Alpha Dog Episode S3-9, first aired 08/16/2018 Director: Hanelle Culpepper Writer: Amanda Segel Bob Lee's mission to track down Bama Jr. causes discord with Julie. Isaac and Nadine meet with the president's chief of staff

28	Orientation Day Episode S3-10, first aired 08/23/2018 Director: David Straiton Writers: Jennifer Cacicio, Desta Tedros Reff A search for Carlita leads Bob Lee and Isaac to a remote Atlas outpost. Nadine and Harris put pressure on Brooks. Julie has an unsettling realization

29	Family Fire Episode S3-11, first aired 08/30/2018 Director: Ami Canaan Mann Writers: Eric Anderson, Matt Bosack As Julie tries to keep Mary safe, Bob Lee sets his sights on Brooks. Nadine and Isaac develop a plan involving an Atlas recruit.

30	Patron Saint Episode S3-12, first aired 09/06/2018 Director: Millicent Shelton Writers: David Daitch, Katie Johnson, Matthew Newman The U.S. president reaches out to Nadine and Harris for their assistance. Julie and Bob Lee have an emotional discussion. A new threat endangers D.C.

31	Red Light Episode S3-13, first aired 09/13/2018 Director: David Straiton Writer: John Hlavin As Atlas and Red Bama attempt to execute desperate missions, Bob Lee tries to reconnect with Julie while getting dragged back into the fight.

REFERENCE BOOKS

Number of Books:	1
First Appearance:	2022
Last Appearance:	2022


1			Bob Lee Swagger: A Mysterious Profile Written by Stephen Hunter Copyright: 2022 "Retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. Bob Lee Swagger debuted in Stephen Hunter’s military action thriller Point of Impact in 1993. The book was the first of many adventures for the fictional sniper and inspired a hit-movie, as well as a television series. But what led to the invention of such a character? In this quick read, Hunter shares how “the Nailer” came to his kitchen table and subsequently sprang to life. Hunter discusses the real-life hero who served as his inspiration for Swagger, the development of his first villains, and the influence the television show Dragnet had on his writing. He also details how research helped shaped Swagger’s world, and explains what keeps him writing adventure after adventure."

MY COMMENTS

A movie that did not get much kind words from the critics but which I enjoyed a whole lot back in the mid 2000s got me interested in an author that up to then I had only seen on the bookstands. I had not yet picked up a Stephen Hunter book but kept "a-meanin' to". I really enjoyed that movie, taken from the first adventure, and I wanted to read more.

Now, the book told quite a different story since the movie had "updated" its timeframe. Nevertheless, I was hooked on Bob Lee Swagger. He was a touch older than I and had a whole lot more experiences than I did but I could relate. And being a sucker for great writing and getting it in the pages of this book, I kept reading.

I kinda read 'em out of order which is totally unlike me but there was a good reason. I did not read the sorta prequel, Dirty White Boys, or a couple of the Earl Swagger books until much later but until I got serious about possibly adding Swagger to the compendium, it did not seem to matter that much.

And I am adding him now because someone recently suggested him and as I was reconsidering, I decided "why not?". And since I love to add series written extremely well about very interesting characters, well, it became a "duh!" moment.

GRADE

My Grade: A

Your Average Grade: A++

YOUR OPINIONS

dbuhler	A++	2023-03-04	Start with The Bullet Garden, 2023. If that does not hook you to the series, there is no hope for you. Swagger is a sniper, but also a spy and true patriot. Hunter is truly a great story teller

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