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Bob Lee Swagger: A Mysterious Profile
The Pulitzer Prize–winning, New York Times–bestselling author describes how he created his popular veteran sniper.
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.
Praise for the Bob Lee Swagger Novels
“Nobody writes action better than Stephen Hunter and Black Light is one of his best. . . . [The] action scenes play like a movie, the plot is intriguing and the writing is top-notch.” —Phillip Margolin, author of The Burning Man
“Stephen Hunter is in a class by himself. Time to Hunt is as vivid and haunting as a moving target in the crosshairs of a sniper scope.” —Nelson Demille, author of Mayday
“The best straight-up thriller writer at work today.” —Rocky Mountain News
“Thrilling in the manner of ancient storytellers, with battles fierce enough for a war and characters crazy enough to fight them to the death.” —New York Times Book Review
“A thinking man’s Rambo.” —Publishers Weekly
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.
Praise for the Bob Lee Swagger Novels
“Nobody writes action better than Stephen Hunter and Black Light is one of his best. . . . [The] action scenes play like a movie, the plot is intriguing and the writing is top-notch.” —Phillip Margolin, author of The Burning Man
“Stephen Hunter is in a class by himself. Time to Hunt is as vivid and haunting as a moving target in the crosshairs of a sniper scope.” —Nelson Demille, author of Mayday
“The best straight-up thriller writer at work today.” —Rocky Mountain News
“Thrilling in the manner of ancient storytellers, with battles fierce enough for a war and characters crazy enough to fight them to the death.” —New York Times Book Review
“A thinking man’s Rambo.” —Publishers Weekly
33 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2022
69 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Hunter
107 books1,981 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Stephen Hunter is the author of fourteen novels, and a chief film critic at The Washington Post, where he won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland.
Stephen Hunter is the author of fourteen novels, and a chief film critic at The Washington Post, where he won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 27, 2022
Excellent short description of the genesis of the Bob Lee Swagger character by the author who created him. If you are a Swagger fan, this is a must read.
December 21, 2025
I really like these short introductions but I would have liked a little more on Bob the Nailer. Still it's a great addition to the series. Being a Hunter and Swagger fan.
May 24, 2022
Got hooked on and have followed Bob Lee Swagger ever since I read "POINT OF IMPACT" many years ago. Have enjoyed the other books about his father Earl, and his Grandfather Charles. There have been so many twists and turns in following the Swagger family, but this is the first time that I understand how Bob Lee came about. It adds a lot to the overall story line and I am very pleased that Mr. Hunter gave us this gem.
Kudos!
Ed Koch
Kudos!
Ed Koch
May 28, 2022
Nice profile
It's always interesting to me how authors create their characters, but it's not often you get this kind of background direct from the author. Bob Lee Swagger is a complex personality that didn't just spring from the page fully formed, and for me creating interesting, realistic, imperfect but likeable, characters seems to be the most difficult part of writing a novel.
It's always interesting to me how authors create their characters, but it's not often you get this kind of background direct from the author. Bob Lee Swagger is a complex personality that didn't just spring from the page fully formed, and for me creating interesting, realistic, imperfect but likeable, characters seems to be the most difficult part of writing a novel.
December 3, 2025
Cracked open the door on one of my favorite protagonists.
From whence I first met Bob Lee Swagger, I belonged to him. I didn't always agree with his decisions but , from that first book, I was intrigued and I have not lost that feeling. Integrity, complexity, Bob Lee Swagger was the best of every real man. I reread his books (kindly provided by Stephen Hunter) and set my follow so that I don't miss a new one.
From whence I first met Bob Lee Swagger, I belonged to him. I didn't always agree with his decisions but , from that first book, I was intrigued and I have not lost that feeling. Integrity, complexity, Bob Lee Swagger was the best of every real man. I reread his books (kindly provided by Stephen Hunter) and set my follow so that I don't miss a new one.
May 14, 2022
This is not a Bob Lee Swagger short story. This is a very informative and educational biography of the character of Bob Lee Swagger told from the author's perspective. The story of where, how, and why Bob Lee was created is told in the author's own words and narrative. A very well-put-together biography about a wonderful character. Cannot wait to read more from this author.
December 31, 2023
A good introduction to Bob Lee Swagger
Love these books and how they give you a background from the authors about their character. A great informative read. It whets your appetite for more.
Love these books and how they give you a background from the authors about their character. A great informative read. It whets your appetite for more.
July 19, 2025
Great back story
The Bob Lee Swagger novels are addictive. Dirty White Boys was my first taste of the author. Based in my hometown around events i was familiar with. SE Oklahoma and SW Arkansas in all their violent redneck glory.
The Bob Lee Swagger novels are addictive. Dirty White Boys was my first taste of the author. Based in my hometown around events i was familiar with. SE Oklahoma and SW Arkansas in all their violent redneck glory.
October 22, 2025
remarkable story by a unique remarkable man
Stephen hunter is a phenomenon
This brief essay is stunningly honest and a great lesson for would be writers. I love the swagger family and am delighted that hunter has dedicated so much of his life to their storied
Stephen hunter is a phenomenon
This brief essay is stunningly honest and a great lesson for would be writers. I love the swagger family and am delighted that hunter has dedicated so much of his life to their storied
May 18, 2022
Great exposé of a great character
Interesting read about the creation of an iconic hero from some of the best fiction ever - Bob Lee forever!!!
Interesting read about the creation of an iconic hero from some of the best fiction ever - Bob Lee forever!!!
October 14, 2022
Fun to see where Bob Lee came from and how his character was developed. Also a great but short insight into the writing life.
February 7, 2023
Illuminating
Hunter gives a brief backstory on how Bob Lee and Earl came to be, with a bonus Ty Cobb reference. The recurring Tompson subgun theme becomes more clear as well.
Hunter gives a brief backstory on how Bob Lee and Earl came to be, with a bonus Ty Cobb reference. The recurring Tompson subgun theme becomes more clear as well.
August 13, 2023
Boring!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews