Lee, who has written 12 novels over his career, is renowned for his compelling plots and mesmerising characters and has already had Hollywood knocking on his door.

Tom Cruise's production company has bought movie rights to his books and his 12th novel, Nothing to Lose, went to number one in the New York Times hardback fiction list this month. It is the culmination of a breakthrough year in which he has also had the number one paperback in America and topped both charts in Britain.

Lee, 53, who studied law at the University of Sheffield, is the creator of one of the most memorable crime fiction characters of all time, Jack Reacher. Reacher, a 6ft 5in tall and 220 pounds ex army major, is an unattached loner.

In Lee's 12 books Reacher becomes entangled with FBI serial killers, assassins, sadistic kidnappers and professional killers to mention a few – a character certainly capable of rivalling Bourne or Bond on the big screen.

Lee's professorship will mean that staff, students and members of the local community will get to learn more about Lee, his work and just how he became a best-selling author around the world. During his first visit to the University in November, Lee will hold writing workshops for students in the School of English Literature, Language, and Linguistics, take part in a question and answer session as part of the Off the Shelf Festival and will be a guest at a book club due to be formed at the University.

With fond memories of Sheffield Lee is keen to return to the city. He met his wife Jane whilst studying at the University and his brother, who is also a writer, still lives in the city.

Lee said:

"I took up the Visiting Professorship because I was very flattered to be asked, and because I wanted to show today's students that anyone can succeed eventually. It took me a bit of time to get where I am today, but once I had found my niche, something I am passionate about, everything else just seemed to fall into place."

He added:

"I'm really looking forward to visiting the University in November. It will be an opportunity to engage with staff, students and members of the local community, as well a chance to visit some of my old haunts from my university days. I feel like I never really left Sheffield though. I have relatives in the city and whenever I visit I was always feel at home."

Professor Dominic Shellard, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for External Affairs at the University of Sheffield, said:

"The appointment of Lee as a Visiting Professor not only recognises his extraordinary literary talent, but also celebrates his excellence and distinctiveness as a Sheffield graduate.

"We are delighted that Lee is so fond of both the University and the city and that he is so enthusiastic about sharing his skills and knowledge with our students, staff and members of the local community. He is a modest, charming and inspirational character who we are proud to welcome back to Sheffield."