The unlikely hero's journey into his father's past proves fertile ground in the latest Jack Reacher novel. A fast, intense read that will have you biting your nails and wondering just how these distant-seeming plots intersect...until, at last they do, in a wildly unsettling (and widely entertaining) finale. I've only read a couple of the previous Reacher novels, but that didn't lessen my enjoyment. Lee sets you smack down in the middle of the story but draws the character anew for readers who aren't yet familiar with his considerable charms, or his unique set of--shall we say--skills. Don't miss this one!

Book Reviews - "Past Tense" eBook was published in 2018 and was written by Lee Child (https://www.leechild.com). Mr. Child has published 23 novels, all in his 'Jack Reacher' series. This is the latest novel in this series. 

I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in rural New Hampshire. As expected, the primary character is former Military Policeman Jack Reacher. 

Reacher has just started a cross-country trip from Maine towards San Diego. He takes what he thinks will be a short side trip to investigate his heritage in Laconia, New Hampshire. The investigation into his past takes longer than he expects and before long he has run into trouble from a couple of local sources. He is somewhat surprised that his past is not what he had expected it to be. 

While Reacher is trying to find his roots, not far away a young Canadian couple find themselves being held prisoner. Before long they discover that their very future is at risk in an unexpected way. As the novel draws towards a close, Reacher becomes intertwined with the fate of the young couple.  

I enjoyed the 9+ hours I spent reading this 400-page thriller. I have read a couple other 'Jack Reacher' novels and like the character. The plot in this novel is a bit lower key than the others I have read but still provides an entertaining read. I do not like the cover art chosen for this novel. I give this novel a 4.4  out of 5.

Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/. 

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).

This book started out slow and confusing for me. The paced picked up and I found it hard to put down. I really enjoyed it and think all Reacher fans will

All kinds of heroes

Multiple mysteries, multiple heroes wind through this action adventure novel that reads so clearly that it feels like I could walk up the street and find myself at a rather dangerous motel. It was a fast, intense read that I didn’t want to set down. Jack Reacher is on a walk across much of America when he decides to make a stop to follow up on some family history. Barely into his sojourn, he takes the fork in the road less traveled and heads for his Dad’s hometown. Meanwhile, a couple out for a new start find themselves stranded and check into the creepy hotel and find themselves in a plot that is very familiar until it isn’t. The two plots are almost entirely separate from one another, having only a few character mentions cross over, until almost to the very end of the book. But that’s all to the good, because the secondary story ends up building steam all along the way.

I’ve never read a Reacher novel or in fact any Lee Child novel before Past Tense, so I really didn’t know what to expect. While I knew people didn’t think Tom Cruise fit the physical criteria for the part, I found the Reacher movies good action flicks. So, I came into this novel quite the newbie and was pleasantly surprised to find it stood alone quite well. That was great, since I didn’t really know any backstory. The character of Reacher, his dogged determination, honor, and quest for justice was still there, but of course, there was an entirely new mystery – make that mysteries. Reacher discovers that following his father’s history is more complicated than he planned, he might do well playing Cupid, and lost city folks aren’t always totally helpless.

I had fun with this entire book even though there were a few dropped plot points. I’m glad to discover the “real” Reacher, really enjoyed the strong, smart co-heroine, Patty, and her sidekick, Shorty, and loved the twists that were thrown in along the way, not to mention the humorous moments. I really got a kick out of the treasure certain people had been carrying around, although I did find the bad guys at the motel to be infinitely creepy. I’ll definitely be reading more Jack Reacher novels. Quite a fun romp, as there’s nothing better than seeing bad guys get their comeuppance. And for once, the city slickers aren’t quite as helpless as they usual are.

I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the publisher through NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

Jack Reacher is in New Hampshire supposedly thumbing his way to San Diego. Tourist season is over, leaf-peepers are gone and snow is not arriving for some time. So everything is quiet in this bucolic backwater. But Jack Reacher realizes he is in the area where his Dad grew up. Perhaps its time to explore some family roots in Lanconia. As always, Jack has a binary choice. Does he go into town on this whim or continue on his journey? Of course, Jack decides that the past calls to him.

Meanwhile a somewhat mismatched, young Canadian couple is struggling with a large suitcase and a very recalcitrant vehicle. Their goal is Florida. They too are given a binary choice. Try to go back into town or go towards the rural road offering a motel. They choose the motel.

Both stories mesh up with some dangerous people and rural roughnecks. Lee Child brings them all together in a wild finish. Recommended.

SPOILER ALERT: The story owes much of the surprise plot to a short story that was frequently featured in high school anthologies in the 60s. Having grown up then, it was easy for me to spot where this was going. But most of Child’s younger readers will not foresee this. Child does put his spin on it with modern day technology and more sleazy/unctuous characters. So all in all, a good read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

I usually really enjoy the Jack Reacher books. I felt this one did not measure up. The couple coming from Canada and staying at the motel were portrayed as rather inept at taking care of themselves and yet they managed to do just fine against a group of rich men out for the thrill of the kill. The owners of the hotel had put together a weekend of hunting with bow and arrows with human subjects. The dialogue between the men seemed forced and did not really contribute to what was going on. I realize reality shows are very popular and the more absurd the better. However, the reality show as subject for this book was not entertaining and not worthy of Lee Child's usually creative stories.

I love a new Jack Reacher, and this one certainly didn't disappoint. Fast-paced, full of entertaining set pieces, and humans being hunted for sport-really fun read, and another hit for Mr. Child.

Classic Reacher!
Nothing is more satisfying than turning to a book in a loved series and meeting complete satisfaction

Thank you to NetGalley for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for a review. Here is my review:

Jack Reacher is, as always, going somewhere, but not in any particular hurry to get there. When a driver with whom he has hitched a ride unexpectedly has to turn around and lets Jack out on a backroad in New Hampshire, it is no big deal to him. He walks a while and comes to a fork in the road with one sign pointing to Laconia, NH, a town he has heard of all his life but never visited. It is the town his father fled at 17 to join the Marines and never went back. Jack doesn't know if he has relatives, close or distant, there, but he is in no hurry so he decides to find out.
Along the way, he plays matchmaker, saves a woman being threatened by bully, and provides food for every vulture in the state. As usual for Jack, trouble finds him. First, the bully, then another bully who has illegally (or not?) taken over the factory town where his father formerly lived and blocked access (which, of course, doesn't stop Jack!), then the owners of a mysterious hidden motel in the middle of nowhere. Oh yes, and one of these owners is named Reacher!!
Jack finds some answers, including some surprising ones, and saves a couple who have stumbled into more danger than they could ever imagine.
The ONLY problem I have with Lee Child's Jack Reacher novels is that I tend to devour them quickly and it is always too long until the next one!!

There were two story lines and they seemed to be too unconnected. I found the back ground on one developed but then the conclusion dropped while there was minimal background on the other and yet it was the center of the story. There were other elements that seems to stretch credibility and even challenge the previous development of Jack Reacher in other novels. Too many loose ends. The descriptive writing in some sequences was really quite captivating!

Jack Reacher, on a country road deep in the woods, finds his plan to follow the sun from Maine to San Diego sidetracked in the small New Hampshire town of Laconia. It’s the town where his father was born; Jack decides to detour, take a day, and do a bit of exploring, perhaps see the old family home.

While Jack seeks information about his father’s birthplace, a car breaks down on that same isolated country road, stranding two young Canadian travelers headed for New York. With no options, Patty and Shorty, toting a mysterious, heavy suitcase, find their way to an isolated motel. It’s a strange place with no other guests and overly-friendly owners, but they have no transportation and there’s nowhere else for them to stay.

As things become more and more unsettled for the two travelers, Patty and Shorty soon find themselves in unexpected danger. Jack, in search of answers following an unsettling discovery, knows nothing of their danger but he may be their only hope.

Strong characterizations, a plot filled with unexpected twists and turns, and an oh-so-creepy-readers-can-feel-it-in-their-bones motel all combine to build the suspense and ramp the tension up into the stratosphere. Reacher, being Reacher, remains true to form and doggedly seeks answers while the plight of the young couple at the motel morphs into something quite bizarre and evil.

Early on, astute readers will figure out the danger Patty and Shorty face in this twenty-third Jack Reacher tale, but knowing what lies ahead for the duo in no way diminishes the rising tension as their story unfolds. Reacher is in for a few family surprises, but it’s a clever narrative, filled with both questions and intrigue. Readers are in for a thrill ride of an adventure in this unputdownable tale that is a perfect fit for the Jack Reacher canon.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this Advance Reader’s eBook from Random House/Delacorte Press and NetGalley
#PastTense #NetGalley

My first Lee Child's, but certainly not my last. There were some parts that seemed to be repetitive or overly described but it was still an interesting plot.

From a long-time Lee Child fan, a groupie for Jack Reacher, an avid mystery/thriller reader. I was delighted to hear Lee Child speak to an audience of adoring fans in Omaha a few months ago. He gave insight into his writing process. Interestingly, he's a Brit, but his character is set in the US. He never served in the military, but his character is retired Army. I love a good Lee Child story, but this one drags along. Faithful fans will stick with it. I also noted a few Britishisms that are obvious in text but oddly not American words (like Q-tips). A good US English editor should flag these and fix.

A terrific entry in the Reacher canon, this novel is well paced, with a disturbing and interesting set up. The story is satisfying and the bits of back history into Reacher are well balanced with extraordinarily good tension, most of which comes from the terrific sub characters of Patty and Shorty. We care in this book, and the whole novel is both familiar comfort food of Lee Child and really excellent work on its own!

Jack Reacher finds trouble looking for his past. Lee Child blends an interesting endeavor that involves an innocent couple passing by with a tale of Reacher looking for past ties.

I found this book to be typical Jack Teacher.....a page turner. Interesting characters and story line. I read it in two days!

Past Tense was absolutely fantastic! Everything you would expect from a Reacher novel and more. Loved the split story lines and how they converged.

Nice to learn a bit more about Reachers past as well.

Can not say enough about this book. Buy it, read it. You won’t be disappointed. Trust me.

I've been a fan of Lee Child's Jack Reacher novels since the beginning, when Reacher was a fresh, intriguing character and the plotting had real drive. I'm afraid I must be a bit harsh, and I hope Mr. Child, whom I admire, and any fans who like this book will forgive me: Like a number of Lee Child's more recent books, "Past Tense" seems to me to be formulaic and flimsy—basically, stretches of little happening punctuated with action scenes in which Reacher beats up some bad guys. The plot line about his father had promise but was resolved off-handedly, and the central plot features, once again, small-town/rural yokels involved in yet another nefarious or perverse conspiracy. Without giving away spoilers, this storyline would've been more fun as a standalone book about two hapless characters in over their heads, without Reacher's involvement. I'm hoping that Child's next effort brings out the energy and originality of his better books.

Unique and inventive!! Great story!
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Being that I’m coming in fresh on a long running series, I had a little bit to learn about Jack Reacher. What I have gathered here is that he is one person you do not want on the wrong side of you.

With a history of military and military police, Jack finds himself in a predicament as he begins his journey from Maine to San Diego. I love his theoretical mind and how he’s able to think his way out of problems and issues. Almost like foreseeing the future.

I also love that he’s not a young kid trying to figure things out. He’s middle-aged and has a few miles behind him. A big guy; smart, yet soft spoken in many ways. A very likable guy.

This thriller starts off in an placid way. We get bits and pieces of multiple story lines stemming from the fact that Jack stumbled upon an area where he knew his family lived 75 years ago. But the research showed that to be untrue. His father and grandfather were not found in the census records.

That starts a journey that takes the story in multiple directions and intertwining throughout the other story lines throughout the book. With each page you turn, you can just feel notching up, the key up in the story; knowing that something is going to happen but not sure what.

In a few places I got a sense of what could be happening. And then in other areas I was confused. I had no idea what the author was thinking. Then a shocking revelation that brought the story to a new height.

I have to say I love the way this author writes his story. Short, concise sentences along with small sections within longer chapters make the story interesting and flow easily. You get the sense of urgency and trepidation; that heightened interest within the thrill of the story.

Past Tense is loaded with chills and thrills, action, twists, inventive plots, and a shocking revelation that might make you sick to your stomach. And it is so worth the read! I was captured with Child’s ability to write with huge impact and attention to minute detail.

While I was a virgin in the Lee Child collection of the Jack Reacher series, I can let you know right now this is not my last book by this author. Past Tense was everything I hoped for in a fabulous thriller and so much more! Looking forward to my Reacher series journey!

Every time I hear that a new Jack Reacher book is on the way, I can’t wait to read it! I have read every one and have to admit this one was a disappointment. I’m sure it’s difficult to continue figuring out new plots for Jack but this time, some of the story could have been condensed considerably - namely, Jack taking a side to trip to Laconia to dig into his family historywhere his Dad grew up. While that is happening, two characters named Shorty and Patty experience a breakdown with their car and end up at a very creepy motel that isn’t at all what it seems. As I read, I knew that, in some way, these two story lines would come together but it seemed to take such a long time. The chapters alternate back and forth from one storyline to the other and it felt so choppy at times. I certainly continued to the end because I had to find out the conclusion - after all, this IS Jack Reacher! I was glad to have the opportunity to read this book from Ravell through Netgalley.