Having read all previous Jack Reacher books I was looking forward to this one with great anticipation. But, arrived with disapointment. The story was slow to develop. The was no explanation why Reacher is in New England at the start of this adventure. The personality of Reacher seems to be changing as he gets older. In 'Past Tense' he has no hesitation in killing the bad guys where in the past he at least made the effort to teach them a lesson first. I hope this is just an aberation in the timeline of Jack Reacher by Lee Child.

At 1 minute past 3 in the morning, an unexplained sound awaken both Reacher and Patty.
This phenomena occurred to both of them over several days to Reacher in Laconia and to Patty in Ryantown. These unusual occurrences and answers to the reader’s other questions e.g. why there are no Reachers in the old US Laconia census and what is in Patty’s and Shorty’s suitcase that is so life changing and what is happening at their motel. Keeps one reading and wanting to get to the end of the book.

Having read all the Reacher books and many of them multiple times, it's always a thrill for me to dive into the newest one. Reacher is pushing 60 at this point and Child's writing style seems to be taking that into account, where we used to have a romantic involvement or two in each book we see that element of the stories fade into the background and in Past Tense we see that not at all. In past books Reacher and Det. Amos may have had a fling, but now Reacher seems to be the patronly St. Christopher type protector of weary travellers and the disabused. Much like Harry Bosch, another favorite of mine, age starts to play a role in the story, it has to right? But that certainly doesn't mean that the Reacher we've all come to know has completely changed, the body count is still fairly high and while Past Tense takes a while to really get rolling, the build up is a slow burn that left me fascinated and primed for the action. To take an element of Reacher's life (his father and ancestry) that we've only pieced together throughout the arc of the series and really put it under a microscope was something that I really enjoyed. This entry into the series is a worthy addition and I was glad to get a new "present day" story. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this title.

Past Tense by Lee Child is another interesting and exciting adventure story featuring Jack Reacher. This one seemed more personal since he was trying to find the town where his father lived. The stories rarely mention his parents and might refer to other family members or past friends. For the most part Reacher is a loner going from . town to town carrying very little and either walking or hitching a ride. I think I know him very well since I've read and enjoyed each book Lee Child has written. I hope someday to read a book that has flashbacks to his earlier years. Happy reading evreyone!

Lee Child just keeps on giving good books. Jack Reacher is my favorite character. He makes this series unputdownable.

Another hit by Lee Child! I did feel it started a little slow but definitely a great ending - everyone should read the Jack Reacher series!!

Jack Reacher is heading for warmer climes. Winter is coming and he would much rather spend winter in San Diego than Maine. He hits the road with his thumb out and decides to take a detour to Laconia NH, the supposed home of his family. Both of his parents are dead, but he remembers his father talking about Laconia; apparently his father was the foreman of a tin mill in Ryantown, which fell off the map during the Depression. Reacher, being Reacher, cannot stay away from a rich young man harassing a cocktail waitress outside his hotel at 3:00 AM and beats him to a pulp. Turns out the young man has Boston mob connections and the local PD is not happy about it, warning Reacher to leave town ASAP. Except Reacher wants to finish his trip into genealogy. Meanwhile, a trio of young men have kidnapped a young couple heading to New York from Canada. For a long time, the reader is held in suspense as to what will happen to these young people. But as Reacher explores his roots and the nefarious plans for the couple come to light, both story lines will collide in a deafening impact. The set-up was a little tedious, but once the action started, it was non-stop. An interesting look into Reacher's youth, with some explosive revelations.

Jack Reacher returns doing what he does best - walking around the country and seeing an injustice, he must act. Past Tense has two mysteries that ensure Reacher on his search for his father's past - a past that doesn't ring true. As always, Reacher remains calm and purposeful but determined to do what he needs to do - despite the risks and despite what he might find out about his father.

Love the Jack Reacher books! Lee Child always writes a compelling story. Literally lost sleep on this one, but it was so worth it.

Reacher (and his toothbrush) are heading to San Diego, but a side trip to Laconia, New Hampshire to research his family history turns out to be not quite what he expected. A fast-paced, total page-turner in this series. Highly recommend.