This review for Past Tense by Lee Child was provided for me by Penguin Random House via Netgalley. This is the twenty-fourth Jack Reacher novel. Most of the Reacher books read like a summer blockbuster, a lot of action at a very fast pace. Jack Reacher Himself is an enigmatic problem solver the blows in where ever the wind takes him. Past Tense should follow that basic formula, but for some reason doesn't or at least doesn't execute it very well. ]For the first half of the book the book switches points of view between Reacher doing family history research and a couple stranded in a Bates motel situation. During that first have brief glimpses of action take place showing the reader what could have been, but mostly it crawls on at a snails pace. Child's masterful descriptive writing is evident through out. It isn't until the beginning of chapter twenty-One that the books picks up to a true Reacher style pace. Once it does Past Tense does Become the rollercoaster thriller that we have become accustomed to. However, I think that getting to chapter twenty one is a hard ask for most readers with much faster means of entertainment at our fingertips. Past Tense is only a three out of five star read due to its average nature. If you have read them all than Past Tense is next on the list. I for one hope Reacher returns to summer blockbuster form in the next installment.

Two Canadians are heading to a new life in Florida. They get stranded in rural New England and find out they have been made the prey in a horrific game. Jack Reacher, in the process of making his way to San Diego, gets hung up in the same general area due to some old family history. As the story progresses, the reader is likely to be unsurprised much of the time but will still wonder exactly how upcoming events will unfold.

The mystery keeps getting deeper as you read and the twists keep coming. Interesting glimpse into Reacher's relatives.

Jack Reacher begins hitchhiking across the country but doesn't get far when he happens upon the small town where his father was raised, or so he was told. He decides to stay a few days and learn about his dad's history. It doesn't turn out as simple as he thought it would be.
A young Canadian couple is driving along a rural road when they have car trouble. The only sign for miles is for a motel. They go to the hotel hoping to get help, but didn't get what they were expecting.
No spoilers here, but it was a great read! This was my first Jack Reacher book, but it won't be my last!

Published by Delacorte Press on November 5, 2018

The fact that a new Reacher novel is published the day before an election is no excuse to stay home on Election Day. Get out and vote, then spend the rest of the day reading.

How often do thriller writers have fresh ideas? Not often enough. To his credit, Lee Child managed to invent something new in Past Tense. The main plot isn’t entirely original in concept, but the execution is unique. By the time the concept is revealed, the reader is hooked.

A relatively young man and woman from Canada are driving their Civic through New Hampshire when the car begins to overheat. They can’t abandon the car because they are carrying a heavy suitcase, the contents of which are a mystery. They’re on one of those tree-lined roads for which New Hampshire is famous, far from civilization, when they see a sign for a motel. Their car limps down a side road, where one of the motel owners fiddles with the car, then sets them up in room 10.

The next morning, the car won’t start at all. It will be another day before a mechanic can arrive. By that time, the couple have their doubts about the legitimacy of the motel and its owner. Their doubts are validated when they find themselves locked in room 10, their every word and action recorded on hidden microphones and cameras, as carefully selected guests begin to arrive in anticipation of . . . well, they know what will happen to the couple, but the reader doesn’t.

Meanwhile, Reacher is hitchhiking when he finds himself near the small New Hampshire town where his father was born. He decides to take a look. Being Reacher, it takes only a day before he has been in two fights and made two deadly enemies, one with ties to serious criminals in Boston. The town’s chief of police would like Reacher to leave before thugs descend on the town, spewing collateral damage in all directions. Reacher would like to oblige, but his investigation has triggered evidence that his father’s history is not what he expected it to be. Curiosity overcomes safety, so Reacher stays near the town, which is near the mysterious motel.

The motel storyline builds tension at a deliberate pace. Child weaves Reacher’s scenes into the story to add interludes of action, because Reacher is never in a scene for long before a jaw gets broken. Thus action and suspense are blended with skill so that neither the suspense nor the action become dull. The mystery surrounding Reacher’s father gives the story another dimension.

Reacher is one of the best thriller protagonists, not because he has the extraordinary fighting abilities that are standard issue for thriller heroes, but because he combines those abilities with close observation and deduction. He’s the Sherlock Holmes of thriller protagonists. If Sherlock had beaten villains to a pulp, he would have been the first Reacher. He also makes clever conversation without trying to be clever. It’s hard not to like Reacher.

But I liked Past Tense not just because Reacher is Reacher, but because Child allowed other characters to have their moments of glory. This isn’t a story of Reacher saving helpless victims, although he certainly plays that role. The victims, however, are resourceful and far form helpless. Child makes it possible for the reader to cheer for multiple characters, even for a few who are living normal, sedate, small town lives, simply because they are good, helpful people who aren’t filled with hate or anger. He even tosses in an understated love story to make readers feel good about the world, in between all the scenes of people getting maimed and killed. In the end, it’s all very satisfying, and one of Lee Child’s best Reacher novels.

RECOMMENDED

Loved this book. I have never read this author before but definitely will read more of his works. I had no clue there were other Jack Reacher novels available! It works well as a stand alone book. The jacket cover gives adequate detail to content. Characters are intriguing and their thought processes and conversations are easy to follow. I found this a quick, easy read. I can see this as a movie with Tom Selleck as the main character, Jack Reacher, as his description and mannerisms reminded me of the Hallmark Jesse Stone series.
I read this book as a complimentary copy from the publisher via Net Galley.The opinion expressed is my own. Thank you for allowing me to preview this book.

The last few Jack Reacher books seemed a little flat to me but Lee Child hit it out of the park with this latest installment. Book #23 finds Reacher heading from Maine to San Diego but he doesn’t make it far. His hitchhiking brings him to a classic Y intersection. The left road leads to Portsmouth, NH and the right to a town Reacher knows. Laconia, NH, is the town his father Stan was from but Reacher had never been there nor met any of his relatives, so he heads that way. Of course, Jack Reacher being who he is, we know there will be trouble and bloodshed soon in Laconia, and here Lee Child does not disappoint. This book gives us a look into Reacher’s history, and Reacher, the enigmatic loner, shows a bit more of a human side than usual with his interest in his past and concern for others. It kept me wondering how the two parts of the book were related and how it would all be resolved. I liked seeing the humanity in Reacher. I liked seeing how the “back of his mind” and the front worked together to defeat the bad guys. There were several other surprisingly strong characters in this book, especially Patty and Shorty who developed as the story went along and surprised me. I really enjoyed this book and would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review it. Mr. Child, I look forward to the next installment.

This is the second Jack Reacher book I've read (I started with #22 [book:The Midnight Line|33378951], which I also really enjoyed). I thought it was just great. Idk if it's a feature of the series to have two intertwining plot lines (prob not going back to find out, tbh, I do have my limits), but that is always one of my favorite literary devices, especially in a thriller, where it allows for multiple mini-cliffhangers. Both plots were interesting, suspenseful and well laid out, although I was disappointed to see Jack doing his genealogical research at the town clerk's office and not the library (note to author: librarians buy way more copies of your books than town clerks do). Jack himself seems less a character than a force of nature, implacable, obdurate, laconic and relentless. O ye lesser villains, why do you even bother submitting yourself to being swatted like so many flies, in such entertaining and endlessly inventive ways? Meanwhile, Patty and Shorty, the hapless hero and heroine of storyline 2, are pretty darn charming. Patty's clever, resourceful and downright plucky persistence makes the challenges the duo face as enjoyable as they are creepy, and you will be rooting for her all the way. Again, I was surprised at the poetic and lyrical way the author creates a physical and emotional world that draws you in, and makes the mythic character of Reacher relatable and realistic (okay, mostly). I appreciate having been able to read an e-ARC of this title, courtesy of publisher Delacorte Press, via Netgalley.

As always Lee Childs keeps you enthralled from the first line to the end of the book. Character development is great and plot/story line holds your interest so you are waiting to see what happens next.

When you come to a crossroads, should you really go the road less travelled? I am thinking a few people in this story may not think so! This is the second LC book that I have read and it is good! I love the writing style and how it is as though I am in the story talking to Jack. Whether you like the action, the intelligence/analysis aspect, the intrigue, the military, the wanderer, etc., I think you should check this story out! As I mentioned I have only read two of the Jack Reacher stories and I do not feel that I was missing any background that was necessary for this story.

There is a balance of common sense, street smarts and analytical thinking that is present in the story that I appreciate. There is one part where he is explaining his concerns and discussing how the front part of his head versus the back part or what I consider the “gut” feeling says. This story kept me captivated as well because there is more than one story going on from the beginning and I felt I knew how they would intersect, and I was partially correct, but I also enjoyed how the two stories also stayed separate. Jack has a very interesting family background and view which is a theme that is appears in this story with several different interactions and discoveries.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lee Child and Delacorte Press for the chance to read this book and share my opinions!

Another great Jack Reacher novel. These novels just get better and better. This is my go-to series to read over and over again!

Once again when I think that this series is finally going to get old it does not disappoint. Reacher is in Maine and when is dropped off by a man giving him a ride he finds a name of a town that jars a memory from his past. His father said he was from this town, but as you get further into the story you find more secrets about his father and from an incident in the 40’s during the war. Wondering about all of this continues to push him to find out what the truth is. Meanwhile the other part of the book has a couple from Canada, Patty and Shorty. They get stuck in a remote town, but really a motel. They don’t know that they have fallen into a trap until it is too late. Eventually Reacher crosses paths with the two of them during their ordeal and he helps them to be on their way, but the action before that with the two of them is very good. Along with Reacher who once again goes back to the town he has been told not to go too. He is still searching for answers, and they help in a way describe the character he has become. Another excellent book in this series and very much a must read.

A different, more mellow and reserved Reacher book. Not a bad thing and it might attract more fans as a result but those that follow the series will need to warm up to it a bit.

Jack Reacher is doing his normal road trip when he sees a sign for the town his father was from. He decides to check it out … what’s one day? At the same time a Canadian couple’s car breaks down and they find themselves at an out of the way motel. The owners are friendly, but it isn’t like they had a choice. As Jack researches his family in the city clerk’s office he discovers that no one named Reacher has lived in the town. He knew his father left to join the Marines, but now he wonders why his father left in the first place. What will Reacher discover about his family? Will the Canadians survive their stay at the motel?

Past Tense is the twenty-third book in the Jack Reacher series. It is hard to believe that Child has been writing stories about Reacher for over 12 years, yet the adventure is still amazing! Readers will be pleasantly surprised with the new information about Jack’s past, even as he learns some painful truths. The story is fast paced and there are a few fights, but overall the story itself is complex and worth the wait for the newest book. Past Tense is a definite read for all Jack Reacher fans.

I’ve always been curious about the character of Jack Reacher, but this is the first time I’ve read a book in the series. Jack is such a complex character and very fascinating. On a cross country trip, he sees a sign for the town his father grew up in. Out of curiosity he decides to stop by and see what he can find out. Finding records of his family develops to be more difficult than he anticipates. In another part of the town, two young Canadians are stuck when their car dies. They find a motel that seems to get odder by the hour. This is a fascinating book with great characters. It has convinced me to read the entire series to learn how Reacher’s character has developed throughout the series.

Have also reviewed this book under the name IrishEyes430 at Kobo and B&N

Book Review: Past Tense (Jack Reacher #23) by Lee Child

Electrifying fresh adaptation of a classic plot along the lines of "The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell" and several other variations of the story, with action, heroism, deceit, twists and turns in abundance typical of a Jack Reacher novel, as he thumbs for a ride through his adventures.

Of significance to the entire Jack Reacher series is the revelation of the protagonist's mysterious roots in small town, New England, pieced quite creatively in unexpected but inevitable fashion with the plot: vicious killers on the hunt for the ultimate prized trophy - hapless human prey. Does the easy-going, unarmed rover save the day?

The master writer's easy-to-read style delivered in short rapid sentences, well-paced transitions from scene to scene keeps the reader engrossed through the finale.

Review based on an advance reading copy presented by NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell, and Delacorte Press.

Past Tense was another phenomenal installment in the never-ending Jack Reacher series.

Jack Reacher is planning his annual trek to warmer weather when he gets distracted by a name on a sign pointing towards his father's hometown. He figures he'll spend a day or two looking into his father's past and be on his way. At the same time, twenty miles away, Patty and Shorty end up stuck at a motel when their car breaks down on the way from Canada to NYC. Everything seems fine until it becomes clear the owners don't want to let them leave. As Reacher and the Canadians' paths begin to merge, dark secrets are uncovered leaving everyone in jeopardy.

The two plot lines in this book of Reacher and the Canadians are interesting in their own respects with a perfect balance between the two. I never found myself bored by either one of the plots and the author switches between the two at the perfect moment every time. Eventually the author does a fantastic job converging the two story lines about two-thirds of the way into the book which wonderfully sets up the action driven finale.

In Reacher's part of the story, he's researching his father and ends up hitting a few roadblocks along the way. I found myself interested in learning more about Reacher's father as he's not really mentioned much throughout the series. In typical Reacher fashion, Reacher ends up upsetting some locals and finds himself in a few scrapes throughout the story which provided some entertainment. As to Patty and Shorty's story, I have to admit I didn't expect the path the story ended up taking but after finishing the book I can see the hints the author left about what was going to happen. It's definitely a surprising story line and something I can honestly say I've never read before.

Past Tense perfectly fits with the rest of the series and I find myself already impatient for Reacher's next adventure. I definitely recommend this book for fans of the series, new and old, as I think there's something in here for everyone to enjoy.

I loved Past Tense, this is the first Jack Reacher novel I read. It was a gripping read that had me mesmerized right from the beginning. Jack Reacher is a complicated character that takes matters into his own hands. Ex Army guy and Military Cop Jack has no fear. This story was so compelling it had my nerves on end. I'm looking forward to starting from the beginning with this series. I think Lee Child will become one of my favorite Authors.

I give Past Tense 5 stars for its gripping read.
I would recommend this book to fans of suspense.

Lee Child has been one of my favorite writer and Jack Reacher a favorite character for a long time. The last few books have been too much of the same and this one continues that trend. Go in at your own risk.

A novel by Lee Child (Jack Reacher Series 23)

Jack Reacher is leaving Maine and headed for San Diego, California; summer is winding down. Thumb out and lucky at first, Jack makes it into New Hampshire before his first ride peters out. Once again afoot and deep in the backcountry, he opts to make for Laconia, because it was his late father’s birthplace. Following an almost perfect night of rest in bed and breakfast, interrupted only once at 3 AM by a sound detected by Jack’s preternatural hearing, he sets off chasing his genealogical roots. The task turns out to be harder than expected. His first problem is that his dad, Stan Reacher, was not a resident of Laconia but a small place called Ryantown that no longer appears on current maps. The second difficulty, finding where Ryantown was, inconveniently, means chasing down details at county offices, not city offices, and a deal more running around. The extra time requires another night’s stay in another B & B. Again Jack’s acute hearing awakens him at 3 AM. Dressing quickly, he slips out into the night; ears aquiver. Sounds of a scuffle draw Jack to a man and a woman in a clinch, which is not as romantic as first glance would indicate. It turns out that the woman is a waitress at a joint the young man's father owns an interest in and that, he thinks, entitles him to sex on demand. The lady fights to free herself and says, "No," which her assailant doesn't appreciate. Jack, being the gent he is, intervenes. The next day local police tell Jack to leave because the muscle head's daddy is wired in tight with the Boston mob and is sure to want revenge. But, you know that Jack is a bit stubborn, right?

The other story, which is to collide with Reacher's interests, involves two hapless Canadians headed for a meeting in New York, New York. There they hope to sell objects of value which they carry in an enormous suitcase. Their names are Shorty Fleck and Patty Sundstrom, and they are a couple of the duller characters you will ever meet in modern fiction. Here is an example. What do you do if your car is overheating? You pull off the road and let the engine cool down, don't you? Then you drive on, especially if you are in a hurry. Stopping to fix the problem, or add water to the radiator makes sense, but driving miles out of your way to do so does not.
Moreover, this whole part of the book is shot through with inconsistencies. Would you start a journey of more than 651 miles in a car known to have problems? I wouldn't. Would a potato farmer like Shorty be as unfamiliar with the workings of machinery as Shorty is? Or as negligent in performing maintenance? I doubt it. Remember folks aren't commercially planting or harvesting them 'taters by hand anymore. Further, it seems improbable that these two poor souls, charitably characterized as slow when first introduced, would suddenly become keen enough later on to challenge the villains who had deceived and imprisoned them.

Anyway, today is the date “Past Tense” hits the shelves in bookstores and what I say is not going to matter to those millions of Lee Childs’ readers.

But, just in case you have an open mind I’d like to encourage you to skip this one. Besides being excessively formulaic, as all the Jack Reacher books are, this one will make you weep over irritating bad guys and the plight of the Canadians.

My thanks to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for making an uncorrected proof of “Past Tense” available for review.