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.