Past Tense passed the quick-read test, with typical Jack Reacher’s deductive abilities leading/coaxing the reader to logical conclusions. It felt more “bloodless” than other titles in the series, but it was still enjoyable.

I have read every Jack Reacher novel.Though not great literature,each one is unique.The character is an ex-army morning who wanders the country and finds adventures in various locations.Here he stumbles on his dad’s birthplace.Reacher is like Bruce Willis’ John McClain from Die Hard;he stumbles into trouble,and he is not averse to stepping in!You do not want to mess with him;he is a big guy: over six foot five, 250lbs.                                                                                                           Lee Child is an excellent writer.He keeps the story interesting while adding plot twists.His stories are easy to follow and never boring.A good read!

“Past Tense” (A Jack Reacher novel) by Lee Child

He is on his way from Maine to San Diego. Winter is coming. He’s ready to move on and why not head someplace warm? Too many military people around there, but that can be dealt with then. 

But on his way, Jack Reacher, decides to take a short pit stop...to the area where his father was born and raised. Of course, Reacher’s “short” journeys never go quite as planned. 

While he does get the familial information little by little, he makes a few enemies on the way, and of course rescues a few people along the way. 

With another ex-MP, a preacher, two city workers, two older gentleman and a few others here and there, “Past Tense,” is another exhilarating Jack Reacher read. How Lee Child is able to keep this series new and different and enthralling is an amazing feat. I am already looking forward to the next one!!

Rating: 4.8
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this novel. All thought and opinions are my own.

Lee Child never disappoints.  I read this book so fast I am going to re-read because I could not stand to wait to see what happens.  It stars two young kids with a fat mysterious suitcase and a broken down car and the need of a cheap motel for the night in the middle of no where two miles down a long road.  At the same time Jack decides to visit the old homeplace of his dad in his early youth in a facility that is now closed and has no trespassing signs by new owners.  As usual Jack manages to ruffle a few feathers.  He goes to the courthouse and can't find his dad on the censes for two different periods so he digs deeper.  The hotel is a death sentence for the two kids until Jack shows up.  As always an entertaining read.

If you like the series, you will like the book. It is your average airline book with a mildly engaging plot and cardboard characters but fun if you do not think too hard about it.

If you're looking for action/adventure, Jack Reacher's the guy for you. To me,  Lee Child's new 'Past Tense," is a little different from his earlier books, though.  Jack Reacher has always been a fighter, mainly because he gets in situations that call for it.  In this book, he seemed a little more distant to the reader and even though he fights for the right, seems a touch more heartless.

All that aside, I read half of the book in one sitting.  I love the way Lee Child writes.  He describes surroundings so well that you feel you're there.  I could just smell the New Hampshire air and see the beautiful backwoods.  There are really two stories; one is personal to Reacher and the other he stumbles upon.  You kind of figure out what's happening in the second story before it's revealed, but the story is told well and it's enjoyable.

I read 'Past Tense' quickly and enjoyed every page.  I look forward to seeing where Jack Reacher's next adventure takes him!

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

This is the 22nd Jack Reacher novel, and this one doesn't disappoint. Reacher novels all pretty much have the same structure and story line:  Reacher hitchhikes; he investigates a problem that is of only minor interest to the reader, but of major interest to Reacher;  he runs afowl of some nasty characters who he beats up; then his investigation leads to saving the day with some tangentially related characters.  In the end, Reacher resumes hitchhiking.

Still, despite the hackneyed plot structure, "Past Tense" remains an interesting and compelling read.  You can't publish a boring book 22 times; in this one Reacher is searching for information about his father in New Hampshire (on the way from Maine to San Diego) and runs across a criminal conspiracy involving hunters of human beings.  I won't say more, except that the story is captivating and interesting in only the way a Jack Reacher novel can be.  Highly recommended.  5/5 Stars.  Read this and other reviews of upcoming novels at bookgeist.blogspot.com.

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

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC I received in exchange for a fair and honest review. That being said, Lee Child did a wonderful job with the twenty-third novel in the Jack Reacher series. As Reacher continues to wander the United States, he finds himself near the town his father grew up and decides to check it out. His father has been dead thirty years, and while Reacher is far from sentimental, he figures stopping for a few days won't hurt anything, so why not? As with all things Reacher, nothing is as simple as it seems. Including the past his father, a man of few words, relayed to his boys while they were growing up. Reacher finds himself in the middle of a mystery, discovers a darker side to his family history, and of course gets in a scuffle or two. Lee Child's story of Reacher's discoveries parallel a much more insidious story line. One that keeps the pages turning and further builds the Reacher mystique. Lee Child has once again delivered an entertaining, powerful story about one of our favorite vigilantes. Well done!

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 at Jack's best. I've been following the Jack Reacher series for years.  I gotta admit it, when I think of Jack Reacher, I envision Tom Cruise.

This book provides more of Jack's back story and gives some insights into what makes Jack be Jack. The Shorty and Patty story made me very uncomfortable--in a very visceral way. I skimmed through those parts because I was nervous about what was to come and that's really good writing. 

I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy thriller/spy/crime fiction genre.

 I read this book in a weekend and I read it that quickly because I couldn't put it down. Lee Child is a great story teller. I'll keep reading.

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