Publication
New York : Delacorte Press, 2018.
Collection
Call number
Fiction C
Physical description
382 p.; 24 cm
Status
Available
Call number
Description
Jack Reacher has extended his thumb and hit the pavement. His plan is to follow the autumn sun on an epic trip across America, from Maine to California. He doesn't get far. On a country road in rural New Hampshire, deep in the New England woods, he sees a sign to a place he has never been: the town where his father was born. He thinks, What's one extra day? and takes the detour. At the same moment, in the same isolated area, a car breaks down. Two young Canadians are trying to drive to New York City to sell a treasure. Now they're stranded at a lonely motel in the middle of nowhere. The owners almost seem too friendly. It's a strange place...but it's all there is. The next morning in the city clerk's office, Reacher asks about the old family home. He's told no one named Reacher ever lived in town. He knows his father left and never returned. Now Reacher wonders, was he ever there in the first place? As Reacher explores his father's life, and strands of different stories begin to merge, he makes a shocking discovery: The present can be tough, but the past can be tense...and deadly.… (more)
Subjects
Series
Genres
User reviews
LibraryThing member Bonnie.Franks
I must make an admission. I have been reading for 50 years and have never read a Lee Child book. Yes, I have seen a few Jack Reacher movies. I can tell you this....the books are better than the movies. I say this because this book is so well-written and so nuanced that it has created a problem for
I couldn't put this book down. If the content weren't enough to keep me reading long after I should have stopped, the writing would be. Jack finds quite an adventure and quite a few unsavory people on his walk. He also finds some nice people, some of them hidden in plain sight. I enjoyed the writing style as well as the situations Jack found himself in. I really don't want to get into particulars, because I want you to experience the book in the way I did....with no expectations. I am giving you one....you will enjoy it!
So grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.
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me. I now have 22 previous Jack Reacher books to catch up on!I couldn't put this book down. If the content weren't enough to keep me reading long after I should have stopped, the writing would be. Jack finds quite an adventure and quite a few unsavory people on his walk. He also finds some nice people, some of them hidden in plain sight. I enjoyed the writing style as well as the situations Jack found himself in. I really don't want to get into particulars, because I want you to experience the book in the way I did....with no expectations. I am giving you one....you will enjoy it!
So grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.
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LibraryThing member Tatoosh
In the typical Jack Reacher novel by Lee Child, Reacher typically comes into contact with the villain or becomes aware of the work of the villain rather early. This book breaks that mold and suffers somewhat as a consequence. The plot consists of two stories that take place some thirty miles apart.
The story focusing on Patty, Shorty, and their apparent imprisonment in a motel is rather uninteresting and takes far too long to develop. It turns out to be essential only at the end when Reacher arrives on the scene. Readers are not told why the couple has been imprisoned, apparently in an attempt to create a sense of mystery. Unfortunately, the reason is pretty easy to guess. My guess is that they had been selected to be human prey for sociopathic hunters looking for a thrill, a story already told in the movie 1993 Hard Target. The other alternative, although one that seemed less likely to me, was that they would be sold as slaves.
A standard scene in every Reacher novel is the fight between Reacher and a gang typically consisting of five men. The story line is so thin in “Past Tense” that Child engaged Reacher in five fights in the first half of the book. Then the final climax involves ten villains, although in fairness Patty and Shorty provide a lot of help.
Child describes the movements of Reacher, Patty, Shorty, and one of the villains in step by step detail during the climactic fight. The result creates a slight sense of tension but also makes what should be a thrilling climax feel somewhat padded or drawn out.
Readers typically have to wait a full year for another Reacher novel. Faithful readers of this series are likely to be disappointed, as it is below par.
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Reacher is unaware of the events occurring thirty moles north of Laconia, NH, where he is searching for information about the place where his father grew up. The primary characters in the second story are largely unaware of Reacher, although they did receive a phone call telling them that a guy named Reacher was in Laconia “checking out his family history.” The two story arcs merge only at the climax, and then only because Reacher is searching for a motel where he can spend the night.The story focusing on Patty, Shorty, and their apparent imprisonment in a motel is rather uninteresting and takes far too long to develop. It turns out to be essential only at the end when Reacher arrives on the scene. Readers are not told why the couple has been imprisoned, apparently in an attempt to create a sense of mystery. Unfortunately, the reason is pretty easy to guess. My guess is that they had been selected to be human prey for sociopathic hunters looking for a thrill, a story already told in the movie 1993 Hard Target. The other alternative, although one that seemed less likely to me, was that they would be sold as slaves.
A standard scene in every Reacher novel is the fight between Reacher and a gang typically consisting of five men. The story line is so thin in “Past Tense” that Child engaged Reacher in five fights in the first half of the book. Then the final climax involves ten villains, although in fairness Patty and Shorty provide a lot of help.
Child describes the movements of Reacher, Patty, Shorty, and one of the villains in step by step detail during the climactic fight. The result creates a slight sense of tension but also makes what should be a thrilling climax feel somewhat padded or drawn out.
Readers typically have to wait a full year for another Reacher novel. Faithful readers of this series are likely to be disappointed, as it is below par.
Show Less
LibraryThing member norinrad10
By this time I think everybody knows what to expect from a Jack Reacher book. He'll walk into a place he doesn't belong. he'll stumble on some folks committing nefarious deeds, he'll physically punish them, and then move on like a modern-day Shane.
Past Tense doesn't veer too far from the formula
One serious drawback is a sub-plot that is left unresolved despite its major role in advancing the story. That's a little odd because Child is usually too good a writer for that kind of mistake.
All in all, this one will stand alongside the rest of the cannon since the first three books, better than most but not up to the level of the first three books in the series.
Past Tense doesn't veer too far from the formula
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and as a whole is a pretty good read. This time Reacher is in his father's hometown and he discovers some secrets about his past. It's all very interesting though at times the writing gets too clever and veers into too much minutiae. One serious drawback is a sub-plot that is left unresolved despite its major role in advancing the story. That's a little odd because Child is usually too good a writer for that kind of mistake.
All in all, this one will stand alongside the rest of the cannon since the first three books, better than most but not up to the level of the first three books in the series.
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LibraryThing member BillieBook
Reacher digs into his family history, encounters low-level mobsters, and stumbles across a modern twist on The Most Dangerous Game.
I enjoy the Reacher novels, but I'm starting to wonder if it's time to let the man walk off into the sunset. Not that there's been any drop in quality, but there just
I enjoy the Reacher novels, but I'm starting to wonder if it's time to let the man walk off into the sunset. Not that there's been any drop in quality, but there just
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don't seem to be much else that the character can be put through without consequences catching up. I'm having to work harder with each book to suspend my disbelief, but maybe it's just me. Maybe it's time for me to take a break from the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member auntmarge64
One of my guilty pleasures: the ex-MP Jack Reacher suspense series. Here Jack stops off in Laconia, NH, to take a look at the house his father lived in as a young man. Needless to say, there are bad people about that he has to take in hand. Once again much is made of his appearance - very tall,
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very wide, very scary, and with an attitude to match. Sorry, Tom Cruise, but that ain't you! Show Less
LibraryThing member dmclane
Lee Child's Jack Reacher series usually mandates a non stop read, they are fast paced and while sometimes obvious always full of interesting comment about the other characters and conditions that Jack encounters. They are simply enjoyable, requiring some thought but not too much. This story was
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particularly interesting because the author provides background and family information for Jack that has been missing since the start. Some surprises, naturally. Once again, a good story, well written, with interesting characters and a sympathetic protagonist. Try them, other than some graphic violence - always deserved - I think you will like the stories. Show Less
LibraryThing member kalky
I've been a fan of Jack Reacher for years. My parents introduced me to him about when book three came out, and I devoured the books in the series as quickly as Lee Child could write them--as did Mom and Dad. I soon introduced my oldest son to Jack ... my son was a high school student who wanted to
Then Jack and I lost touch for a while, but when I saw NetGalley was offering up a copy of Lee Child's soon-to-be-released book, I had to ask for a copy! And I was rewarded with an ebook of PAST TENSE.
If you read Lee Child's books, you know what to expect. Jack Reacher is wandering through a town, and something keeps him there. The story lines are built on the details surrounding his stay in whatever town he finds himself, and Reacher is always Awesome (with a capital A). PAST TENSE fits the bill perfectly. In this instance, Reacher is investigating something that hits close to home: his father's past. And of course it's not as simple as hitting the public library, sitting at a computer, going on Ancestry.com, and finding out that everything is exactly as it seems. Nope. There are Mysteries. And Secrets. And there's another part to the story in which a couple of nice Canadian twenty-somethings are being kept captive in a motel for nefarious purposes...
All in all, PAST TENSE is exactly what one wants out of a Lee Child/Jack Reacher book. Reacher is Reacher through and through. The mysteries surrounding his dad and the Canadian captives are great. The writing is really good when there's intense action taking place. And although the slower paced moments are not as great, the reader knows that there will likely be some mayhem with just a turn of the page! PAST TENSE isn't my favorite of the Jack Reacher books, but it does its job and is as entertaining as I had hoped.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
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be a US Marine (and has since become one), and he was immediately enthralled. How many authors can have that impact on teens, parents, and grandparents?!Then Jack and I lost touch for a while, but when I saw NetGalley was offering up a copy of Lee Child's soon-to-be-released book, I had to ask for a copy! And I was rewarded with an ebook of PAST TENSE.
If you read Lee Child's books, you know what to expect. Jack Reacher is wandering through a town, and something keeps him there. The story lines are built on the details surrounding his stay in whatever town he finds himself, and Reacher is always Awesome (with a capital A). PAST TENSE fits the bill perfectly. In this instance, Reacher is investigating something that hits close to home: his father's past. And of course it's not as simple as hitting the public library, sitting at a computer, going on Ancestry.com, and finding out that everything is exactly as it seems. Nope. There are Mysteries. And Secrets. And there's another part to the story in which a couple of nice Canadian twenty-somethings are being kept captive in a motel for nefarious purposes...
All in all, PAST TENSE is exactly what one wants out of a Lee Child/Jack Reacher book. Reacher is Reacher through and through. The mysteries surrounding his dad and the Canadian captives are great. The writing is really good when there's intense action taking place. And although the slower paced moments are not as great, the reader knows that there will likely be some mayhem with just a turn of the page! PAST TENSE isn't my favorite of the Jack Reacher books, but it does its job and is as entertaining as I had hoped.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
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LibraryThing member jannid
“Past Tense” by Lee Child is an intense, richly layered thriller that keeps the reader on edge. An outsider comes to town… a young couple’s old car breaks down near an isolated hotel where they meet some not very helpful people… and the locals cops try to prevent trouble by borrowing
The story was easy to fall into, pulling me along for the ride so well that I found myself getting angry when people did something apparently stupid, wanting to yell “Don’t you want to make it through all this?!” A couple times I thought “well, perhaps you are smart enough to figure out what is going on and how to make it through to the last page… wait! Don’t do that!”
Outstanding read.
#PastTense #NetGalley
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more. The story was easy to fall into, pulling me along for the ride so well that I found myself getting angry when people did something apparently stupid, wanting to yell “Don’t you want to make it through all this?!” A couple times I thought “well, perhaps you are smart enough to figure out what is going on and how to make it through to the last page… wait! Don’t do that!”
Outstanding read.
#PastTense #NetGalley
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LibraryThing member jfe16
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
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
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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
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LibraryThing member Darcia
I've been a fan of Lee Child's writing since way back in the mid '90s when I read [book:Killing Floor|78129], the first book in the Jack Reacher Series. Being a longtime fan, I had high expectation for this latest addition. Unfortunately, it didn't wow me. In fact, if I hadn't come into this one
To begin with, the writing itself isn't up to Child's usual standards. While I normally enjoy his style, with short chapters and a lot of short sentences to give the story quick movement, this one goes overboard and reads like a first draft. We have way too many short sentence fragments in a row. The resulting narration lacks rhythm. Rather than pulling us in with a building of suspense, the repetition is dull and irritating.
The characters are far more stereotypical than I'm used to with Child's books. Also, we have some improbably odd behavior and conversations between them.
That brings us to the dialogue, which suffers from the same repetition of short sentences found in the narration. Everyone speaks the same way, in this staccato-like flow of bullet-point fragments. Consequently, the dialogue doesn't feel unique to the characters, which makes the characters less believable.
On to the plot: We have two different storylines that converge at about the 3/4 mark. One involves Jack Reacher and his quest to find out about his father's roots. The other involves a young couple who wind up in a motel in the middle of nowhere. Despite a lot going on, the story doesn't really go anywhere and, I hate to say, bored me for the most part. I enjoyed Reacher's journey as he unraveled his family history, though it did move slowly. As for the couple and the motel, I figured out exactly where that was going right at the start. Again, despite the ominous feel, not a lot happened there for more than half the book. And, sadly, there were no twists I didn't see coming from a long way off.
The last quarter of the book explodes with action. This is when we get back to the Jack Reacher readers have grown to love. The pace picks up dramatically and the writing finally draws us in. This last quarter saves the story, pulling it out of its drudgery.
If you're already a Jack Reacher fan, you'll want to read this one just to find out what he learns about his family history. If you're not yet a fan, this is probably not the best choice of books with which to start.
*I received an advance copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.*
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already a hardcore fan, I'd have probably stopped reading before the halfway point. I'll take a little time explaining why, because I do still love Jack Reacher.To begin with, the writing itself isn't up to Child's usual standards. While I normally enjoy his style, with short chapters and a lot of short sentences to give the story quick movement, this one goes overboard and reads like a first draft. We have way too many short sentence fragments in a row. The resulting narration lacks rhythm. Rather than pulling us in with a building of suspense, the repetition is dull and irritating.
The characters are far more stereotypical than I'm used to with Child's books. Also, we have some improbably odd behavior and conversations between them.
That brings us to the dialogue, which suffers from the same repetition of short sentences found in the narration. Everyone speaks the same way, in this staccato-like flow of bullet-point fragments. Consequently, the dialogue doesn't feel unique to the characters, which makes the characters less believable.
On to the plot: We have two different storylines that converge at about the 3/4 mark. One involves Jack Reacher and his quest to find out about his father's roots. The other involves a young couple who wind up in a motel in the middle of nowhere. Despite a lot going on, the story doesn't really go anywhere and, I hate to say, bored me for the most part. I enjoyed Reacher's journey as he unraveled his family history, though it did move slowly. As for the couple and the motel, I figured out exactly where that was going right at the start. Again, despite the ominous feel, not a lot happened there for more than half the book. And, sadly, there were no twists I didn't see coming from a long way off.
The last quarter of the book explodes with action. This is when we get back to the Jack Reacher readers have grown to love. The pace picks up dramatically and the writing finally draws us in. This last quarter saves the story, pulling it out of its drudgery.
If you're already a Jack Reacher fan, you'll want to read this one just to find out what he learns about his family history. If you're not yet a fan, this is probably not the best choice of books with which to start.
*I received an advance copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.*
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LibraryThing member ronploude
There is a certain formula that Lee Child uses to write Jack Reacher novels. Despite it being evident, fans never tire of these character-driven books. The main character, a big, tall, long-armed, bruise knuckled, former Army MP commander, is driven by a need to right the wrongs inflicted on the
In “Past Tense”, Reacher takes on local Laconia, New Hampshire bullies and a bazaar group of out-of-town, man-hunting, dark web killers. All are dispatched with uncommon ease due to Reacher’s calculated and well-honed fighting skills.
Lee Child has found a gold mine with the Jack Reacher character, a mine that he continues to excavate. And thank the heavens for that. My wife and I love this character and look forward to every new rumored addition to the series. They are all 5-star books in our assessment.
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defenseless victims he comes across during his hitchhiking travels. In “Past Tense”, Reacher takes on local Laconia, New Hampshire bullies and a bazaar group of out-of-town, man-hunting, dark web killers. All are dispatched with uncommon ease due to Reacher’s calculated and well-honed fighting skills.
Lee Child has found a gold mine with the Jack Reacher character, a mine that he continues to excavate. And thank the heavens for that. My wife and I love this character and look forward to every new rumored addition to the series. They are all 5-star books in our assessment.
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LibraryThing member MrsRJ
Jack Reacher novel number twenty-three...It's hard to believe I have been reading Child's stories since The Killing Floor. That was way back in 1997. Any devoted reader of the series knows a few things before opening the book. Jack's living a nomadic life, can be spotted in old-timey diners, loves
Okay. That's what we know. Here is what you need to know about Past Tense. Child switches gears and slows this one down. Almost too much. Readers may find it difficult to stay invested and interested. There are two plot lines being told parallel to each other. Reacher is still enjoying his nomadic lifestyle and as always he is flying by the seat-of-his-pants headlong into trouble. At a Y in the road, Reacher recognizes his Dad's New Hampshire hometown of Laconia. Once he starts asking questions the locals roll up the welcome mat. They want him gone and he wants to know why. Researching one's family is not a high-octane, shoot'em up bang-bang adventure. It's slower, psychologically methodical. (But don't despair, this is a Jack Reacher story.)
While Reacher is focused on the past, in the present a young couple making their way to dreamy riches from the sale of their comics has run into trouble. They find their way to a motel Anthony Perkins himself would run away from. But they stay. They realize, albeit too late, they are being held, prisoner. Why? The weird folks at the motel have plans for this couple. Big plans.
It seemed to take too long for the two stories to come together. When they do - bing, bang, boom - the bad guys are revealed, Reacher solves the mystery and saves the day. Yes, there's action. It's fast, furious, and fun. Then you're done. The shift in pace may cause some to skip, flip, or simply call it quits. Don't! This is a good story. It moves the saga forward into number twenty-four. So you wouldn't want to miss it.
While you can read and enjoy this book as a stand-alone, it's definitely more fun if you read them all.
Happy Reading,
RJ
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his coffee, is gonna find trouble, and will somehow become the reluctant hero. Oh, and since Hollywood put it on the big screen, you can't help but think of Tom Cruise when you hear the name Jack Reacher.Okay. That's what we know. Here is what you need to know about Past Tense. Child switches gears and slows this one down. Almost too much. Readers may find it difficult to stay invested and interested. There are two plot lines being told parallel to each other. Reacher is still enjoying his nomadic lifestyle and as always he is flying by the seat-of-his-pants headlong into trouble. At a Y in the road, Reacher recognizes his Dad's New Hampshire hometown of Laconia. Once he starts asking questions the locals roll up the welcome mat. They want him gone and he wants to know why. Researching one's family is not a high-octane, shoot'em up bang-bang adventure. It's slower, psychologically methodical. (But don't despair, this is a Jack Reacher story.)
While Reacher is focused on the past, in the present a young couple making their way to dreamy riches from the sale of their comics has run into trouble. They find their way to a motel Anthony Perkins himself would run away from. But they stay. They realize, albeit too late, they are being held, prisoner. Why? The weird folks at the motel have plans for this couple. Big plans.
It seemed to take too long for the two stories to come together. When they do - bing, bang, boom - the bad guys are revealed, Reacher solves the mystery and saves the day. Yes, there's action. It's fast, furious, and fun. Then you're done. The shift in pace may cause some to skip, flip, or simply call it quits. Don't! This is a good story. It moves the saga forward into number twenty-four. So you wouldn't want to miss it.
While you can read and enjoy this book as a stand-alone, it's definitely more fun if you read them all.
Happy Reading,
RJ
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LibraryThing member phoenixcomet
Always happy when the latest Jack Reacher novel comes out. Travelling across country from Maine to San Diego, this time Jack gets as far as Laconia, NH where his father was originally from. But of course, all is not as it seems. As Jack investigates Stan Reacher's life, Shorty Fleck and Patty
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Sundstrom end up at an off the beaten path motel 20 miles from Laconia where their car breaks down. Things at the motel are also not what they seem to be because each time Shorty and Patty try to leave, something or someone else seems to be keeping them there - the owner of the motel - one Mark Reacher. Show Less
LibraryThing member thewanderingjew
Past Tense, Lee Child, author; Scott Brick, narrator
Although the book pushes credulity most of the time, the author creates tension and captures the reader’s interest from the beginning. The narrator is one of the best. He uses just the right amount of expression and tone to keep the reader
The mystery begins with two characters that seem like country bumpkins. Patty Sundstrom and Shorty Fleck are a young couple. They left their home in Canada to travel to a new life. They have a battered suitcase packed with stuff to sell, once they get to New York. They need a nest egg to start a new business in Florida which is where they intend to settle. Shorty was a potato farmer and Patty had worked in a sawmill. Now they have a dream to live by the beach. When their old junker of a car began to falter, they were forced to stop, but they had no idea where they were except that they were near Laconia, New Hampshire. When Patty saw a motel sign on a country road, they decided to pull in. They stopped just short of the motel office as the car gave up the ghost.
They were short on cash but they had no choice but to stay there. The motel manager seemed very kind, and he offered to have someone try to fix their car. Unfortunately, when morning came, their car would no longer even start. Shorty was angry and blamed the motel owner, but Patty was more forgiving. After all, he had tried to help them, and now he even offered to get them a tow truck, once their phone service came back on line. There was no cell service and the landline was down. As anything that could go wrong seemed to keep going wrong, they realized that they had to stay another night. When Patty discovered that the door stuck when she tried to get out of their room, she grew a little concerned, but it opened for Shorty so she dismissed her slight fear. When the situation began to feel a little more threatening, because they were unable to leave, they kept making excuses to each other for the reason they were forced to remain at the motel. Still, they soon began to wonder if they were, somehow, purposely being delayed, but they couldn’t figure out a plausible reason for why that would be the case. They decided to remain patient and hope that help in the form of a tow truck would arrive soon.
Meanwhile, Jack Reacher was on the road, too. Coincidentally, he passed a sign in New Hampshire that pointed to Laconia, as well. He remembered that his dad had always said he grew up there, so he decided to check it out to see where his family had once lived. Because Reacher had been in the service, and so had his dad, they were not close. He had left home as a very young man and did not return until his father’s funeral. His investigation into his background, and the area, turned out to be more than he expected. He discovered a great many surprises. Also, he somehow became involved in saving someone from a sexual assault, and that brave act opened up a hornet’s nest. Before long, he thought someone was looking for him, out for revenge because of the beating he gave the attacker. Soon after, more trouble came his way. He trespassed onto an apple orchard and enraged someone else who wanted to punish him for his belligerent behavior. However, Reacher does not back down from any threat from anyone. Soon, law enforcement wanted him to leave town because he was causing too much trouble. They absolutely did not want trouble. There were some people in town who had great influence and power and could cause big problems for them. However, Reacher did not really want to leave town. He was unafraid of any danger facing him, and he really wanted to finish up what he came to do before he left and went on his way again. While all this was happening to Reacher, Shorty and Patty discovered that they were in greater and greater danger. Their very survival might soon be at stake.
There are side themes of romance and heritage in the story, but to reveal more would give it all away. It is a really entertaining and exciting read with the action building slowly to a crescendo in the finale. It is a great read for a vacation, a plane ride or a car ride because even though the story is quite often predictable, it leads up to a tense standoff until all unresolved issues are knitted tightly together.
Although the book pushes credulity most of the time, the author creates tension and captures the reader’s interest from the beginning. The narrator is one of the best. He uses just the right amount of expression and tone to keep the reader
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coming back. He never interferes with the narrative, but rather enhances it with his interpretation.The mystery begins with two characters that seem like country bumpkins. Patty Sundstrom and Shorty Fleck are a young couple. They left their home in Canada to travel to a new life. They have a battered suitcase packed with stuff to sell, once they get to New York. They need a nest egg to start a new business in Florida which is where they intend to settle. Shorty was a potato farmer and Patty had worked in a sawmill. Now they have a dream to live by the beach. When their old junker of a car began to falter, they were forced to stop, but they had no idea where they were except that they were near Laconia, New Hampshire. When Patty saw a motel sign on a country road, they decided to pull in. They stopped just short of the motel office as the car gave up the ghost.
They were short on cash but they had no choice but to stay there. The motel manager seemed very kind, and he offered to have someone try to fix their car. Unfortunately, when morning came, their car would no longer even start. Shorty was angry and blamed the motel owner, but Patty was more forgiving. After all, he had tried to help them, and now he even offered to get them a tow truck, once their phone service came back on line. There was no cell service and the landline was down. As anything that could go wrong seemed to keep going wrong, they realized that they had to stay another night. When Patty discovered that the door stuck when she tried to get out of their room, she grew a little concerned, but it opened for Shorty so she dismissed her slight fear. When the situation began to feel a little more threatening, because they were unable to leave, they kept making excuses to each other for the reason they were forced to remain at the motel. Still, they soon began to wonder if they were, somehow, purposely being delayed, but they couldn’t figure out a plausible reason for why that would be the case. They decided to remain patient and hope that help in the form of a tow truck would arrive soon.
Meanwhile, Jack Reacher was on the road, too. Coincidentally, he passed a sign in New Hampshire that pointed to Laconia, as well. He remembered that his dad had always said he grew up there, so he decided to check it out to see where his family had once lived. Because Reacher had been in the service, and so had his dad, they were not close. He had left home as a very young man and did not return until his father’s funeral. His investigation into his background, and the area, turned out to be more than he expected. He discovered a great many surprises. Also, he somehow became involved in saving someone from a sexual assault, and that brave act opened up a hornet’s nest. Before long, he thought someone was looking for him, out for revenge because of the beating he gave the attacker. Soon after, more trouble came his way. He trespassed onto an apple orchard and enraged someone else who wanted to punish him for his belligerent behavior. However, Reacher does not back down from any threat from anyone. Soon, law enforcement wanted him to leave town because he was causing too much trouble. They absolutely did not want trouble. There were some people in town who had great influence and power and could cause big problems for them. However, Reacher did not really want to leave town. He was unafraid of any danger facing him, and he really wanted to finish up what he came to do before he left and went on his way again. While all this was happening to Reacher, Shorty and Patty discovered that they were in greater and greater danger. Their very survival might soon be at stake.
There are side themes of romance and heritage in the story, but to reveal more would give it all away. It is a really entertaining and exciting read with the action building slowly to a crescendo in the finale. It is a great read for a vacation, a plane ride or a car ride because even though the story is quite often predictable, it leads up to a tense standoff until all unresolved issues are knitted tightly together.
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LibraryThing member labdaddy4
Like many good thrillers, this one starts off very slow but builds speed as it goes along. The dual plot lines were interesting but the focus seemed to be on the action and drama related to bow hunting. Reacher was his normal decisive and violent self - no hesitation, no remorse, no regrets - see
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bad guy, kill bad guy. As most are, this version was a fast read - not too deep - not too subtle. Show Less
LibraryThing member Elle10021
I was looking forward to the latest Jack Reacher book but found "Past Tense" so disappointing. Aside from some insight into Reacher's father's early life, the plot was very predictable. It was missing new interesting characters. Hope the next book is better.
LibraryThing member SquirrelHead
I haven’t read all the Jack Reacher books yet but I can say I really enjoyed this one, despite not having read all of them in order. Big developments about Reacher’s past in this one.
It’s a slow simmer throughout the book with Reacher’s visit to Laconia New Hampshire, trying to find his
Life is going along smoothly until he’s awakened at 3:01 a.m. and gets into an altercation. Hey, it’s to save a lady from a thug so of course someone gets beat up. He has to get into a few fights. The first one starts up another spoke of the story about retaliation. We revisit this a few times.
The other story line is about a young Canadian couple stranded near Laconia after their beat up Honda gave out. Patty Sundstrom and Shorty Fleck are broke. They have a heavy fat suitcase with some treasure inside which they intend to sell when they reach NYC. Then the plan is to head to Florida and open a windsurfing combo t-shirt business and live near the beach.
When they see a Motel sign they know they can coast the car in and spend the night, hoping to get a mechanic to look at their car then be on their way. Then the creepiness starts and this nice Canadian couple are in bad situation. You like this couple so you do care what happens to them. I really wanted to know what was in that heavy suitcase and it was revealed at the end. Made me smile.
The separate stories eventually converge and then the fireworks begin. So much action all at once for the last quarter of the book. I couldn’t put it down by this point.
There were a few loose ends, in my opinion, that I wish had been addressed. If you haven’t read it then this may not make sense but it’s not a spoiler either. Why did the ornithologist want to speak to Reacher so badly? What happened to the rough and tumble fruit pickers who wanted to continue a vendetta? The minor character Burke – he clearly had a mysterious past and I think it may have had some bearing on the story.
Much thanks to NetGalley for allowing me access to this book prior to publication. I really enjoyed it and gobbled it down over a weekend. I was not compensated for my review and all opinions, positive and negative, are my own.
It’s a slow simmer throughout the book with Reacher’s visit to Laconia New Hampshire, trying to find his
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father’s childhood home. Naturally there are problems. It’s as if Stan Reacher didn’t exist….at first. There is a bit of genealogy involved when Reacher checks government offices for census info. He’s trying to find his deceased father’s home and I can say, if you are interested in a trail of family history, the census is the place to start.Life is going along smoothly until he’s awakened at 3:01 a.m. and gets into an altercation. Hey, it’s to save a lady from a thug so of course someone gets beat up. He has to get into a few fights. The first one starts up another spoke of the story about retaliation. We revisit this a few times.
The other story line is about a young Canadian couple stranded near Laconia after their beat up Honda gave out. Patty Sundstrom and Shorty Fleck are broke. They have a heavy fat suitcase with some treasure inside which they intend to sell when they reach NYC. Then the plan is to head to Florida and open a windsurfing combo t-shirt business and live near the beach.
When they see a Motel sign they know they can coast the car in and spend the night, hoping to get a mechanic to look at their car then be on their way. Then the creepiness starts and this nice Canadian couple are in bad situation. You like this couple so you do care what happens to them. I really wanted to know what was in that heavy suitcase and it was revealed at the end. Made me smile.
The separate stories eventually converge and then the fireworks begin. So much action all at once for the last quarter of the book. I couldn’t put it down by this point.
There were a few loose ends, in my opinion, that I wish had been addressed. If you haven’t read it then this may not make sense but it’s not a spoiler either. Why did the ornithologist want to speak to Reacher so badly? What happened to the rough and tumble fruit pickers who wanted to continue a vendetta? The minor character Burke – he clearly had a mysterious past and I think it may have had some bearing on the story.
Much thanks to NetGalley for allowing me access to this book prior to publication. I really enjoyed it and gobbled it down over a weekend. I was not compensated for my review and all opinions, positive and negative, are my own.
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LibraryThing member Judiex
As summer ended, Jack Reacher began his winter migration from Maine, planning to travel to San Diego via foot and thumb. He got as far as New Hampshire when he saw a sign for Laconia. He had never been there but he had heard about the town from his father who said he had grown up there but left
At the same time, Shorty Fleck and Patty Sundstrom, twenty five years olds from New Brunswick, Canada, were heading south to set up a business in Florida. Traveling the back roads in New Hampshire, they expected to get there in a couple days. Their car, an aged and unmaintained Honda Civic, rebelled against continuing. They found a small motel in a secluded forest, and, without any place to get the car restarted or repaired, they decided to spend the night there and deal with the car in the morning. Jack was especially impressed when the owner, Mike Reacher, said he would try to get someone to fix the car while Patty appreciated his courtesy and invitation to dinner.
It didn't take very long for both parties to realize the resolution of their plans are much more complicated than they anticipated. There is no record of Jack’s father and grandparents ever living in Laconia and not only is the Honda unable to start, they face multiple problems trying to continue on their trip. One major one is that they seemed destined to be kept in their room at the motel. It kept me trying to figure out why.
As in many of the books in the series, there is some graphic, but not gory, action. And Jack fights off the bullies who are intent on getting rid of him.
Post Script: The book lists “In Memoriam” to John Reginald Grant, 1924-2016, Norman Steven Shiren, 1925-2017, and Audrey Grant, 1926-2017. The Grants were Lee Child’s parents and Shiren, his father-in-law. What a difficult time to lose all three in a matter of months.
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when he was seventeen to join the Marines. He never returned. Reacher decided to stop there to learn some family history.At the same time, Shorty Fleck and Patty Sundstrom, twenty five years olds from New Brunswick, Canada, were heading south to set up a business in Florida. Traveling the back roads in New Hampshire, they expected to get there in a couple days. Their car, an aged and unmaintained Honda Civic, rebelled against continuing. They found a small motel in a secluded forest, and, without any place to get the car restarted or repaired, they decided to spend the night there and deal with the car in the morning. Jack was especially impressed when the owner, Mike Reacher, said he would try to get someone to fix the car while Patty appreciated his courtesy and invitation to dinner.
It didn't take very long for both parties to realize the resolution of their plans are much more complicated than they anticipated. There is no record of Jack’s father and grandparents ever living in Laconia and not only is the Honda unable to start, they face multiple problems trying to continue on their trip. One major one is that they seemed destined to be kept in their room at the motel. It kept me trying to figure out why.
As in many of the books in the series, there is some graphic, but not gory, action. And Jack fights off the bullies who are intent on getting rid of him.
Post Script: The book lists “In Memoriam” to John Reginald Grant, 1924-2016, Norman Steven Shiren, 1925-2017, and Audrey Grant, 1926-2017. The Grants were Lee Child’s parents and Shiren, his father-in-law. What a difficult time to lose all three in a matter of months.
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LibraryThing member antao
I have said elsewhere that crime fiction seems to flourish in times of stress, such as our era now. I fully expect more great detective fiction in the near future as it is one of the few genres that can show society from top to bottom: the detective, investigator or whatever, in many of the best
I would say Agatha Christie wrote cosy crime novels. The culprits in her novels are usually quite posh, have very reasonable motives, are no more unpleasant than anyone else, act out fiendishly clever plots, and are expert enough actors to throw all but the most intelligent detectives off the scent. She wrote puzzles that weren't worth working out imho. Sorry to be harsh, but tastes differ. Speaking tastes, the first Lee Child book I read was good. But any others I read by him were more or less the same story repeated. Weird that he gets away with it. Er...Reacher righting wrongs? It’s a genre; of course, the story archs will be similar. If Lee Child has fooled you twice it’s YOUR fault. I finally gave up on Lee Child's Reacher series four chapters into "The Midnight Line" which was, in a word, atrocious. The background to the novel was appallingly researched and I found myself getting increasingly annoyed as I couldn't quite believe this was the same author that had produced pretty much up till then ridiculously unputdownable thrillers. “The Killing Floor” had the most ingenious plot, but the other two had different but clever plots. Raymond Chandler's plots had a lot of similarities: femme fatale, a sweetheart, a massively built henchman, a criminal overlord, several beatings up, coshings or Micky Finns, a confusing plot but the femme fatale's at the bottom of it. It doesn't matter, when you sign up for a detective series, you anticipate a certain amount of repetition in style. What I don't want to read about is another serial killer, who can break into any building and not leave any clues. Having said that, life is stranger than fiction if you read the book about Gianni Versace's murder. That the murderer got away with all his previous ones for so long, makes you wonder (police ineptitude mostly). And then I found myself reading the latest Lee child "Past tense"...WHAT is literature? FUCKED if I know (*Keep moving fellow readers of this review; don't make eye contact with the writer of this review...*)
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novels, talks to both the monied and the moneyless at the same time against a puzzling foreground as broad and as complex as the society, or the human beings, that carry out and solve seemingly deeply baffling crimes at the outset of any great novel.I would say Agatha Christie wrote cosy crime novels. The culprits in her novels are usually quite posh, have very reasonable motives, are no more unpleasant than anyone else, act out fiendishly clever plots, and are expert enough actors to throw all but the most intelligent detectives off the scent. She wrote puzzles that weren't worth working out imho. Sorry to be harsh, but tastes differ. Speaking tastes, the first Lee Child book I read was good. But any others I read by him were more or less the same story repeated. Weird that he gets away with it. Er...Reacher righting wrongs? It’s a genre; of course, the story archs will be similar. If Lee Child has fooled you twice it’s YOUR fault. I finally gave up on Lee Child's Reacher series four chapters into "The Midnight Line" which was, in a word, atrocious. The background to the novel was appallingly researched and I found myself getting increasingly annoyed as I couldn't quite believe this was the same author that had produced pretty much up till then ridiculously unputdownable thrillers. “The Killing Floor” had the most ingenious plot, but the other two had different but clever plots. Raymond Chandler's plots had a lot of similarities: femme fatale, a sweetheart, a massively built henchman, a criminal overlord, several beatings up, coshings or Micky Finns, a confusing plot but the femme fatale's at the bottom of it. It doesn't matter, when you sign up for a detective series, you anticipate a certain amount of repetition in style. What I don't want to read about is another serial killer, who can break into any building and not leave any clues. Having said that, life is stranger than fiction if you read the book about Gianni Versace's murder. That the murderer got away with all his previous ones for so long, makes you wonder (police ineptitude mostly). And then I found myself reading the latest Lee child "Past tense"...WHAT is literature? FUCKED if I know (*Keep moving fellow readers of this review; don't make eye contact with the writer of this review...*)
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LibraryThing member Dokfintong
If this had been anyone other Lee Child writing I might not have finished this book. I would probably have quit when I realized that there were two POV and three different stories being woven together. While this is a current style amongst writers, I generally don't like it, as anyone who follows
But finish it I did and it was OK, if not great. We learn more about Reacher's past – his family history this time – and we foil several groups of bad guys, and learn something of the ways of capitalism a while ago.
Mr. Child's skills brings this all together smoothly. It's just not the structure of a story that I like best.
I received a review copy of "Past Tense" by Lee Child (Random House – Ballantine) through NetGalley.com.
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my reviews knows.But finish it I did and it was OK, if not great. We learn more about Reacher's past – his family history this time – and we foil several groups of bad guys, and learn something of the ways of capitalism a while ago.
Mr. Child's skills brings this all together smoothly. It's just not the structure of a story that I like best.
I received a review copy of "Past Tense" by Lee Child (Random House – Ballantine) through NetGalley.com.
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LibraryThing member cmt100
I never thought I'd live to see the day I'd give two stars to a thriller by Lee Child--one of the best in the business--but there you go. There are two parallel narratives in the novel, which of course quickly connect. I found one unpleasantly creepy and the other boring. I skipped over entire
I finished the book out of loyalty to a fine writer. Otherwise, I would have quit a third of the way through.
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descriptive paragraphs, a first for a Child book. Reacher's dialogue takes him close to being obnoxious. Actually, he's there. Charm has never been his strong suit, but he's never been obnoxious.I finished the book out of loyalty to a fine writer. Otherwise, I would have quit a third of the way through.
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LibraryThing member kimkimkim
In the latest installment we find Jack Reacher about to walk across the country. He is in a small coastal town in Maine deciding on his route to California. Thumb out he scores a ride to Boston but as in all things Man makes plans and God laughs. HIs ride has to turn around and Reacher is left to
At the same point in time Patricia Marie Sundstrom, a twenty-five year old Canadian sawmill worker and her boyfriend Shorty Fleck, a potato farmer are trying to get to New York City to sell something. The car is overheating, they are hungry and thirsty and need a bathroom. The best chance of finding what they need is up ahead in Laconia, New Hampshire. Shorty is the kind of guy who puts things off and doesn’t delve too deep below the surface. Patty has the mental acuity to analyze a situation that is too bizarre to contemplate.
Told as parallel stories Reacher is trying to find out about his father and the paternal part of the family while Patty and Shorty are just trying to get their car fixed and get to NYC to sell whatever is in their suitcase. Is that something illicit? Read on - it is the only way you are going to find out.
Both parts of the book held my attention but when the storyline went perpendicular and crossed everything gets crazy and hold your breath and OMG. There are well fleshed out ancillary characters and irreverent humor in the dialog.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing House - Ballantine for a copy
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play another of life’s games - which fork in the road to take. He has history down one path and it is an obvious choice - Laconia, New Hampshire. Reacher is a precise guy who mentally measures his arm reach, the angle and trajectory of a punch. A former Army MP he has difficulty walking away from trouble especially when it isn’t his trouble. Needless to say that trouble shadows him around many corners.At the same point in time Patricia Marie Sundstrom, a twenty-five year old Canadian sawmill worker and her boyfriend Shorty Fleck, a potato farmer are trying to get to New York City to sell something. The car is overheating, they are hungry and thirsty and need a bathroom. The best chance of finding what they need is up ahead in Laconia, New Hampshire. Shorty is the kind of guy who puts things off and doesn’t delve too deep below the surface. Patty has the mental acuity to analyze a situation that is too bizarre to contemplate.
Told as parallel stories Reacher is trying to find out about his father and the paternal part of the family while Patty and Shorty are just trying to get their car fixed and get to NYC to sell whatever is in their suitcase. Is that something illicit? Read on - it is the only way you are going to find out.
Both parts of the book held my attention but when the storyline went perpendicular and crossed everything gets crazy and hold your breath and OMG. There are well fleshed out ancillary characters and irreverent humor in the dialog.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing House - Ballantine for a copy
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LibraryThing member Carol420
Those of us that loved the first twelve or so Reacher books will be happy to see that Lee Child has returned our hero to his original personality and flair. There are two plot lines in this story that are beautifully brought together in the end in an unexpected explosive conclusion. Plenty of
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Reacher action and justice to satisfy every fan of this series. Show Less
LibraryThing member sberson
Another success!
LibraryThing member chasidar
Reacher never disappoints.
Language
Original publication date
2018-11-06
ISBN
9780399593512