#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Family secrets come back to haunt Jack Reacher in this electrifying thriller from “a superb craftsman of suspense” (Entertainment Weekly). Jack Reacher hits the pavement and sticks out his thumb. He plans to follow the sun on an epic trip across America, from Maine to California. He doesn’t get far. On a country road deep in the New England woods, he sees a sign to … 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? He takes the detour.
At the same moment, in the same isolated area, a car breaks down. Two young Canadians had been on their way to New York City to sell a treasure. Now they’re stranded at a lonely motel in the middle of nowhere. The owners seem almost 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’s always known his father left and never returned, but now Reacher wonders, Was he ever there in the first place?
As Reacher explores his father’s life, and as the Canadians face lethal dangers, strands of different stories begin to merge. Then Reacher makes a shocking discovery: The present can be tough, but the past can be tense . . . and deadly.
Don’t miss a sneak peek of Lee Child’s novel Blue Moon in the back of the book.
Praise for Past Tense
“Child is one writer who should never be taken for granted.”—The New York Times Book Review
“[Lee Child] shows no signs of slowing down. . . . Reacher is a man for whom the phrase moral compass was invented: His code determines his direction. . . . You need Jack Reacher.”—The Atlantic
“Superb . . . Child neatly interweaves multiple narratives, ratchets up the suspense (the reveal of the motel plot is delicious), and delivers a powerful, satisfying denouement. Fans will enjoy learning more of this enduring character’s roots, and Child’s spare prose continues to set a very high bar.”—Publishers Weekly (boxed and starred review)
“Another first-class entry in a series that continues to set the gold standard for aspiring thriller authors.”—Booklist (starred review)
“With his usual flair for succinctness and eye for detail, Child creates another rollicking Reacher road trip that will please fans and newcomers alike.”—Library Journal (starred review)
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It’s remarkable that Lee Child has written to such a consistently high standard with the Jack Reacher series. I’ve thought only a couple a bit underpowered and this is one of his very best. There’s a plot involving his personal family secrets in parallel with the abduction and imperilment of a sympathetically drawn Canadian couple by a quartet of Grade-A creeps. Add a sense of place so strong, location almost functions as an extra character. The action is first-rate and the plot twists just keep on coming. Fans won’t be disappointed – and their number will inevitably grow.
very well written I am a fan
Love Lee Child, however while this book kept my attention throughout, it fizzled out at the end, like so many others I’ve read lately. It’s as though the author can’t think of how to conclude his or her story. I’m a voracious reader, & have encountered this phenomenon more times than I can count. Sad . .
Another good Story from a great writer.
I love Lee Child’s books. The books are impossible to put down. I read this book in one day!
new twist on Jack Reacher’s family
Another good Jack Reacher book!
I’ve fallen in love with the Jack Reacher series. This was my first and I’ve read several after this one. Great character.
First of all Reache r novels no FfaIvE stars. No real action very little (none) unexpected reveals. Almost no REACGER. There is some new family history that even the mIN CHATAXTER AHRUGs off as inconsequentian. Looks very much like Child’s is out of ideas. should not have allowed it to be published. SORRY!
A OK Reacher book. Glad it is not my first, because there might not be a second.
Very enjoyable read. It gave much more background of Reacher’s paternal family of origin.
I am a big fan of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series. As usual, I am a little bit behind on putting all the pieces together, but it is always fun to try. It has elements of The Most Dangerous Game which is sadly in today’s world probably more reality than fiction. I also enjoyed learning a bit about Reacher’s past.
if it is lee child, you know it is good.
same old -sameold
Very exciting. It was hard to put the book down!
Really like all the Jack Reacher series.
One more in a great series
I want my own Jack Reacher and he better not be the Tom Cruise version.
Another excellent Reacher book
I like the Jack Reacher books except this last one. This story deviated a lot from his other adventures. This story is very boring and it was hard to stay awake while reading.