Past Tense by Lee Child

Why read the book?

Past Tense follows Reacher to his father’s New Hampshire hometown, uncovering family secrets, while two Canadians face a deadly trap in a rural motel. The dual narratives converge in a chilling climax. Third-person narration weaves personal history with suspense.

Favourite quote

Past tenses the present.

What I Loved

Past Tense balances Reacher’s introspective search for roots with a tense survival tale. The motel plot builds dread effectively, and Child’s convergence of stories is seamless. The New England setting adds a quiet menace, though the dual threads occasionally split focus. Reacher’s family discoveries add depth to this layered thriller.

Key Takeaway

Roots influence your path.