Past TensePast Tense
Score Modern
What it's about
Jack Reacher sets out to cross America from Maine to California, but on a country road in New Hampshire he sees a sign for the town where his father was born, and decides to visit. Meanwhile, a young Canadian couple, stranded at a remote motel, discover their hosts have sinister plans.
Why it's worth reading
It reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and spent 20 weeks on the lists. It reveals family secrets from Reacher's past.
You'll love it if you liked
Good to know
It stands alone. The two storylines come together late.
By the numbers
- Readers58 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller59 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #154 of the 555 mysteries and thrillers we rank
- #607 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #1151 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Gripping
More by Lee Child
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The Affair
61 HoursIf you like this, read next
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Quick answers
Is Past Tense worth reading?
Yes. It reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and spent 20 weeks on the lists. It ranks #1,151 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 71.3 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Past Tense about?
Jack Reacher sets out to cross America from Maine to California, but on a country road in New Hampshire he sees a sign for the town where his father was born, and decides to visit. Meanwhile, a young Canadian couple, stranded at a remote motel, discover their hosts have sinister plans.
How long does it take to read Past Tense?
About 12 hours (487 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Past Tense?
If you liked it, try Never Go Back by Lee Child, 61 Hours by Lee Child or The Affair by Lee Child.