Never Go Back

Jack Reacher, Book 18

By: Lee Child

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Length: 13 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE • THE BLOCKBUSTER JACK REACHER SERIES THAT INSPIRED THE STREAMING SERIES REACHER

Never Go Back is a novel of action-charged suspense starring “one of the best thriller characters at work today” (Newsweek).

Former military cop Jack Reacher makes it all the way from snowbound South Dakota to his destination in northeastern Virginia, near Washington, D.C.: the headquarters of his old unit, the 110th MP. The old stone building is the closest thing to a home he ever had.

Reacher is there to meet—in person—the new commanding officer, Major Susan Turner, so far just a warm, intriguing voice on the phone.

But it isn’t Turner behind the CO’s desk. And Reacher is hit with two pieces of shocking news, one with serious criminal consequences, and one too personal to even think about.

When threatened, you can run or fight.

Reacher fights, aiming to find Turner and clear his name, barely a step ahead of the army, and the FBI, and the D.C. Metro police, and four unidentified thugs.

Combining an intricate puzzle of a plot and an exciting chase for truth and justice, Lee Child puts Reacher through his paces—and makes him question who he is, what he’s done, and the very future of his untethered life on the open road.

©2013 Lee Child (P)2013 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Child is a superb craftsman of suspense." (Entertainment Weekly)

“A breathless cross-country spree . . . some of the best, wiliest writing [Lee] Child has ever done . . . Child’s bodacious action hero, Jack Reacher, has already tramped through 17 novels and three e-book singles. But his latest, Never Go Back, may be the best desert island reading in the series. It’s exceptionally well plotted. And full of wild surprises. And wise about Reacher’s peculiar nature. And positively Bunyanesque in its admiring contributions to Reacher lore.” (Janet Maslin, The New York Times)

“An adrenaline-charged, action-packed thriller . . . impossible to put down.” (Lansing State Journal)

Worth a credit

If you could sum up Never Go Back in three words, what would they be?

Best Reacher yet.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Never Go Back?

Book eighteen and still we see old Reacher developing and he might just settle down. Turn into a regular person, get a job and a family, work for a living....not going to happen.

Which character – as performed by Dick Hill – was your favorite?

Dick Hill performance is great as usual.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Reacher almost struggles with his humanity, just when you think Reacher might consider being normal he doesn't disappoint.

Any additional comments?

I haven't listened to all of this series, but this has been the best so far ...

great Story

Was shocked to learm Reacher was back in the Army, glad to see he finally met Susan Turner.

Voice doesn't match characters

Would you listen to Never Go Back again? Why?

Being addicted to audio books and an old radio announcer I am super sensitive to the quality of Audible readers. Although Mr. Hill has won a lot of awards and has a great voice, he should never pretend a female voice. And for all the physical strength and prowess written into Jack Reacher's character, Mr. Hill's 1940's tough-guy pretense makes me imagine a over-the-hill detective with a bit of a wheeze. No. I wouldn't want to listen to this again unless the reader was different.

What did you like best about this story?

The story has lots of great twists and curls but Mr. Hill insists on dragging every fast moving sequence on the same slow pace of the wise-guy cracks.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I said enough above.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I love the plot and wanted to keep listening but not with this narrator.

Any additional comments?

I'm sorry Mr. Hill. You have a great voice but Reacher shouldn't sound like Colombo.

Better than the last one!!!

More excitement, Reacher was himself!!! Love Lee Child but the past two books have been hard to listen to.

Dick Hill is the GOAT

This is my 20th Lee Child book, most were read by Dick Hill. He’s the absolute greatest.

Please keep him in your prayers as I write this he is under Hospice care at his home in Lansing, MI.

Great book

Lee Child is a fantastic author. His Jack Reacher series is my favorite series. Great stories.

Back against the wall? No way out?

Jack Reacher has the unfortunate habit of getting into difficult situations. In Never Go Back, those situations pile one one after another. Reacher does what he always does and brings the fight right to the bad guys door step instead of running from the fight. The story is a great conclusion to Reacher finally meeting Major Susan Turner from 61 Hours. But the powers that be are trying to keep them apart....like that's really going to happen. Reacher wins, bad guys get their come uppance, everything is right in the world at the end. This story has everything you want in a Reacher novel and maybe some unexpected truths added in. Reacher and his new ally Major Turner make a good team. Dick Hill does a wonderful job as usual with the narration and tone.

2nd Best Jack Reacher novel

What did you love best about Never Go Back?

Great story. Almost as good as Killing Floor - which is my favorite

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jack Reacher of course!

Have you listened to any of Dick Hill’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Dick Hill is one of my favorite narrators. I intentionally search for books he has read and have tried new authors solely because he is the reader.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The end.

Any additional comments?

I can not wait for the next Reacher book, I have enjoyed every one and recommend them to anyone who has never picked up a Lee Child book.

Best Jack Reacher

Would you listen to Never Go Back again? Why?

Maybe, but not soon. I invest emotionally in a good story. That takes a full tank that is empty at the end. I fill back up with looking forward to my next investment.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes. Jack Reacher never lets you sit back in your seat. I dont want to.

What does Dick Hill bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It took a long time to accept Dick Hill's presentation. I struggled through the first 1/3 of the book but I hung in there.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I love Jack Reacher. I can relate to who he is and why. For that reason, I would find it hard to react emotionally or expect him to change. He does not emote. I understand, so neither do I as I read.

Any additional comments?

I have read all of the Jack Reacher series and have not been disappointed. They are all 4 to 5 star. This was easily 5.

One of the best Reachers yet!

Any additional comments?

I've either read or listened to all of the Jack Reacher books, some better than others, all good. Some multiple times. This one was worth waiting for. I didn't want to stop listening.