Never Go Back cover art

Never Go Back

Jack Reacher 18

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Never Go Back

By: Lee Child
Narrated by: Jeff Harding
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Read by award-winning narrator Jeff Harding.

**NOW A MAJOR PRIME TV SERIES STARRING ALAN RITCHSON**

After an epic and interrupted journey all the way from the snows of South Dakota, Jack Reacher has finally made it to Virginia.

His destination, the closest thing to a home he ever had: the headquarters of his old unit, the 110th Military Police.

Why? He wants to meet the new commanding officer, Major Susan Turner. He liked her voice on the phone. But now he's arrived, she's disappeared, and things are getting weird.

Accused of a sixteen-year-old homicide and co-opted back into the army, Reacher says nothing.

But he's sure as hell thinking of a way out.

Although the Jack Reacher novels can be listened to in any order, Never Go Back follows on directly from the end of A Wanted Man.

'Fast-paced, taut and punchy' Sunday Times

'One of Reacher's best...a must' Daily Express

‘Jeff Harding’s [...] narration captures Reacher’s character perfectly [...] you have to savour every minute.’ The Sunday Times

©2013 Lee Child (P)2013 Random House Audiobooks

 Crime Fiction International Mystery & Crime Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Thriller Crime Fiction Exciting

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Critic reviews

The bone-crunching, joint-popping action is as technically precise and primevally satisfying as ever. The extra-lean prose is as ruthlessly linear as the plot…[However,]Lee Child proves he can write about emotions other than lust and anger and reveals his hero to be more than just a man of steel. Eighteen novels in, his franchise shows no sign of running out of steam. (Mark Sanderson)

Lee Child’s bodacious action hero, Jack Reacher, has already tramped through 17 novels and three ebook 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.
/Mr. Child’s Jack Reacher series is as brainy as it is brawny...Starting with an opening sequence that throws three huge surprises at Reacher, there are more neat tricks and clever set pieces in this one volume than Mr. Child has ever strung together before...Read it. You’ll see why.

(Janet Maslin)
Is Reacher getting soft? Not a chance. The righteous violence when it comes is still pretty astonishing. This is one of Reacher's best outings. A must for all fans.
Jack Reacher is a man's man, a loner, a renegade crusader for justic...The harder-than-nails hero is on the top of his form...You'd better read it.
This may well be the best of the bunch...some of the best, wiliest writing Child has ever done.
As always, Reacher's laidback style of narration belies a propulsive pace,although Never Go Back finds Reacher emotionally vulnerable for once, and a warmer, more satisfyingly empathic character for the experience.
Fast-paced, taut and punchy, fans will love this.
All stars
Most relevant

Would you listen to Never Go Back again? Why?

I find all Lee Childs books very readable, and this is up to the same high standard.

What did you like best about this story?

Reacher on the run is always great fun.

Which character – as performed by Jeff Harding – was your favourite?

Reacher of course is my favourite, no contest!

Any additional comments?

I did find it was a little frustrating at the start, but once it got going it was brilliant.

Another in the series

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Love Jack Reacher, enjoyed this book. The twists and turns of the plot and the sheer magnificence of Reacher never fails to entertain.

Another enjoyable listen with Jack

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Infinitely better. There is only the most tenuous of connections. Always better to go to the source.

Nothing like the film.

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Great action packed story. The narrator is easy to listen to. He changes tone and pace to fit the storyline.

Trouble finds Reacher again.

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Ahead of the film release later this month I decided to reread this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it again. It has all the traits of a Reacher book - fast paced, good storyline, lots of action, drugs and money and full of twists and turns. There are reflections of Reacher’s time as Commander of the 110th and the repercussions of his actions in the present day, including trumped up charges that force Reacher back into the army. However he doesn’t allow this to restrict his investigation into the incarceration of the current commanding officer of 110th, Major Susan Turner or indeed influence his decision to break out of jail with her. Together they follow the trail of espionage and cover ups.

I am unashamedly addicted to Jack Reacher and anxiously await the next book in November - Night School.

Just as good on the reread

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