On a multi engined aircraft, then there shouldn't be any need to turn back.
With a light twin e.g. Seneca, which can have poor SE capability - I remember a figure of 15nm to get to 1000AAL at max wt - you would either climb to altitude and return in the circuit or land ahead
IMHO not enough light A/C pilots give thought to this option. In many twin pistons the second engine will simply take the aircraft directly to the scene of the crash and it is far better to pick the crash site of your choice than to lose the battle with Vmca and go in vertically.
As for "turn backs" post engine failure in a single. The RAF used (still do?) to do those in the Bulldog BUT it required skill practice and even then was a high risk manouver. For the average PPL it would almost inevitably be fatal so follow the training and land straight ahead or as near as poss.