The Life We Bury

Joe Talbert, a college student in Minnesota, must complete an assignment to interview and write a biography of a stranger. He visits a nursing home and meets Carl Iverson, a Vietnam War veteran who spent 30 years in prison for murder before being released to die of cancer. As Joe learns Carl's story through their conversations, he begins to question the decades-old murder conviction. Together with his neighbor Lila, Joe investigates the details of the case while also dealing with responsibilities to his autistic brother and alcoholic mother. The narrative moves between Joe's present-day investigation and Carl's memories of both Vietnam and the events surrounding the murder. The two men form an unexpected connection as they each confront their own burdens from the past. The book explores themes of truth, justice, and the weight of unresolved history. Through Joe's search for answers, the story raises questions about moral responsibility and the possibility of redemption.

Readers praise the character development, particularly the relationship between college student Joe Talbert and Vietnam veteran Carl Iverson. Many note the book hooks them from the first chapter and keeps a fast pace throughout. The mystery elements and historical details receive frequent mention in positive reviews. Common criticisms include predictable plot twists and some contrived coincidences in the story. A segment of readers found the romantic subplot unnecessary. Some mention the writing style can be overly simplistic. Top reader comments highlight the authenticity of the Minnesota winter setting and the realistic portrayal of family dynamics, especially regarding Joe's autistic brother. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.16/5 (156,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (23,000+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 (2,800+ ratings) One frequent reader sentiment is captured in this Amazon review: "A perfect balance of mystery, character study, and emotional depth without becoming melodramatic."

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides A young professional delves into the mystery of a woman's violent crime while uncovering dark secrets from his own past.

The Current by Tim Johnston Two cases of young women found in a frozen river become linked across decades as a survivor searches for truth in a small Minnesota town.

Finding Jake by Bryan Reardon A father must confront his parenting choices and search for his son after a school shooting leaves him questioning everything he thought he knew.

Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson An amnesiac woman pieces together her past through journal entries, leading her to uncover a web of lies and danger in her present life.

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin A true-crime podcast host investigates a rape trial in a small town while becoming entangled in an unsolved drowning from twenty-five years ago.

🔹 Allen Eskens wrote this debut novel while maintaining his full-time career as a criminal defense attorney, drawing from his legal experience to create authentic courtroom scenes. 🔹 The book's protagonist Joe Talbert is inspired by Eskens' own experience as a journalism student who had to write a biography of a stranger for a college assignment. 🔹 The Vietnam War sections of the novel were carefully researched through veteran interviews and historical documents to accurately portray the psychological impact on soldiers. 🔹 The novel became a USA Today bestseller and won the Left Coast Crime Rosebud Award for Best Debut Mystery Novel, launching Eskens' successful career as a crime fiction author. 🔹 The Minnesota setting is based on real locations in Minneapolis and Faribault, including actual streets and landmarks that readers can visit today.