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Joe Talbert #2
The Shadows We Hide
Journalist Joe Talbert investigates the murder of the father he never knew, and must reckon with his own family's past, in this "brilliant sequel" to the national bestseller The Life We Bury ( Publishers Weekly )
Joe Talbert, Jr. has never once met his namesake. Now out of college, a cub reporter for the Associated Press in Minneapolis, he stumbles across a story describing the murder of a man named Joseph Talbert in a small town in southern Minnesota.
Full of curiosity about whether this man might be his father, Joe is shocked to find that none of the town's residents have much to say about the dead man-other than that his death was long overdue. Joe discovers that the dead man was a loathsome lowlife who cheated his neighbors, threatened his daughter, and squandered his wife's inheritance after she, too, passed away -- an inheritance that may now be Joe's.
Mired in uncertainty and plagued by his own devastated relationship with his mother, who is seeking to get back into her son's life, Joe must put together the missing pieces of his family history -- before his quest for discovery threatens to put him in a grave of his own.
Joe Talbert, Jr. has never once met his namesake. Now out of college, a cub reporter for the Associated Press in Minneapolis, he stumbles across a story describing the murder of a man named Joseph Talbert in a small town in southern Minnesota.
Full of curiosity about whether this man might be his father, Joe is shocked to find that none of the town's residents have much to say about the dead man-other than that his death was long overdue. Joe discovers that the dead man was a loathsome lowlife who cheated his neighbors, threatened his daughter, and squandered his wife's inheritance after she, too, passed away -- an inheritance that may now be Joe's.
Mired in uncertainty and plagued by his own devastated relationship with his mother, who is seeking to get back into her son's life, Joe must put together the missing pieces of his family history -- before his quest for discovery threatens to put him in a grave of his own.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published November 13, 2018
About the author
Allen Eskens
15 books4,603 followersAllen Eskens is the USA Today-bestselling author of nine novels, including The Life We Bury and Nothing More Dangerous. His latest novel, THE QUIET LIBRARIAN, will publish on Feb. 18, 2025
He is the recipient of the Barry Award, Rosebud Award, Minnesota Book Award, and the Silver Falchion Award and has been a finalist for the Edgar Award, Thriller Award, Nero, and Anthony Award. His work had been published in 23 languages.
To learn more about Allen or his books, go to www.alleneskens.com.
He is the recipient of the Barry Award, Rosebud Award, Minnesota Book Award, and the Silver Falchion Award and has been a finalist for the Edgar Award, Thriller Award, Nero, and Anthony Award. His work had been published in 23 languages.
To learn more about Allen or his books, go to www.alleneskens.com.
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July 22, 2023
The Shadows We Hide (Joe Talbert #2) by Allen Eskens (Goodreads Author), Zach Villa (Narrator)
Joe is working for the Associated Press now and has just written an explosive exposé on a politician which gets both him and his boss sued. At the same time, he learns that the dad he never knew has possibly been murdered and since he is in limbo at work, he heads for the small town where his dad died, to learn more about his father. Joe leaves behind his girlfriend, Lila, studying for her bar exam, and his autistic brother, Jeremy.
Things get complicated fast. Joe Talbert, Sr. appears to be hated by everyone and it seems the world is better off with him gone. But he left a daughter, Joe's half sister, in a coma and Joe Sr's brother is in town to claim the inheritance that comes with being the guardian of Joe's half sister. Things are not right in this town and Joe seems to be in the middle of some shady maneuverings.
I was engrossed in this story. The author has a way of making the characters so real, making me care about flawed people who still have a heart and still want to do right. Then there are a few scoundrels that seem ready to do dirty every step of the way. I especially liked Sheriff Kimball and his two deputies, Calder and Lewis, who really do know and care about the people in their town. There is also the small town lawyer who has some great advice for Joe and helps him to unravel some of the things that might have gone on in the past. All the while, things are tense between Joe and Lila, with her bar exam coming up within days and his leaving her to tend to Jeremy while she's under great pressure.
I think this is my favorite of Eskens' books and I've now read them all. Joe is honest to a fault, torn because of his drug addicted mother and her past, the fact that he has had to protect his autistic brother from her all his life, and now wanting to do right by a half sister he doesn't know. He's probably lost his job, may have scuttled his relationship with Lila, and is being pressured to take on another guardianship for a sister who may not live. Zach Villa does a great job of narrating this story.
Published November 13rd 2018
Joe is working for the Associated Press now and has just written an explosive exposé on a politician which gets both him and his boss sued. At the same time, he learns that the dad he never knew has possibly been murdered and since he is in limbo at work, he heads for the small town where his dad died, to learn more about his father. Joe leaves behind his girlfriend, Lila, studying for her bar exam, and his autistic brother, Jeremy.
Things get complicated fast. Joe Talbert, Sr. appears to be hated by everyone and it seems the world is better off with him gone. But he left a daughter, Joe's half sister, in a coma and Joe Sr's brother is in town to claim the inheritance that comes with being the guardian of Joe's half sister. Things are not right in this town and Joe seems to be in the middle of some shady maneuverings.
I was engrossed in this story. The author has a way of making the characters so real, making me care about flawed people who still have a heart and still want to do right. Then there are a few scoundrels that seem ready to do dirty every step of the way. I especially liked Sheriff Kimball and his two deputies, Calder and Lewis, who really do know and care about the people in their town. There is also the small town lawyer who has some great advice for Joe and helps him to unravel some of the things that might have gone on in the past. All the while, things are tense between Joe and Lila, with her bar exam coming up within days and his leaving her to tend to Jeremy while she's under great pressure.
I think this is my favorite of Eskens' books and I've now read them all. Joe is honest to a fault, torn because of his drug addicted mother and her past, the fact that he has had to protect his autistic brother from her all his life, and now wanting to do right by a half sister he doesn't know. He's probably lost his job, may have scuttled his relationship with Lila, and is being pressured to take on another guardianship for a sister who may not live. Zach Villa does a great job of narrating this story.
Published November 13rd 2018
January 20, 2019
The Shadows We Hide by Allen Eskens is a 2018 Mulholland Books publication.
Un-put-downable!
This sequel to ‘The Life We Bury’, finds Joe Talbert working with The Associated Press. He is enjoying a little heady success, when suddenly his esteemed career is circling the drain. While on a recommended leave of absence, Joe follows up on the stunning report that a man named Joe Talbert was found dead in Buckley, a small town in Minnesota. Joe feels compelled to find out if this man is his long lost father, whom he never met. His rationalization for making this trip is that Joe ‘Toke’ Talbert has a daughter, meaning Joe may have a sister, a sister who is in the hospital, all alone.
He leaves his long- time girlfriend, Lilah, behind with his autistic brother, Jeremy, while she studies for the bar exam. As Joe begins looking into Toke’s suspicious death, asking questions around town, he immediately discovers he and his inquiries are not all that welcome.
Joe employs his investigative skills to figure out if Toke was murdered, while waiting on pins and needles to find out if he is indeed Toke’s biological son. Apparently, Toke was not too popular, but a few people stood to profit from his death, making it hard to decipher the exact motive behind his untimely demise. Joe’s investigation reveals the tangled family secrets and dynamics of Toke’s life, which also involved a land dispute over his deceased wife’s inheritance.
If Joe really is Toke’s son, he could inherit a sizable sum of money, a prospect that dazzles Joe to the point of distraction. If that weren’t enough, Joe’s mother has suddenly popped back up, seeking his forgiveness, while swearing she has turned over a new leaf. All this upheaval has created a new type of tension between Joe and Lilah, setting the stage for a tense, suspenseful mystery and family drama that threatens to upend all the achievements Joe has worked so hard to obtain, both personally and professionally.
Joe Talbert is such a wonderfully drawn character. He is wary and hardened, but also vulnerable and sensitive. In this sequel, our noble hero proves his human susceptibility and faces his own battles with temptation.
While the mystery is very puzzling and suspenseful, full of rich detail, with surprising twists and turns, this story is so much more than a mystery novel. Despite the giant strides Joe has taken in his life, pulling himself up by the bootstraps and clawing his way out of a situation that might have swallowed most people whole, he is still on a journey of self- discovery. Joe must face his own weaknesses and foibles, waking him up from an over confident slumber. The hard lessons he takes away from this chapter in his life will hopefully open the door for second chances, forgiveness, acceptance, and understanding. Joe, at his core, despite teetering, and nearly falling off the edge, is a good, decent man. Now, he has the chance to become a better one.
This is a well- balanced story, so completely absorbing I couldn’t tear myself away from it. I was mesmerized by it from start to finish, but I must say the ending was the relish on top of an already spectacular story.
Overall, this follow up novel was everything I had hoped it would be and more. I do hope we will catch up to Joe Talbert again sometime in the not too distant future.
Un-put-downable!
This sequel to ‘The Life We Bury’, finds Joe Talbert working with The Associated Press. He is enjoying a little heady success, when suddenly his esteemed career is circling the drain. While on a recommended leave of absence, Joe follows up on the stunning report that a man named Joe Talbert was found dead in Buckley, a small town in Minnesota. Joe feels compelled to find out if this man is his long lost father, whom he never met. His rationalization for making this trip is that Joe ‘Toke’ Talbert has a daughter, meaning Joe may have a sister, a sister who is in the hospital, all alone.
He leaves his long- time girlfriend, Lilah, behind with his autistic brother, Jeremy, while she studies for the bar exam. As Joe begins looking into Toke’s suspicious death, asking questions around town, he immediately discovers he and his inquiries are not all that welcome.
Joe employs his investigative skills to figure out if Toke was murdered, while waiting on pins and needles to find out if he is indeed Toke’s biological son. Apparently, Toke was not too popular, but a few people stood to profit from his death, making it hard to decipher the exact motive behind his untimely demise. Joe’s investigation reveals the tangled family secrets and dynamics of Toke’s life, which also involved a land dispute over his deceased wife’s inheritance.
If Joe really is Toke’s son, he could inherit a sizable sum of money, a prospect that dazzles Joe to the point of distraction. If that weren’t enough, Joe’s mother has suddenly popped back up, seeking his forgiveness, while swearing she has turned over a new leaf. All this upheaval has created a new type of tension between Joe and Lilah, setting the stage for a tense, suspenseful mystery and family drama that threatens to upend all the achievements Joe has worked so hard to obtain, both personally and professionally.
Joe Talbert is such a wonderfully drawn character. He is wary and hardened, but also vulnerable and sensitive. In this sequel, our noble hero proves his human susceptibility and faces his own battles with temptation.
While the mystery is very puzzling and suspenseful, full of rich detail, with surprising twists and turns, this story is so much more than a mystery novel. Despite the giant strides Joe has taken in his life, pulling himself up by the bootstraps and clawing his way out of a situation that might have swallowed most people whole, he is still on a journey of self- discovery. Joe must face his own weaknesses and foibles, waking him up from an over confident slumber. The hard lessons he takes away from this chapter in his life will hopefully open the door for second chances, forgiveness, acceptance, and understanding. Joe, at his core, despite teetering, and nearly falling off the edge, is a good, decent man. Now, he has the chance to become a better one.
This is a well- balanced story, so completely absorbing I couldn’t tear myself away from it. I was mesmerized by it from start to finish, but I must say the ending was the relish on top of an already spectacular story.
Overall, this follow up novel was everything I had hoped it would be and more. I do hope we will catch up to Joe Talbert again sometime in the not too distant future.
April 17, 2021
***NOW AVAILABLE***
I had heard great things about this author, this is the first book that I’ve read of his. I understand that this is a follow up to “The Life We Bury” in which many of the main characters were introduced. Perhaps it would have been better to read that book first but at any rate here is what I thought.
Joe Talbert has his first “real” job after college working for the Associated Press and has been doing a great job. Recently he has written a story about a man who is running for the Senate which was quite volatile. This was discussed at the beginning of the book and then not again until the end.
Joe had a difficult childhood being raised by an alcoholic mother and caring for his autistic brother, Jeremy. He is living with his long time girlfriend Lila who is about to take the bar exam, she shares in the care of Jeremy while attending law school. I would have liked to know more about Lila but perhaps she was described more in the first book.
Joe has never known his father, his mother refusing to tell him who he is. An article appears in a Minnesota newspaper that lists Joe Talbert as being deceased with some suspicious circumstances. Joe is quite the detective and takes it upon himself to go to the small town where his father apparently had lived and try to find out about him. What he finds is surprising and this is where our mystery comes in. He also learns that he has more family than he thought he had! Then there is the mention of an inheritance, Joe has no idea about any of this but it’s a small town and people talk. “A word he used -- inheritance, a word that seemed out of place in any discussion of my family. Nothing I’d come across so far suggested that Toke Talbert would die with more than a month’s rent in his pocket”.
This is not a fast paced, page turning type of book. It is a great character study with a mystery to unravel. I did find myself “waiting for the action” to occur during at least half of the book, but I persevered. I won’t go through the plot as you can read the blurb for that. The story takes place both where Joe lives, the Minneapolis area and the small town of Buckley, Minnesota where his father was found dead. We are introduced to some interesting, if somewhat predictable, characters. The sheriff, J. Kimball, his deputies, Calder and Lewis, the owner of the only motel in town, The Caspen Inn and the waitress Vicky who seems more than interested in Joe. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and how they would react to the solving of the mystery of who killed Joe’s father.
For me this was a 3 1/2 star book until the ending which I loved!! It was the unraveling of a very intricately plotted mystery which took me by surprise, that bumped it up to a 4*
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss.
I had heard great things about this author, this is the first book that I’ve read of his. I understand that this is a follow up to “The Life We Bury” in which many of the main characters were introduced. Perhaps it would have been better to read that book first but at any rate here is what I thought.
Joe Talbert has his first “real” job after college working for the Associated Press and has been doing a great job. Recently he has written a story about a man who is running for the Senate which was quite volatile. This was discussed at the beginning of the book and then not again until the end.
Joe had a difficult childhood being raised by an alcoholic mother and caring for his autistic brother, Jeremy. He is living with his long time girlfriend Lila who is about to take the bar exam, she shares in the care of Jeremy while attending law school. I would have liked to know more about Lila but perhaps she was described more in the first book.
Joe has never known his father, his mother refusing to tell him who he is. An article appears in a Minnesota newspaper that lists Joe Talbert as being deceased with some suspicious circumstances. Joe is quite the detective and takes it upon himself to go to the small town where his father apparently had lived and try to find out about him. What he finds is surprising and this is where our mystery comes in. He also learns that he has more family than he thought he had! Then there is the mention of an inheritance, Joe has no idea about any of this but it’s a small town and people talk. “A word he used -- inheritance, a word that seemed out of place in any discussion of my family. Nothing I’d come across so far suggested that Toke Talbert would die with more than a month’s rent in his pocket”.
This is not a fast paced, page turning type of book. It is a great character study with a mystery to unravel. I did find myself “waiting for the action” to occur during at least half of the book, but I persevered. I won’t go through the plot as you can read the blurb for that. The story takes place both where Joe lives, the Minneapolis area and the small town of Buckley, Minnesota where his father was found dead. We are introduced to some interesting, if somewhat predictable, characters. The sheriff, J. Kimball, his deputies, Calder and Lewis, the owner of the only motel in town, The Caspen Inn and the waitress Vicky who seems more than interested in Joe. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and how they would react to the solving of the mystery of who killed Joe’s father.
For me this was a 3 1/2 star book until the ending which I loved!! It was the unraveling of a very intricately plotted mystery which took me by surprise, that bumped it up to a 4*
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss.
December 3, 2018
4.5 Stars* (rounded up)
Reading “The Shadows We Hide” is like meeting up with an old friend who you haven’t seen in years. Once you reconnect, it’s like no time has passed at all. Oh how I’ve missed you Joe Talbert!
Nowadays, Joe Talbert is a Reporter for the Associated Press. Talk about making it big time! He still lives in Minnesota with his girlfriend Lila Nash and both of them take care of Joe’s autistic brother Jeremy. All would be swell if he hadn’t just been served with a Summons and Complaint for Defamation of Character by a State Senator who he wrote an article about ages ago. To make matters worse, he just received news that “Joe Talbert” - from Buckley, MN, was found dead in his barn, likely a homicide. Joe never met dear old dad - as his mother Kathy never had anything nice to say about him. Then again, she’s never had a kind word for anyone, if you remember correctly. She’s an abusive alcoholic who Joe fought against in Court so as to obtain guardianship of his brother Jeremy. Kathy has done some pretty unforgivable things, thus as far as he knows she’s still incarcerated.
Joe’s curiosity has always gotten the better of him so when he finds out about his pops, he decides to go investigate. Turns out there is more to the story than Joe ever dreamed possible. Of course, as well all know, when Joe sticks his nose in, he seems to find all kinds of trouble.
In “The Shadows We Hide” Allen Eskens brings back Joe Talbert from his first book “The Life We Bury.” The guy whose family troubles follow him wherever he goes. As soon as I started to read, all the same feelings immediately came rushing back. My heart swelled and it skipped a beat. Joe Talbert returns, and boy was the wait worth it!
In my opinion, Allen Eskens is a brilliant storyteller. He is able to weaves tales about small towns and its residents like no other. Creating characters who wear their hearts, their angst and their pain on their sleeves, all of which is so intense and so real, at times, it becomes your own.
Personally, Eskens’ characters resonate with me in a way, that most others do not. If I’m being honest, I still carry Max Rupert (last seen in The Deep Dark Descending) around with me, hoping that his story is not yet over. If you haven’t picked up one of Eskens’ books please do yourself a favor, his character driven novels are simply the best out there!
This was a Thanksgiving Buddy Read with Kaceey! It was the perfect book to read over the holiday. Thanks for making it special Kaceey!
Thank you to Ira Boudah at Mulholland Books and to Allen Eskens for a galley of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Goodreads, Twitter and Amazon on 12.2.18.
To be published on Instagram.
Reading “The Shadows We Hide” is like meeting up with an old friend who you haven’t seen in years. Once you reconnect, it’s like no time has passed at all. Oh how I’ve missed you Joe Talbert!
Nowadays, Joe Talbert is a Reporter for the Associated Press. Talk about making it big time! He still lives in Minnesota with his girlfriend Lila Nash and both of them take care of Joe’s autistic brother Jeremy. All would be swell if he hadn’t just been served with a Summons and Complaint for Defamation of Character by a State Senator who he wrote an article about ages ago. To make matters worse, he just received news that “Joe Talbert” - from Buckley, MN, was found dead in his barn, likely a homicide. Joe never met dear old dad - as his mother Kathy never had anything nice to say about him. Then again, she’s never had a kind word for anyone, if you remember correctly. She’s an abusive alcoholic who Joe fought against in Court so as to obtain guardianship of his brother Jeremy. Kathy has done some pretty unforgivable things, thus as far as he knows she’s still incarcerated.
Joe’s curiosity has always gotten the better of him so when he finds out about his pops, he decides to go investigate. Turns out there is more to the story than Joe ever dreamed possible. Of course, as well all know, when Joe sticks his nose in, he seems to find all kinds of trouble.
In “The Shadows We Hide” Allen Eskens brings back Joe Talbert from his first book “The Life We Bury.” The guy whose family troubles follow him wherever he goes. As soon as I started to read, all the same feelings immediately came rushing back. My heart swelled and it skipped a beat. Joe Talbert returns, and boy was the wait worth it!
In my opinion, Allen Eskens is a brilliant storyteller. He is able to weaves tales about small towns and its residents like no other. Creating characters who wear their hearts, their angst and their pain on their sleeves, all of which is so intense and so real, at times, it becomes your own.
Personally, Eskens’ characters resonate with me in a way, that most others do not. If I’m being honest, I still carry Max Rupert (last seen in The Deep Dark Descending) around with me, hoping that his story is not yet over. If you haven’t picked up one of Eskens’ books please do yourself a favor, his character driven novels are simply the best out there!
This was a Thanksgiving Buddy Read with Kaceey! It was the perfect book to read over the holiday. Thanks for making it special Kaceey!
Thank you to Ira Boudah at Mulholland Books and to Allen Eskens for a galley of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Goodreads, Twitter and Amazon on 12.2.18.
To be published on Instagram.
January 10, 2019
4.5*
I love a book that I can fully lose myself in. Once I started this one I knew I was in for a big treat!
This is the sequel to The Life We Bury, a book I adored, and is currently holding a proud position on my favorites shelf. This follow up is equally brilliant.
What makes a good, decent man?
Joe Talbert is a writer for the Associated Press and thinks he is having the worst day of his life. He might be right…he just got served court papers. That’s right! Joe is being sued. Apparently one of his stories is about to come back to haunt him. And Joe, who lives by his principles and morals, refuses to give up his source...even if it costs him his job, maybe his entire career.
Worse yet... over the AP lines his editor comes across a press release of a murder in a small town. The victim? That would be Joe Talbert. Wait! What? Could they be related? Is this Joe’s long forgotten father? There’s one simple way to find out. Well, after all, Joe is an investigative reporter!
Joe Talbert is just a regular guy, trying to make his way through life doing the right thing. For himself, his girlfriend Lila and his brother Jeremy. He also wants to find some peace regarding his fractured relationship with his estranged mother.
Allen Eskens has a way to paint you into the lives of his characters. More than actors…They become real. You are wholly vested in their journey. This read held me from beginning to end. The pages practically turned themselves. Highly recommend! My toes are tapping as I anxiously await your next release, Mr. Eskens!
Thank you to Mulholland Books and Susanne for a copy of this book.
This was an incredible buddy read over our Thanksgiving weekend.
I love a book that I can fully lose myself in. Once I started this one I knew I was in for a big treat!
This is the sequel to The Life We Bury, a book I adored, and is currently holding a proud position on my favorites shelf. This follow up is equally brilliant.
What makes a good, decent man?
Joe Talbert is a writer for the Associated Press and thinks he is having the worst day of his life. He might be right…he just got served court papers. That’s right! Joe is being sued. Apparently one of his stories is about to come back to haunt him. And Joe, who lives by his principles and morals, refuses to give up his source...even if it costs him his job, maybe his entire career.
Worse yet... over the AP lines his editor comes across a press release of a murder in a small town. The victim? That would be Joe Talbert. Wait! What? Could they be related? Is this Joe’s long forgotten father? There’s one simple way to find out. Well, after all, Joe is an investigative reporter!
Joe Talbert is just a regular guy, trying to make his way through life doing the right thing. For himself, his girlfriend Lila and his brother Jeremy. He also wants to find some peace regarding his fractured relationship with his estranged mother.
Allen Eskens has a way to paint you into the lives of his characters. More than actors…They become real. You are wholly vested in their journey. This read held me from beginning to end. The pages practically turned themselves. Highly recommend! My toes are tapping as I anxiously await your next release, Mr. Eskens!
Thank you to Mulholland Books and Susanne for a copy of this book.
This was an incredible buddy read over our Thanksgiving weekend.
November 4, 2018
Meet Joe Talbert – Junior. Joe discovers there really is a Joe Talbert Senior; that his father is more than just a myth that his addict mother had invented. Joe will never have the chance to meet him, for two reasons: (1) He swore he would never try to find his father, and (2) It’s too late anyway, because he is dead.
Six years ago, Joe was in college and so was his girlfriend Lila Nash. They now have legal guardianship of Joe’s autistic brother Jeremy, Lila is in law school and about to write her bar exam, and Jeremy is writing for a well-known news media outlet. And it’s all about to come crashing down around Joe’s ears. Everything �� his whole life – is on a course heading straight to destruction.
This fast-paced and breathtakingly complex story involves a lawsuit, arson, relatives who may or may not be relatives, millions of dollars, murders, some very bad people (including a highly placed elected official), and some truly good people who do some truly stupid things in the heat of a moment.
That is just one of the many things I love about this author’s work. He is able to swiftly and accurately paint his characters so well, and in such depth that their authenticity shines through. Some of the bad people have few, if any redeeming qualities and most of the good people have flaws and traumas that they work hard on as life does its work on them.
As in the first novel, The Life We Bury, the pace of this novel is fast, and there are times when it gallops along at racing speed before slowing back down to a lope. The plot is intricate and there were times when my imagination was triggered into possibilities for certain scenarios. A quick zig-zag with more momentum going around the corners, and suddenly we are headed in another direction. Oh, it made perfect sense and my reveries caught on to a new track . . . except we didn’t end there, either. And I loved every moment.
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing, the complex plots and sub-plots, and the characters. There was one part where I was crying so hard that I had to put my eReader aside and fetch tissues – I couldn’t even see to read any more. And as soon as I could, I was back in the story again.
I envy those who have yet to read this fabulous sequel to The Life We Bury. Even more, though, I envy those who may not have read The Life We Bury either and will be fortunate enough to read these 2 books one after the other. Either way, I highly recommend this book and look forward to many more great reviews of this impressive novel.
Publishing Date: November 13, 2018
Many thanks to the Mulholland Team who offered me a complimentary copy to read. Also, thank you to NetGalley as the vehicle to ensure I could read this in a format for my eReader. Finally, thank you to Allen Eskens for sharing your writing skills and opening new vistas via your extraordinary books.
Six years ago, Joe was in college and so was his girlfriend Lila Nash. They now have legal guardianship of Joe’s autistic brother Jeremy, Lila is in law school and about to write her bar exam, and Jeremy is writing for a well-known news media outlet. And it’s all about to come crashing down around Joe’s ears. Everything �� his whole life – is on a course heading straight to destruction.
This fast-paced and breathtakingly complex story involves a lawsuit, arson, relatives who may or may not be relatives, millions of dollars, murders, some very bad people (including a highly placed elected official), and some truly good people who do some truly stupid things in the heat of a moment.
That is just one of the many things I love about this author’s work. He is able to swiftly and accurately paint his characters so well, and in such depth that their authenticity shines through. Some of the bad people have few, if any redeeming qualities and most of the good people have flaws and traumas that they work hard on as life does its work on them.
As in the first novel, The Life We Bury, the pace of this novel is fast, and there are times when it gallops along at racing speed before slowing back down to a lope. The plot is intricate and there were times when my imagination was triggered into possibilities for certain scenarios. A quick zig-zag with more momentum going around the corners, and suddenly we are headed in another direction. Oh, it made perfect sense and my reveries caught on to a new track . . . except we didn’t end there, either. And I loved every moment.
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing, the complex plots and sub-plots, and the characters. There was one part where I was crying so hard that I had to put my eReader aside and fetch tissues – I couldn’t even see to read any more. And as soon as I could, I was back in the story again.
I envy those who have yet to read this fabulous sequel to The Life We Bury. Even more, though, I envy those who may not have read The Life We Bury either and will be fortunate enough to read these 2 books one after the other. Either way, I highly recommend this book and look forward to many more great reviews of this impressive novel.
Publishing Date: November 13, 2018
Many thanks to the Mulholland Team who offered me a complimentary copy to read. Also, thank you to NetGalley as the vehicle to ensure I could read this in a format for my eReader. Finally, thank you to Allen Eskens for sharing your writing skills and opening new vistas via your extraordinary books.
April 16, 2021
4.5 stars! A thrilling and suspenseful follow up in the The Life We Bury series.
Joe Talbert Jr. has graduated from college and is a journalist at the Associated Press. He comes across an article about the murder of a man named Joe Talbert in a small town a few hours away. Desperately curious to find out if this could be a link to the father he never knew, Joe finds himself digging up details and chasing answers to try to sort through the small town’s secrets.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel from start to finish. The writing is solid and suspenseful. I was glued to the pages, trying to piece together how things would play out. The heart pounding intensity and shock-factor really kicked up a few notches near the end – wow! There were a few things left open in the end, but I was still very satisfied and felt that it was a great way to leave the story.
I highly recommend this novel! If you haven’t read The Life We Bury, I strongly suggest starting with that one so you can get the full back story on Joe. He is a fantastic character that I love rooting for.
This was a Traveling Sister read that we all enjoyed. To find this review, along with the other Traveling Sister reviews, please visit our blog at:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
Thank you to HBG Canada and Allen Eskens for providing me with a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Joe Talbert Jr. has graduated from college and is a journalist at the Associated Press. He comes across an article about the murder of a man named Joe Talbert in a small town a few hours away. Desperately curious to find out if this could be a link to the father he never knew, Joe finds himself digging up details and chasing answers to try to sort through the small town’s secrets.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel from start to finish. The writing is solid and suspenseful. I was glued to the pages, trying to piece together how things would play out. The heart pounding intensity and shock-factor really kicked up a few notches near the end – wow! There were a few things left open in the end, but I was still very satisfied and felt that it was a great way to leave the story.
I highly recommend this novel! If you haven’t read The Life We Bury, I strongly suggest starting with that one so you can get the full back story on Joe. He is a fantastic character that I love rooting for.
This was a Traveling Sister read that we all enjoyed. To find this review, along with the other Traveling Sister reviews, please visit our blog at:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
Thank you to HBG Canada and Allen Eskens for providing me with a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 26, 2019
Sometimes home isn't a place, it's a person...
Allen Eskens did it again. Wrote a great, psychological, solid crime story, featuring Joe Talbert Jr., his autistic brother Jeremy, his addicted mother with whom he now broke all ties, and his studying to be a lawyer girlfriend. Reads breathlessly and easy, keeps you in the story with twists and turns, Eskens is a great storyteller. 'Compulsively suspenseful' says a review. I did think that the previous book, 'The Life we bury' was a bit better than this one. New and unexpected the first book was, this being a sequel, is a continuance of that story. But still, very good and a great read. I do recommend to read the previous book first, The Life we bury!
Joe Talbert Jr. has never once met his namesake, but is confronted with a story of the murder of a man named Joseph Talbert in a small town in Southern Minnesota. Could this man be his father, Joe is shocked to find that none of the town's residents have much to say about the dead man, other than that his death was long overdue. He was a loathsome lowlife, threatening his daughter and squandering his wife's inheritance after she passed away. This inheritance might be Joe's. Plagued by his own devastated relationship with his mother, an addict who is seeking to get back into his life, Joe must put together the missing pieces of his family's history and solve some serious crimes at the same time...
Allen Eskens did it again. Wrote a great, psychological, solid crime story, featuring Joe Talbert Jr., his autistic brother Jeremy, his addicted mother with whom he now broke all ties, and his studying to be a lawyer girlfriend. Reads breathlessly and easy, keeps you in the story with twists and turns, Eskens is a great storyteller. 'Compulsively suspenseful' says a review. I did think that the previous book, 'The Life we bury' was a bit better than this one. New and unexpected the first book was, this being a sequel, is a continuance of that story. But still, very good and a great read. I do recommend to read the previous book first, The Life we bury!
Joe Talbert Jr. has never once met his namesake, but is confronted with a story of the murder of a man named Joseph Talbert in a small town in Southern Minnesota. Could this man be his father, Joe is shocked to find that none of the town's residents have much to say about the dead man, other than that his death was long overdue. He was a loathsome lowlife, threatening his daughter and squandering his wife's inheritance after she passed away. This inheritance might be Joe's. Plagued by his own devastated relationship with his mother, an addict who is seeking to get back into his life, Joe must put together the missing pieces of his family's history and solve some serious crimes at the same time...
January 25, 2019
I read The Life We Bury a few years ago and loved it. Naturally, I was ecstatic to see that Allen Eskins came out with this sequel The Shadows We Hide. This second book definitely met my expectations.
In this sequel, Joe is now a reporter for the Associated Press in Minneapolis. He's living with his girlfriend Lila who is studying to be a lawyer. Jeremy, Joe's autistic brother, is living with them too after a blow up with Joe's mom previously. At this point, Joe can care less if he ever sees his mother again. Lila helps out with Jeremy and she's super supportive.
Joe is dealing with trouble at work--he's in the process of being sued for an article he wrote about a senator. Out of the blue, a report surfaces about a man named Joseph Talbert who's been murdered in a rural Minnesota county. Even though Joe has never met his father, he can't help but wonder if this could be him, and his curiosity won't let it go. He heads to Caspen County to investigate and learns that Joseph Talbert has done nothing but anger everyone in this rural town. He was a jerk--there isn't a soul who liked him--but what makes him interesting is that due to a marriage, there's a huge inheritance involved and a possible half-sister to Joe from a marriage. The question is: can this Joseph Talbert really be Joe's father?
I loved the plot. Joe is so involved in this investigation and practically takes it over from the cops. He can definitely hold his own. This comes as no surprise because Joe was such an amazing investigator in the last book. There's so much going on in the background with all the secondary characters here that I couldn't figure out the mystery of the book until the very end. Never once was this book predictable for me! I loved the writing too.
As far as characters, I thought they were all complex and interesting. Everyone had a story, but what I loved most was getting a glimse into Joe's past regarding his mom and brother. Readers also get an idea of some of the problems his mother is dealing with and she becomes better understood. I'll admit, I was hoping Lila and Jeremy would have larger roles, but most of the story follows Joe and the investigation.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it kept me guessing all the way to the end. It was thrilling and I appreciated reading something with a mystery to it. I liked the small town setting and the themes of forgiveness, perserverence, and family. I love the cover too--it fits the story perfectly! My only complaint was that maybe a few parts in the book were a little too good to be true and not as believable. It certainly doesn't take much away from the story though.
I'd like to thank Mulholland Books for sharing a copy of this book with me.
4.5*****
You can also see this review @www.readrantrockandroll.com
In this sequel, Joe is now a reporter for the Associated Press in Minneapolis. He's living with his girlfriend Lila who is studying to be a lawyer. Jeremy, Joe's autistic brother, is living with them too after a blow up with Joe's mom previously. At this point, Joe can care less if he ever sees his mother again. Lila helps out with Jeremy and she's super supportive.
Joe is dealing with trouble at work--he's in the process of being sued for an article he wrote about a senator. Out of the blue, a report surfaces about a man named Joseph Talbert who's been murdered in a rural Minnesota county. Even though Joe has never met his father, he can't help but wonder if this could be him, and his curiosity won't let it go. He heads to Caspen County to investigate and learns that Joseph Talbert has done nothing but anger everyone in this rural town. He was a jerk--there isn't a soul who liked him--but what makes him interesting is that due to a marriage, there's a huge inheritance involved and a possible half-sister to Joe from a marriage. The question is: can this Joseph Talbert really be Joe's father?
I loved the plot. Joe is so involved in this investigation and practically takes it over from the cops. He can definitely hold his own. This comes as no surprise because Joe was such an amazing investigator in the last book. There's so much going on in the background with all the secondary characters here that I couldn't figure out the mystery of the book until the very end. Never once was this book predictable for me! I loved the writing too.
As far as characters, I thought they were all complex and interesting. Everyone had a story, but what I loved most was getting a glimse into Joe's past regarding his mom and brother. Readers also get an idea of some of the problems his mother is dealing with and she becomes better understood. I'll admit, I was hoping Lila and Jeremy would have larger roles, but most of the story follows Joe and the investigation.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it kept me guessing all the way to the end. It was thrilling and I appreciated reading something with a mystery to it. I liked the small town setting and the themes of forgiveness, perserverence, and family. I love the cover too--it fits the story perfectly! My only complaint was that maybe a few parts in the book were a little too good to be true and not as believable. It certainly doesn't take much away from the story though.
I'd like to thank Mulholland Books for sharing a copy of this book with me.
4.5*****
You can also see this review @www.readrantrockandroll.com
January 6, 2019
4.5 stars
Joe Talbert is back - to investigate the father he never knew, to become a good man, and to learn more about his past.
Eskens has crafted another hit! This one has Joe Talbert struggling to protect a source while at the same time trying to learn more about a dead man who has the same name as his father (could this man be his father?) and trying to come to terms with his mother who wants back in his life.
Joe must leave his girlfriend, Lila and his Autistic brother, Jeremy behind as he travels to a small town in Minnesota to determine if a dead man with his name is the father he never know. He leaves Lila with tension between them as she gives him a letter from his estranged Mother. With tensions high, he arrives in town to learn that tensions are high there as well. The Dead man left behind a daughter, a farm, and lots of bad blood between him and most of the people who live in that small town.
Using his journalists’ skills, he attempts to get to the truth. But what will happen when the truth is uncovered? I found this to be a wonderfully crafted tale with several layers. Eskens expertly wove his plot and subplots together seamlessly. Joe continues to be a like-able character who shows growth, determination, and grit. What will happen when he learns the truth? How will he juggle his relationship, his brother, his mother, his job and his quest to learn the truth about his own family history.
Such a satisfying sequel. Reading Eskens is like a breath of fresh air. Please do yourself a favor and read The Life We Bury first. Then pick this one up. Although this book will work as a stand-alone novel, The Life We Bury is also absolutely wonderful and introduces the reader to the characters of Joe, Lila, and Jeremy in this book.
Joe Talbert is back - to investigate the father he never knew, to become a good man, and to learn more about his past.
Eskens has crafted another hit! This one has Joe Talbert struggling to protect a source while at the same time trying to learn more about a dead man who has the same name as his father (could this man be his father?) and trying to come to terms with his mother who wants back in his life.
Joe must leave his girlfriend, Lila and his Autistic brother, Jeremy behind as he travels to a small town in Minnesota to determine if a dead man with his name is the father he never know. He leaves Lila with tension between them as she gives him a letter from his estranged Mother. With tensions high, he arrives in town to learn that tensions are high there as well. The Dead man left behind a daughter, a farm, and lots of bad blood between him and most of the people who live in that small town.
Using his journalists’ skills, he attempts to get to the truth. But what will happen when the truth is uncovered? I found this to be a wonderfully crafted tale with several layers. Eskens expertly wove his plot and subplots together seamlessly. Joe continues to be a like-able character who shows growth, determination, and grit. What will happen when he learns the truth? How will he juggle his relationship, his brother, his mother, his job and his quest to learn the truth about his own family history.
Such a satisfying sequel. Reading Eskens is like a breath of fresh air. Please do yourself a favor and read The Life We Bury first. Then pick this one up. Although this book will work as a stand-alone novel, The Life We Bury is also absolutely wonderful and introduces the reader to the characters of Joe, Lila, and Jeremy in this book.
March 9, 2019
A tight, fast-paced mystery that's never short on conflict. I think every chapter has a barfight, family squabble, attempted murder or actual murder. That's not counting the lawsuits, blackmail, posturing, infidelity, and about 6 or 7 twists.
All in all, a solid follow-up to The Life We Bury. I prefer the premise of Joe Talbert's previous adventure, but felt the ending came out of nowhere and was a little too Hollywood. This book is Hollywood from beginning to end, but feels more satisfying in its conclusion. Fans of the first book will not be disappointed.
All in all, a solid follow-up to The Life We Bury. I prefer the premise of Joe Talbert's previous adventure, but felt the ending came out of nowhere and was a little too Hollywood. This book is Hollywood from beginning to end, but feels more satisfying in its conclusion. Fans of the first book will not be disappointed.
November 14, 2018
Suspenseful, gripping & thrilling!
THE SHADOWS WE HIDE by ALLEN ESKENS is an engaging, interesting, fast-paced and excellent mystery novel that pulled me in right from the very first page and held my attention right to the very end having me finishing it is less than 24 hours. I was totally immersed in this suspenseful storyline and thoroughly enjoyed the narrative, the mystery and the characters.
ALLEN ESKENS delivers a complex, well-written and well-plotted read here with memorable and realistic characters, a great mystery and some surprising twists and turns along the way. I absolutely loved how this story played out and I did not guess the ending at all. And I am so happy that I didn’t because I absolutely love it and find it so satisfying when the pieces of the puzzle all fall into place as the story unfolds and we learn the reveals right along with the characters.
Eskens’ ease of writing and his choice of words is so appealing and highly entertaining. He has this perfect skill of immersing you totally into the emotional side of the characters making the mystery that much more thrilling.
I was absolutely thrilled and pretty excited to revisit much-loved characters from Eskens’ first book, THE LIFE WE BURY, which I absolutely loved too. Even though this is a sequel I think it would also work out really well as a standalone.
This was a highly-anticipated Traveling Sisters Read that we all thoroughly enjoyed!
Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Eye-catching, intriguing, and an excellent and fitting representation to storyline.
Title: Intriguing and an extremely fitting representation to storyline. I absolutely loved how the title played into the storyline.
Writing/Prose: Well-written, catchy, suspenseful, and smooth. Absolutely love Eskens’ writing-style!
Plot: Engrossing, suspenseful, interesting, fast-paced, and entertaining.
Ending: Surprising, gripping, and intensely satisfying.
Overall: A fantastic, highly entertaining, enjoyable and immersive read! Would highly recommend!
Thank you so much to HBG Canada and Allen Eskens for an ARC.
Review can also be found on our Two Sisters Lost in a Coulee Reading book blog:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/
THE SHADOWS WE HIDE by ALLEN ESKENS is an engaging, interesting, fast-paced and excellent mystery novel that pulled me in right from the very first page and held my attention right to the very end having me finishing it is less than 24 hours. I was totally immersed in this suspenseful storyline and thoroughly enjoyed the narrative, the mystery and the characters.
ALLEN ESKENS delivers a complex, well-written and well-plotted read here with memorable and realistic characters, a great mystery and some surprising twists and turns along the way. I absolutely loved how this story played out and I did not guess the ending at all. And I am so happy that I didn’t because I absolutely love it and find it so satisfying when the pieces of the puzzle all fall into place as the story unfolds and we learn the reveals right along with the characters.
Eskens’ ease of writing and his choice of words is so appealing and highly entertaining. He has this perfect skill of immersing you totally into the emotional side of the characters making the mystery that much more thrilling.
I was absolutely thrilled and pretty excited to revisit much-loved characters from Eskens’ first book, THE LIFE WE BURY, which I absolutely loved too. Even though this is a sequel I think it would also work out really well as a standalone.
This was a highly-anticipated Traveling Sisters Read that we all thoroughly enjoyed!
Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Eye-catching, intriguing, and an excellent and fitting representation to storyline.
Title: Intriguing and an extremely fitting representation to storyline. I absolutely loved how the title played into the storyline.
Writing/Prose: Well-written, catchy, suspenseful, and smooth. Absolutely love Eskens’ writing-style!
Plot: Engrossing, suspenseful, interesting, fast-paced, and entertaining.
Ending: Surprising, gripping, and intensely satisfying.
Overall: A fantastic, highly entertaining, enjoyable and immersive read! Would highly recommend!
Thank you so much to HBG Canada and Allen Eskens for an ARC.
Review can also be found on our Two Sisters Lost in a Coulee Reading book blog:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/
November 12, 2018
"The soul has no secret that the behavior does not reveal." (Lao Tzu)
Allen Eskens presents quite the "down the road" continuation of his characters from The Life We Bury. We lock arms with Joe Talbert who is now working as a journalist for the Associated Press in Minneapolis. Joe and his girlfriend, Lila, have custody of his younger autistic brother, Jeremy. Lila is on the precipice of taking the bar exam and the tension of that seems to permeate throughout their small apartment.
And, once again, the pendulum of unfortunate circumstances swings in Joe's direction. Joe wrote a revealing story involving a local senator. Said senator threatens to sue Joe and the newspaper. Joe knows that the story is absolutely authentic and refuses to reveal his source. He's forced to take a leave of absence until things can be settled......one way or another.
When your chin hits the ground, life just seems to dole out more. It comes to Joe's attention that another "Joe Talbert" has died recently in Minnesota. Could this be the lowlife father that left his mother before he was born? Joe knows that pursuing this will be like taking a crowbar to a sewer cover. The reveal may only lead to an even more repulsive outcome.
With time on his hands now, Joe heads to Buckley, Minnesota in order to find the truth. Allen Eskens will set many a landmine surrounding Joe's attempts to verify whether this man is, indeed, his biological father. The storyline ratchets up with a possible sister in the mix, land ownership, and a cast of characters in Buckley who try to railroad Joe at every turn.
The Shadows We Hide reads as a standalone. You'll come to experience the gift that Allen Eskens possesses for viewing humanity at its best and at its worst. Eskens' character of Joe speaks to the familiar in all of us. Throughout his life, Joe just doesn't seem to catch a break. Flawed and weak at times, Joe still tries to keep all tires on the road no matter the potholes. He's the rare individual who tries to speak his truth......accepted or denied.
I received a copy of The Shadows We Hide through Mulholland Books for an honest review. My thanks to them and to the talented Allen Eskens for the opportunity.
Allen Eskens presents quite the "down the road" continuation of his characters from The Life We Bury. We lock arms with Joe Talbert who is now working as a journalist for the Associated Press in Minneapolis. Joe and his girlfriend, Lila, have custody of his younger autistic brother, Jeremy. Lila is on the precipice of taking the bar exam and the tension of that seems to permeate throughout their small apartment.
And, once again, the pendulum of unfortunate circumstances swings in Joe's direction. Joe wrote a revealing story involving a local senator. Said senator threatens to sue Joe and the newspaper. Joe knows that the story is absolutely authentic and refuses to reveal his source. He's forced to take a leave of absence until things can be settled......one way or another.
When your chin hits the ground, life just seems to dole out more. It comes to Joe's attention that another "Joe Talbert" has died recently in Minnesota. Could this be the lowlife father that left his mother before he was born? Joe knows that pursuing this will be like taking a crowbar to a sewer cover. The reveal may only lead to an even more repulsive outcome.
With time on his hands now, Joe heads to Buckley, Minnesota in order to find the truth. Allen Eskens will set many a landmine surrounding Joe's attempts to verify whether this man is, indeed, his biological father. The storyline ratchets up with a possible sister in the mix, land ownership, and a cast of characters in Buckley who try to railroad Joe at every turn.
The Shadows We Hide reads as a standalone. You'll come to experience the gift that Allen Eskens possesses for viewing humanity at its best and at its worst. Eskens' character of Joe speaks to the familiar in all of us. Throughout his life, Joe just doesn't seem to catch a break. Flawed and weak at times, Joe still tries to keep all tires on the road no matter the potholes. He's the rare individual who tries to speak his truth......accepted or denied.
I received a copy of The Shadows We Hide through Mulholland Books for an honest review. My thanks to them and to the talented Allen Eskens for the opportunity.
November 14, 2018
The sequel to this authors novel, The life we bury, which I absolutely loved. Joe Talbert is now a reporter, and a very ethical one at that. When a story he wrote, revealing the wrong doings of a senator, goes public, he finds his job in jeopardy. He still refuses to give up his source, keeping his promise not to do so. Now he finds himself embroiled in a mystery concerning the death of the father he never knew.
Joe is the kind of man one would want their daughter to marry. He is caring, dependable, a man who though still young himself took on the care of his twenty year old autistic brother. He finds out many things during his search, about his father certainly, but more importantly about himself. Watching Joe change and grow during the course of the story was my favorite part. He is confronted with s moral choice, makes a bad decision that could cost him everything he holds dear, and learns that second chances may indeed be possible.
Characterization is the strong suit here, and it is done extremely well. This book read quickly, the pages flying by, as we follow Joe down the paths of his own life. A sisters read that we all enjoyed, and a good discussion as well.
ARC from Netgalley.
Joe is the kind of man one would want their daughter to marry. He is caring, dependable, a man who though still young himself took on the care of his twenty year old autistic brother. He finds out many things during his search, about his father certainly, but more importantly about himself. Watching Joe change and grow during the course of the story was my favorite part. He is confronted with s moral choice, makes a bad decision that could cost him everything he holds dear, and learns that second chances may indeed be possible.
Characterization is the strong suit here, and it is done extremely well. This book read quickly, the pages flying by, as we follow Joe down the paths of his own life. A sisters read that we all enjoyed, and a good discussion as well.
ARC from Netgalley.
February 1, 2019
Lost causes, second chances, and making things right. A longtime animosity slowly segues into grudging admiration. The notion is offered that home is not always a place, but might very well be a person.
It was good to spend time in Joe Talbert's company again, he is such a relatable guy. A sequel to The Life We Bury, this is a fine murder mystery, but it is the weight of family that shines here. I have read three books by this author now, and I am already eyeballing another.
It was good to spend time in Joe Talbert's company again, he is such a relatable guy. A sequel to The Life We Bury, this is a fine murder mystery, but it is the weight of family that shines here. I have read three books by this author now, and I am already eyeballing another.
November 13, 2018
Allen Eskens is a favorite author of ours and I have read and loved all of his books. I think we read most of his books in our Traveling Sisters group. I was very excited to see Allen Eskens brought back Joe from The Life We Bury and couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Thank you to HBG Canada and Allen Eskens for Norma, Lindsay and my ARCs and the opportunity to read this intriguing and exciting story here with The Shadows We Hide. We all were left cheering after reading and discussing this title.
The Shadows We Hide is the sequel to The Life We Bury where we meet and get to know Joe Talbert and his family. Allen Eskens drew us in right away with the well-developed characters. He has this way of bringing such emotion to the story through the dynamics between the characters making them very real for us.
In The Shadows We Hide we learn who might be Joe’s father and that brings a mystery to the story when he is found dead. We are taken to a small town where secrets are hidden and Joe is determined to find answers. The gripping story slowly unfolds with well plotted and perfectly paced twists. We were glued to our books, turning the pages as fast as we could to that satisfying outcome that had us guessing right to the end. Norma was so glued to this story, she read it in 24 hours, waking up with the best book hangover ever.
The ending left us all cheering with how it all wrapped up and we really enjoyed discussing the ending. If you haven’t read The Life We Bury yet we strongly recommend reading it and following it up with The Shadows We Hide. You are in for a real treat.
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
The Shadows We Hide is the sequel to The Life We Bury where we meet and get to know Joe Talbert and his family. Allen Eskens drew us in right away with the well-developed characters. He has this way of bringing such emotion to the story through the dynamics between the characters making them very real for us.
In The Shadows We Hide we learn who might be Joe’s father and that brings a mystery to the story when he is found dead. We are taken to a small town where secrets are hidden and Joe is determined to find answers. The gripping story slowly unfolds with well plotted and perfectly paced twists. We were glued to our books, turning the pages as fast as we could to that satisfying outcome that had us guessing right to the end. Norma was so glued to this story, she read it in 24 hours, waking up with the best book hangover ever.
The ending left us all cheering with how it all wrapped up and we really enjoyed discussing the ending. If you haven’t read The Life We Bury yet we strongly recommend reading it and following it up with The Shadows We Hide. You are in for a real treat.
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
October 29, 2018
This sequel to The Life We Buried deals with Joe Tolbert, now a reporter facing a libel lawsuit, who all of a sudden is dealing with all sorts of “family issues”. His never known father is the victim of a homicide, his meth head mother is trying to get back into his life and he possibly has a half sister. He’s facing a lot of issues, but can I say I didn’t initially find him a sympathetic character? He takes advantage of his girlfriend and seems to be ignoring his autistic brother.
But the writing is great. Here’s a glimpse “it was as if she wore her demons on her skin, the crazy no longer content to swing on vines in her head.” And the author does a good job of developing Joe and I liked that he wasn’t some heroic figure, just someone curious about the father he never knew.
This isn’t a fast paced book, but it does move at a nice consistent pace. I had no clue how it was going to play out in the end. Some of the supporting characters seem more stereotypical than I would have liked. But in the end, I really enjoyed the story, especially the ending. I will continue to seek out anything Eskens writes. And while I had read TLWB, I don’t feel it’s at all necessary. This works fine as a stand alone.
My thanks to netgalley and Mulholland Books for an advance copy of this book.
November 27, 2018
FIVE STARS
It’s no secret that I adore Allen Eskens. I haven’t missed a single book, and THE SHADOWS WE HIDE is by far my most anticipated read yet. I’m here to tell you…..IT’S WORTH THE WAIT! If you are an Eskens fan, you know this is the sequel to his blockbuster debut, THE LIFE WE BURY. And if you have not read the first one, why the hell not?????
Eskens is such a lovely writer, definitely one of the very best in the suspense/thriller genre. He takes the time to weave a layered plot, drawing you in with realistic and sympathetic characters. The Minnesota landscape is as ever-present in Eskens’ novels as the Australian outback is to Jane Harper novels. You can’t imagine either without their expected setting.
Joe Talbert, Jr. is back to unravel a new mystery. And this one hits very close to home. The murder of a man, who also is named Joseph Talbert, draws Jr. out to the Minnesota countryside to investigate. Is this man the father he has never met? Things get complicated fast and Joe juggles all the pieces while still caring for his autistic brother, Jeremy, and living with his longtime girlfriend, Lila. Joe’s estranged mother plays a prominent role in a touching sub-plot. All the parts come together in a most satisfying ending.
I happily spent an Audible credit to listen to THE SHADOWS WE HIDE and it is worth every penny. Zach Villa is absolute perfection narrating the story, he simply IS Joe. No acting detected. Isn’t that the best, when an actor is so good, he embodies the character effortlessly? LOVE it!
It’s no secret that I adore Allen Eskens. I haven’t missed a single book, and THE SHADOWS WE HIDE is by far my most anticipated read yet. I’m here to tell you…..IT’S WORTH THE WAIT! If you are an Eskens fan, you know this is the sequel to his blockbuster debut, THE LIFE WE BURY. And if you have not read the first one, why the hell not?????
Eskens is such a lovely writer, definitely one of the very best in the suspense/thriller genre. He takes the time to weave a layered plot, drawing you in with realistic and sympathetic characters. The Minnesota landscape is as ever-present in Eskens’ novels as the Australian outback is to Jane Harper novels. You can’t imagine either without their expected setting.
Joe Talbert, Jr. is back to unravel a new mystery. And this one hits very close to home. The murder of a man, who also is named Joseph Talbert, draws Jr. out to the Minnesota countryside to investigate. Is this man the father he has never met? Things get complicated fast and Joe juggles all the pieces while still caring for his autistic brother, Jeremy, and living with his longtime girlfriend, Lila. Joe’s estranged mother plays a prominent role in a touching sub-plot. All the parts come together in a most satisfying ending.
I happily spent an Audible credit to listen to THE SHADOWS WE HIDE and it is worth every penny. Zach Villa is absolute perfection narrating the story, he simply IS Joe. No acting detected. Isn’t that the best, when an actor is so good, he embodies the character effortlessly? LOVE it!
December 3, 2018
Exciting, fast paced, page-turner from the author of "The Life We Bury". Allen Eskens brings back his main characters Joe Talbert, Joe's autistic brother Jeremy, and Lila, Joe's girlfriend, in an all new novel that has twists and turns, unexpected happenings, as well as a very unpredictable ending. Readers won't want to miss this one. I definitely look forward to more from this author.
I thank Mulholland Books for providing a hardcover copy of this novel.
I thank Mulholland Books for providing a hardcover copy of this novel.
January 5, 2019
4.5 stars for this riveting story! I read it all the way through as I didn’t want to put it down. I was into all the characters (the good and the bad) because they were all well done and played their roles so well.
There’s Joe Jr., a “bastard” which a bully calls him at school, and the bully also calls Joe’s mother a drunk and a bitch, which technically, these are true statements. Hence it begins...
Joe is living with his love, Lila. She has her own set of issues from childhood/young adulthood. But she has risen above those issues and they are a good match. Joe’s mother, as referenced above and the title of promiscuous can be added to those other two, is also as a meth-addict. She has a boyfriend who is beating Joe’s little autistic brother. Joe comes in to get his brother out of that environment and endures hateful behavior from his mother. Joe files for guardianship of Jeremy while their mother gets hauled off to prison. She is a real piece of work and I gotta say, I was not feeling any sympathy for her at that time. She was out of control of her life.
Joe and Lila are taking care of Jeremy and he is thriving under their love and care.
They have cut their mother out of their life after all the anguish and pain she caused.
Joe is an AP reporter, Lila is studying for her law exams. The heavy pressure is on them to succeed at work for Joe, and for Lila to pass her exams. All while taking care of Jeremy and keeping the rest of the nastiness hidden. Ah, but things always bubble up to the surface so when Joe finds out his namesake, his father, has died, he wants to find out more about the father he never knew. Actually, his father was murdered in a small farming town, and this sets the rest of the story into a fast, successive motion, with lies, threats, fist fights, abuse, affairs, betrayals, dirty cops, arson, suicide, heartache, pain, disappointment, etc. Joe’s father not only deserted him and his mother early on; he was a bad man and a very mean, angry man. He was trouble to anyone who crossed his path and a bully, for his entire life. And the reader really feels the dislike for this guy and all his trouble making.
It’s a well done, satisfying read; though there were maybe a couple of loose ends at the end, however, the story ended quite satisfactorily for me. There’s lots of activity in this book from beginning to end, and it was all balanced well between the events, the characters and the timing. I’ll definitely be reading more of this authors’ books. I highly recommend this one!
There’s Joe Jr., a “bastard” which a bully calls him at school, and the bully also calls Joe’s mother a drunk and a bitch, which technically, these are true statements. Hence it begins...
Joe is living with his love, Lila. She has her own set of issues from childhood/young adulthood. But she has risen above those issues and they are a good match. Joe’s mother, as referenced above and the title of promiscuous can be added to those other two, is also as a meth-addict. She has a boyfriend who is beating Joe’s little autistic brother. Joe comes in to get his brother out of that environment and endures hateful behavior from his mother. Joe files for guardianship of Jeremy while their mother gets hauled off to prison. She is a real piece of work and I gotta say, I was not feeling any sympathy for her at that time. She was out of control of her life.
Joe and Lila are taking care of Jeremy and he is thriving under their love and care.
They have cut their mother out of their life after all the anguish and pain she caused.
Joe is an AP reporter, Lila is studying for her law exams. The heavy pressure is on them to succeed at work for Joe, and for Lila to pass her exams. All while taking care of Jeremy and keeping the rest of the nastiness hidden. Ah, but things always bubble up to the surface so when Joe finds out his namesake, his father, has died, he wants to find out more about the father he never knew. Actually, his father was murdered in a small farming town, and this sets the rest of the story into a fast, successive motion, with lies, threats, fist fights, abuse, affairs, betrayals, dirty cops, arson, suicide, heartache, pain, disappointment, etc. Joe’s father not only deserted him and his mother early on; he was a bad man and a very mean, angry man. He was trouble to anyone who crossed his path and a bully, for his entire life. And the reader really feels the dislike for this guy and all his trouble making.
It’s a well done, satisfying read; though there were maybe a couple of loose ends at the end, however, the story ended quite satisfactorily for me. There’s lots of activity in this book from beginning to end, and it was all balanced well between the events, the characters and the timing. I’ll definitely be reading more of this authors’ books. I highly recommend this one!
April 15, 2021
Brilliant and brutal, Esken’s storytelling just gets better with every book. He is at his literary best with this multi-layered plot full of small town secrets and big time low-lifes. Murder, deception and a reckoning with the past all await.
After spending time with Max Rupert in his last three installments, we return to the characters in his debut, The Life We Bury, and what an extraordinary sequel this is. I didn’t even know I wanted to know what happened next and was even more moved than his first. You could read it as a standalone, but you would be missing out on truly understanding these characters and the redemptive nature of this story. Stellar sequel! 4+++++
After spending time with Max Rupert in his last three installments, we return to the characters in his debut, The Life We Bury, and what an extraordinary sequel this is. I didn’t even know I wanted to know what happened next and was even more moved than his first. You could read it as a standalone, but you would be missing out on truly understanding these characters and the redemptive nature of this story. Stellar sequel! 4+++++
November 28, 2023
This man’s stories are about the thin lines between what’s right and what is wrong. At night, can you sleep with the choices you have made? So damn good, this guy!
Joe Talbert #2. Joe is a reporter for the Associated Press. One day his boss hands him information about a press release about a murdered man in a small town who carries the same name. Not ever knowing who his father was, could this be Joe Talbert Sr.?
As Joe heads to Caspen County, Minnesota….. he learns that the victim was not a very nice man. In fact, all of the residents of this town despised (Toke) Talbert AKA Joe. Not only was he a hateful man, his wife just committed suicide. To top it off, his daughter is left in a coma due to an attempt at suicide herself. Did Toke (Joe Sr.) play a part in these events or is someone out to get this family?
As the story developed, I felt these people were country bumpkins, you could say. In my mind, I was preparing myself for disappointment. However, it’s just the opposite. This is just how the life is, especially here in the south lol. People really act like this. Btw, I’m from Texas 💙.
While we have several suspicious deaths and a murder investigation going on, Eskens shows us the lives and backstories to his girlfriend, Lila, his autistic brother, Jeremy, his no good drug addicted mother, his absent abusive father and several other pertinent characters.
The characters feel like real people you’d run into or someone you used to go to school with. Like REAL PEOPLE. Joe’s character is tested when it comes to forgiveness and understanding. Can you even possibly forgive the people who have hurt you the most in life? Can you even understand them?
I will tell you that when it comes to understanding a worthless parent…. It hits home for me. I could empathize with the deep level of feelings that Joe contemplated while trying to understand just who his parents really were. And man OH MAN, did this just punch me right in the gut! I almost broke tears several times. Allen Eskens is a master of bringing his characters and stories to life.
Another marvelous and gripping read from a top tier author! Bravo, Eskens!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TW- suicide, addiction, domestic violence
Joe Talbert #2. Joe is a reporter for the Associated Press. One day his boss hands him information about a press release about a murdered man in a small town who carries the same name. Not ever knowing who his father was, could this be Joe Talbert Sr.?
As Joe heads to Caspen County, Minnesota….. he learns that the victim was not a very nice man. In fact, all of the residents of this town despised (Toke) Talbert AKA Joe. Not only was he a hateful man, his wife just committed suicide. To top it off, his daughter is left in a coma due to an attempt at suicide herself. Did Toke (Joe Sr.) play a part in these events or is someone out to get this family?
As the story developed, I felt these people were country bumpkins, you could say. In my mind, I was preparing myself for disappointment. However, it’s just the opposite. This is just how the life is, especially here in the south lol. People really act like this. Btw, I’m from Texas 💙.
While we have several suspicious deaths and a murder investigation going on, Eskens shows us the lives and backstories to his girlfriend, Lila, his autistic brother, Jeremy, his no good drug addicted mother, his absent abusive father and several other pertinent characters.
The characters feel like real people you’d run into or someone you used to go to school with. Like REAL PEOPLE. Joe’s character is tested when it comes to forgiveness and understanding. Can you even possibly forgive the people who have hurt you the most in life? Can you even understand them?
I will tell you that when it comes to understanding a worthless parent…. It hits home for me. I could empathize with the deep level of feelings that Joe contemplated while trying to understand just who his parents really were. And man OH MAN, did this just punch me right in the gut! I almost broke tears several times. Allen Eskens is a master of bringing his characters and stories to life.
Another marvelous and gripping read from a top tier author! Bravo, Eskens!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TW- suicide, addiction, domestic violence
August 10, 2020
What a ride! I think that is the fastest ever read a book. Well....honestly, Hachette publisher sent this to me awhile ago. Yeah, was so excited and I got it, put it down, and it sat there. I always think about the next book I plan to read, but when it comes time, moods change, priorities change, the mountain of TBR is calling and I just never know what I'll pick up next. Recently, that day came for this one and I jumped in, flying through it. And enjoying the wild ride.
Here we revisit Joe Talbert. I read The Life We Bury by Esken, which is Talbert #1, and enjoyed it. Another fast read. Here, we dive more into Joe's life - he's working as an AP reporter, on a high profile article about a senator that goes haywire, and he gets notified via an article that his father is dead, likely murdered. His father, a man he never met and the man who wanted nothing to do with him. Joe is still on the outs with his methhead mom, taking care of his austistic brother Jeremy, and living with his love Lila. Finding out about this fathers death, he feels the need to get the details and really see if Toke Talbert was his father. And again, Joe gets himself into the investigation, building a story, and coming close again to getting himself killed. Action non-stop.
I generally don't read thrillers, or much mysteries, never guess the murderers, but like to try something new and this was the perfect read for it (I didn't get the who-dunit here either, ha). While I really enjoyed the story, I gotta give the upper hand to The Life We Bury. I liked that one a bit more. I will say thanks to Hachette for sending me a hardback copy of the book, this in no way influenced my review. I'm just sorry it takes me forever to read books sent to me (which is why I've turned all requests down lately). I'm really enjoying reads by Esken and plan to pick up a few more. Just who knows when the heck that fancy will strike me next. It's a mystery to me.
Here we revisit Joe Talbert. I read The Life We Bury by Esken, which is Talbert #1, and enjoyed it. Another fast read. Here, we dive more into Joe's life - he's working as an AP reporter, on a high profile article about a senator that goes haywire, and he gets notified via an article that his father is dead, likely murdered. His father, a man he never met and the man who wanted nothing to do with him. Joe is still on the outs with his methhead mom, taking care of his austistic brother Jeremy, and living with his love Lila. Finding out about this fathers death, he feels the need to get the details and really see if Toke Talbert was his father. And again, Joe gets himself into the investigation, building a story, and coming close again to getting himself killed. Action non-stop.
I generally don't read thrillers, or much mysteries, never guess the murderers, but like to try something new and this was the perfect read for it (I didn't get the who-dunit here either, ha). While I really enjoyed the story, I gotta give the upper hand to The Life We Bury. I liked that one a bit more. I will say thanks to Hachette for sending me a hardback copy of the book, this in no way influenced my review. I'm just sorry it takes me forever to read books sent to me (which is why I've turned all requests down lately). I'm really enjoying reads by Esken and plan to pick up a few more. Just who knows when the heck that fancy will strike me next. It's a mystery to me.
February 1, 2019
This is the second book in The Joe Talbert series. The first book is The Life We Bury.
I just loved this series. I thought it was fantastic. I want to thank my friend, Jaline for her glowing reviews of this series. If it wouldn't of been for me reading her reviews of this series, I would of really been missing out on a fantastic series. I loved her quote that said something like I really would love to see readers reading this series for the first time. I got this on Overdrive and just loved it. I am not going to write a full review, but if you want to read a glowing review on this series, I suggest to read Jaline's review. Thank You Jaline for your review.
I just loved this series. I thought it was fantastic. I want to thank my friend, Jaline for her glowing reviews of this series. If it wouldn't of been for me reading her reviews of this series, I would of really been missing out on a fantastic series. I loved her quote that said something like I really would love to see readers reading this series for the first time. I got this on Overdrive and just loved it. I am not going to write a full review, but if you want to read a glowing review on this series, I suggest to read Jaline's review. Thank You Jaline for your review.
May 25, 2020
I love Allen Eskens!!! There is just something about his writing style that sucks me in right from the get go. I loved this whole story, from the little plot twists, to the exceptional characters and the extra reveals. I have to applaud the author for picking up the story so nicely while interweaving and expanding from book one. I wish there would have been a little more of a certain someone in the book but hopefully we will get to continue Joe Talbert's journey in future books. Excellent read, and although this is a stand alone and can be read as is, readers should definitely start with book one, The Life We Bury, to get the whole back story and the foundation for this one.
September 25, 2018
There is something I just love about a book written years apart from the first that brings back the same characters - it’s that nostalgic feeling of coming home. And it’s even better when the second story is just as good (if not better) than the first! I know in this series, Eskens has 3 books between The Life We Bury and The Shadows We Hide but this is the first to feature Joe Tolbert as the main character again. In TLWB, I loved getting to know scrappy Joe, tough Lila and sweet Jeremy. In TSWH, there’s a new mystery, and Joe has found himself in some new trouble - but Lila is still helping him care for his autistic brother Jeremy and the little family of three is skating by. I really loved spending time with this crew again and enjoyed following the mystery - no one does the slow burn better than Eskens!
I received an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
I received an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
November 12, 2018
Once again Allen Eskens takes us into Joe Talbot's world, a world of secrets, a world of murder, and a world of forgiveness.
For those of us who met Joe, his autistic brother Jeremy, his girlfriend, Lila, and a mother, Kathy, (the mother from hell), in The Life We Bury, you might be delighted to see their return.
In this installment, Joe tackles the death of his supposed father who was murdered. Joe, now a reporter, takes on his despicable uncle, the police, and a barmaid, Vicki, who seems to fancy Joe. Finding secrets that he never expected, his life is about to take quite a turn as he tries to solve the murder of his father and in the process comes to the realization that his father was just as loathsome as he suspected, and his uncle is probably worse!
Mr Eskens presents us with an easy to read story, one where the characters are fessed out so well, and we come to know them as the two sides of a human coin. There are a lot of things Joe needs to settle in his life. but he seems up to the task using cunning and a wonderful moral sense in his dealings with all. He is the type of character you would like to be friends with. Life does offer twists and turns and Joe and his family tackle them with aplomb and surety.
As with the former book about Joe Talbot, I recommend this new book highly. You can never go wrong with a well written story that carries you along life's road and makes you happy you traveled it with a favorite character.
Thank you to Allen Eskens, Mulholland Books and NetGalley for a copy of this worthwhile story.
My reviews can be seen here: https://wordpress.com/post/yayareadsl...
For those of us who met Joe, his autistic brother Jeremy, his girlfriend, Lila, and a mother, Kathy, (the mother from hell), in The Life We Bury, you might be delighted to see their return.
In this installment, Joe tackles the death of his supposed father who was murdered. Joe, now a reporter, takes on his despicable uncle, the police, and a barmaid, Vicki, who seems to fancy Joe. Finding secrets that he never expected, his life is about to take quite a turn as he tries to solve the murder of his father and in the process comes to the realization that his father was just as loathsome as he suspected, and his uncle is probably worse!
Mr Eskens presents us with an easy to read story, one where the characters are fessed out so well, and we come to know them as the two sides of a human coin. There are a lot of things Joe needs to settle in his life. but he seems up to the task using cunning and a wonderful moral sense in his dealings with all. He is the type of character you would like to be friends with. Life does offer twists and turns and Joe and his family tackle them with aplomb and surety.
As with the former book about Joe Talbot, I recommend this new book highly. You can never go wrong with a well written story that carries you along life's road and makes you happy you traveled it with a favorite character.
Thank you to Allen Eskens, Mulholland Books and NetGalley for a copy of this worthwhile story.
My reviews can be seen here: https://wordpress.com/post/yayareadsl...
March 30, 2019
4.0 Stars - Video Review: https://youtu.be/50fxbN0MVLU
I absolutely loved this novel. The characters, the mystery and the immersive narrative pulled me in from the first page and held me captive until the very end.
It's no secret that I consider Allen Eskens to be my favourite mystery author so I was ecstatic to learn that he was coming out with a new novel this year. I have read and loved all of his previously published novels and can now say that his newest book did not disappoint. Personally, I think this is one of his best!
This was the follow up to Esken's debut novel, The Life We Bury. As a huge fan of that original story, I was thrilled to revisit Joe and his family. Yet, my familiarity with the characters was not necessary since this novel completely stands on its own. Within the first few chapters, readers learn all the relevant backstories to the characters without spoiling the mystery from the previous book. This novel could certainly be read as a standalone, although I personally recommend going back afterwards to binge read his four other novels afterwards.
Like with The Life We Bury, this is the kind of novel that you read for the characters and stories as much as the mystery. The characters in this novel were all well developed with complex motivations and realistic flaws. Unlike hard-boiled detective stories, this mystery novel had a lot of heart with some very emotional scenes. Moreover, this novel offered a realisitic protrayel of austism and alcoholism.
As I have come to expect from Eskens' work,, the mystery itself was so well plotted. I did not guess the ending, but I did not mind because I feel like it's the kind of story where you piece together the mystery at the same time as the characters. I personally love reading stories where an amateur civilian attempts to solve a murder and this one completely scratched that itch.
I would highly recommend this novel to readers who love immersive mysteries with memorable characters and gripping personal stories.
I requested a copy from the publisher.
I absolutely loved this novel. The characters, the mystery and the immersive narrative pulled me in from the first page and held me captive until the very end.
It's no secret that I consider Allen Eskens to be my favourite mystery author so I was ecstatic to learn that he was coming out with a new novel this year. I have read and loved all of his previously published novels and can now say that his newest book did not disappoint. Personally, I think this is one of his best!
This was the follow up to Esken's debut novel, The Life We Bury. As a huge fan of that original story, I was thrilled to revisit Joe and his family. Yet, my familiarity with the characters was not necessary since this novel completely stands on its own. Within the first few chapters, readers learn all the relevant backstories to the characters without spoiling the mystery from the previous book. This novel could certainly be read as a standalone, although I personally recommend going back afterwards to binge read his four other novels afterwards.
Like with The Life We Bury, this is the kind of novel that you read for the characters and stories as much as the mystery. The characters in this novel were all well developed with complex motivations and realistic flaws. Unlike hard-boiled detective stories, this mystery novel had a lot of heart with some very emotional scenes. Moreover, this novel offered a realisitic protrayel of austism and alcoholism.
As I have come to expect from Eskens' work,, the mystery itself was so well plotted. I did not guess the ending, but I did not mind because I feel like it's the kind of story where you piece together the mystery at the same time as the characters. I personally love reading stories where an amateur civilian attempts to solve a murder and this one completely scratched that itch.
I would highly recommend this novel to readers who love immersive mysteries with memorable characters and gripping personal stories.
I requested a copy from the publisher.
March 5, 2020
Like any seasoned mystery author, Allen Eskens layers incident upon incident building a 'bomb' that will explode towards the end. So it is with 'The Shadows We Hide', the sequel to the first Joe Talbert book. What I enjoy most about this author is how he weaves humanity into the story 'fabric', affording the reader something more than crime alone. Rather than dazzle with gore, blood and explosive anger, he integrates compassion, forgiveness and family while the 'bomb' nears explosion. Joe's autistic brother and girlfriend studying for the bar exam are icing on the cake, the plot twisting until the last few pages, which is the mark of a great mystery writer. While he doesn't complicate plots with copious elements of research, he keeps the reader engaged with story; and that's what best selling authors are about! I've read three or four of his books now, and none of them let me down. If you enjoy mystery, interesting characters and constantly twisting plots, read his books; you won't be disappointed!
August 23, 2023
I loved his first book (for me) “The Life We Bury.” My review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... There was so much to appreciate about Joe Talbert. But I forgot about him, until one day one of my GR friends read this same book, and reminded me that there were more books to follow. So, I decided it was time to visit Joe’s life and find out what was happening.
Joe Talbert Jr is now a reporter for the Associated Press enjoying some success.
But…
Suddenly his career takes a hit and he is needing to take a “recommended” leave of absence.
He decides to follow-up on a report about a man named Joe Talbert that was found dead in Buckley, a small town in Minnesota.
Could this be his long-lost father whom he has never met?
He learns that this particular Joe (known as Toke) has a daughter, so he may have a sister who is in the hospital all alone.
He leaves his long-time girlfriend, Lila who is studying for the bar, behind with his autistic brother Jeremy.
While investigating the death of Toke, he finds his questions aren’t welcomed. Apparently, Toke wasn’t well-liked and there are a few people that stood to profit from his death.
Joe’s investigation unravels a lot of secrets including a land dispute and some issues over Toke’s deceased wife’s inheritance.
And…
If Joe is related to Toke, he may be eligible for some of this inheritance which could put him in danger.
This news also creates some tension for Joe and Lila, as well as some suspenseful mystery and family drama. As well as possibly upending some achievements that Joe has worked hard to obtain.
Joe is a wonderfully drawn character. He is wary, hardened, vulnerable, sensitive. In this sequel we see his cracks – his human susceptibility and what happens to him as he is faced with temptation.
This mystery is suspenseful, full of richness in detail. It has amazing twists and turns.
But…
This book is more than a mystery.
For those of us who have grown to love Joe from Book 1- “The Life We Bury”, it is wonderful to watch him navigate his self-discovery. Face his weaknesses. Will we see Joe make it through this experience whole? Will we have a chance to watch Joe grow into a better man?
When characters are this rich, you can’t help but appreciate what an author is gifting to their readers.
Joe Talbert Jr is now a reporter for the Associated Press enjoying some success.
But…
Suddenly his career takes a hit and he is needing to take a “recommended” leave of absence.
He decides to follow-up on a report about a man named Joe Talbert that was found dead in Buckley, a small town in Minnesota.
Could this be his long-lost father whom he has never met?
He learns that this particular Joe (known as Toke) has a daughter, so he may have a sister who is in the hospital all alone.
He leaves his long-time girlfriend, Lila who is studying for the bar, behind with his autistic brother Jeremy.
While investigating the death of Toke, he finds his questions aren’t welcomed. Apparently, Toke wasn’t well-liked and there are a few people that stood to profit from his death.
Joe’s investigation unravels a lot of secrets including a land dispute and some issues over Toke’s deceased wife’s inheritance.
And…
If Joe is related to Toke, he may be eligible for some of this inheritance which could put him in danger.
This news also creates some tension for Joe and Lila, as well as some suspenseful mystery and family drama. As well as possibly upending some achievements that Joe has worked hard to obtain.
Joe is a wonderfully drawn character. He is wary, hardened, vulnerable, sensitive. In this sequel we see his cracks – his human susceptibility and what happens to him as he is faced with temptation.
This mystery is suspenseful, full of richness in detail. It has amazing twists and turns.
But…
This book is more than a mystery.
For those of us who have grown to love Joe from Book 1- “The Life We Bury”, it is wonderful to watch him navigate his self-discovery. Face his weaknesses. Will we see Joe make it through this experience whole? Will we have a chance to watch Joe grow into a better man?
When characters are this rich, you can’t help but appreciate what an author is gifting to their readers.
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