Each day as we count down to the April 18 announcement of the Minnesota Book Awards, we highlight one of the thirty-two finalists. Today we feature 2015 Genre Fiction finalist Allen Eskens.
A Twisting and Evocative Mystery
The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens
Published by: Seventh Street Books/Prometheus Books
Category Sponsor: Macalester College
The Life We Bury tells the story of Joe Talbert, a junior at the University of Minnesota, who receives a class assignment to write a biography of someone who has lived an interesting life. At a nursing home he meets Carl Iverson, a man dying of cancer who has been medically paroled after spending thirty years in prison for the murder of a fourteen-year-old girl. Carl agrees to tell Joe his story, and Joe sets out to unravel the tapestry of the thirty-year-old murder. Eskens combines the mounting tension of an expert thriller with the emotional burdens of his compelling narrator to create a twisting and evocative mystery that is full of heart.
About the author:
In addition to his writing life, Eskens is a criminal defense attorney with over 20 years experience. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Minnesota, and a Juris Doctorate from Hamline University School of Law. The Life We Bury is his first book. Visit his website.
The reviews are in:
“Kudos and five stars to Allen Eskens for this intriguing debut, a combination of coming-of-age and murder mystery…a compelling read to the end.” – Examiner.com
“Eskens’ debut is a solid and thoughtful tale of a young man used to taking on burdens beyond his years.” – Kirkus Reviews
“Allen Eskens delivers a mesmerizing debut, unfolding decades of secrets in a rewarding tale of redemption.” – Julie Kramer, Minnesota Book Award Winner
Links:
Listen to Allen Eskens speak at the Fireside Reading Series
Publisher’s Weekly Starred Review
Join us at the Awards Gala!
Award winners will be announced at the 27th Annual Minnesota Book Awards Gala on Saturday, April 18 at the historic St. Paul Union Depot. The opening reception begins at 7 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 and are available by visiting www.thefriends.org/gala.
Have you read The Life We Bury? What are your thoughts? We welcome your comments!