In The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens, Joe Talbert, a college student, seeks to write the biography of Carl Iverson, a Vietnam veteran convicted of a young girl's murder 30 years ago. As Joe investigates with the help of his neighbor Lila Nash, they uncover evidence suggesting Carl's innocence and expose the real murderer, all while Joe manages personal challenges involving his brother Jeremy and their abusive mother. The narrative includes sensitive topics such as abuse and violence.

Allen Eskens’ The Life We Bury receives high praise for its gripping narrative and well-developed characters, particularly the protagonist Joe. Reviewers commend its suspenseful plot and emotional depth. However, some criticize the pacing and certain predictable elements in the story. Overall, it’s lauded as a compelling mystery that balances intrigue with human drama effectively.

Readers who relish suspenseful mysteries with deep character development will enjoy The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens. Fans of works like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Sharp Objects will find Eskens' novel equally compelling, with its combination of crime, human drama, and an intricate plot.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Emotional / Dark / Contemplative

**Joe Talbert**  
A 21-year-old college student at the University of Minnesota, striving to improve his life despite his challenging family background, including an abusive mother and an autistic brother.

**Carl Iverson**  
A 64-year-old man living in a nursing home, who was released from prison after being convicted of a serious crime, now confronting his past as he faces terminal illness.

**Jeremy Naylor**  
Joe’s 18-year-old autistic brother, who is straightforward and honest, providing a stable presence in the story through his direct and simple manner.

**Kathy Nelson**  
Joe’s alcoholic mother, who struggles with past traumas and addictions, impacting her relationships with Joe and his brother, Jeremy.

**Lila Nash**  
Joe’s neighbor and later girlfriend, who works alongside him in uncovering the truth about a murder case while grappling with her own past traumas.

**Crystal Marie Hagen**  
A 14-year-old girl who was raped and murdered in 1980, her case serves as the catalyst for the narrative and mystery-solving efforts of Joe and Lila.

**Daniel Lockwood (Daniel Jr., “DJ”)**  
Crystal’s stepbrother, whose violent actions play a significant role in the darker elements of the narrative.

**Douglas Joseph Lockwood**  
Daniel's father and Crystal’s former stepfather, with a complex relationship to the crimes and family secrets within the story.

**Danielle Hagen**  
Crystal’s mother, whose actions inadvertently help reveal key truths in the narrative.

**Grandpa Bill**  
Joe’s grandfather, whose death during a fishing trip in Joe's childhood continues to affect the family dynamics.

**Virgil Gray**  
A Vietnam War veteran and friend of Carl, who offers insights into Carl's past and character based on their wartime experiences.

**Andy Fisher**  
Crystal’s boyfriend at the time of her death, whose connection to the central mystery involves hidden secrets from the past.

**Sergeant Gibbs**  
Carl and Virgil’s squad leader in Vietnam, whose actions are part of Carl’s complex history.

**The Vietnamese Girl Raped by Gibbs**  
A victim of violence in Carl's past, her story parallels the themes of brutality and innocence in the narrative.

**Max Rupert**  
A detective who becomes involved in the investigation of the old murder case, representing the challenges of seeking justice.

**Boady Sanden**  
A lawyer from the Innocence Project who plays a pivotal role in addressing the legal aspects of clearing Carl’s name.

Allen Eskens

Adult

Novel

Joe Talbert

Fiction

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Before You Read

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The Life We Bury follows college student Joe as he investigates a dying convict’s dark past, uncovering secrets that threaten his own life. Summary here.

The Life We Bury Summary and Study Guide

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Chapters 1-5

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Chapters 6-10

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Chapters 11-16

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Chapters 17-22

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Chapters 23-27

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Chapters 28-32

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Chapters 33-39

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Chapters 40-46

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Chapters 47-54

The Life We Bury Chapters 47-54 Summary & Analysis

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The Life We Bury

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