The Shadows We Hide

THE SHADOWS WE HIDE presents the reader a bit of a conundrum. Expecting a murder mystery, I first found myself in the midst of Joe Talbert's unsolved personal and relationship issues. The murder and the mystery was there but did not seem the essence of the novel.There's so much here for Allen Eskens's fans. SHADOWS is the proper sequel to THE LIFE WE BURY. We pick up years down the line. Talbert's life seems pretty much in order. The touchy issue is only Lila facing the bar exam. Then stuff happens. Rapidly.There's so much here for a first time Eskens reader. Enough background comes forward - the longtime reader needs that as well (it's a few books down the line). Like any good series writer (and I mean good - Connelly, Deaver, Silva), Eskens allows entry at this point. The new reader may be inclined to go back to see where things all began, but Eskens presents no barriers.I spoke with Eskens one time. He talked about his personal reading. Of course, he reads the work of his competitor/colleagues. But he reads literary fiction as well.And that is, perhaps, where someone expecting only a page turner might fall by the wayside.Eskens's characters breathe. By page 50, not only do I want to know who done it, I want the issues between Joe and Lila resolved. I want Joe to find peace with his own background and history. I want Jeremy, Joe's autistic brother, to somehow let Joe know his appreciation for what Joe has given.In essence, I want the world between the pages to be a better place. Eskens creates a world I care about. People I care about. I find myself not turning pages because of cliff hangers (although he does that well), not because I can't wait to see the cataclysm around the next corner. I turn pages because somehow I gain vision of the way Joe's world ought to be. I turn pages because I really want Joe to do the right things even though I understand the why's of just what he is doing.So THE SHADOWS WE HIDE was not quite what I expected.And I remember a second date. The first one had been over a year earlier, and the girl dropped me like a hot rock. She finally agreed to go out a second time. I expected to have to work really hard to have a chance at a third. But things had changed.This one took. And I've been married to the woman for 47 years.So, does Allen Eskens have 42 more books in him?I hope so.

I fell in love with The Life We Bury. Joe is such a likable character and I've been happy to read all of Eskens subsequent books. This one is possibly the best. It was interesting to explore Joe's past, with all the many twists and turns of the story. As always, Joe's relationship with Jeremy is touching. Things are not so smooth with his girlfriend, Lila, but we understand a little more about the two of them. The book uncovers the background of his father through the investigation of his murder, and unexpected family ties emerge. Eskins also adds some interesting developments with his mother. Throughout the novel, I was always interested, often surprised and never disappointed. What a wonderful author! I look forward to many years of reading his work.

And in this case, I was glad to be wrong. The Shadows We Hide is a murder mystery and much more. It was great to re-enter Joe Talbert's world. I've become very fond of him and other recurring characters, especially Joe's autistic brother, Jeremy. I don't know anyone who is autistic but I bet the author does. Jeremy's appearances in the story are thoughtfully written.Allen Eskens is an awesomely talented weaver of tales. To anyone new to his intriguing creations, I highly recommend starting with his 1st offering, The Life We Bury. After that, you won't want to miss Eskens' The Guise of Another, The Heavens May Fall, and The Deep Dark Descending. All 5 Eskens books are well worth your time. I'm looking forward to #6 .....

"Home is not a place, it’s a person."I discovered Allen Eskens’ book "The Life We Bury" at the end of 2018, and immediately fell in love with both the story and the writer’s skills. I was ecstatic to learn shortly thereafter that the sequel was already published and awaiting my one-click. And just as I hoped it would be, this one was every bit as remarkable as its predecessor– two solid winners for me!Five years separate the ending of the first book and the beginning of "The Shadows We Hide." Joe Talbert has graduated from college and is presently an investigative reporter with the Associated Press. He and Lila, who has just finished law school and is frantically studying in preparation for the Bar Examination, along with Joe’s autistic brother Jeremy, are all now living under one roof.Blending elements of time-honored whodunits with fast-paced discovery while interweaving a bit of both family drama and an ongoing romance that’s on shaky ground, Eskens skillfully keeps predictability hidden from the reader’s eye. Boredom is out of reach. Captivating readers with compelling layers and vivid environments, the case produces a series of well-planned shocks. Clothed in a mystery personally related to Joe, the author deals with some sticky situations in developing a realistic and honest portrayal. Despite his best intentions while cracking open the case, Joe manages to stumble into a bit of temptation and trouble. Altogether, this is a fun read, smartly crafted and uniquely told with just the right amount of detailed description where visualization of each scene was perfectly framed and mental images focused on each colorful character.Color me head-over-heels for these characters. I really hated saying good-bye to Joe, Lila, Jeremy and Kathy and am so excited over the news that Mr. Eskens plans to continue this delightful and addictive series with Lila’s backstory up next.I highly recommend reading both these books. They are refreshing, well-written and can be read as standalones – but I bet you won’t stop at just one. They don’t need to be read in the order they were published, but it’s my suggestion that you do so. Readers looking for a new voice in what I call comfy mysteries should pay special attention to both Allen Eskens and Joe Talbert. The reading experiences will be well-worth your time.Meanwhile, I’m moving on to the three remaining books on Mr. Eskens’s backlist that are receiving rave reviews as well, and feature Max Rupert, a Minnesota detective and a good friend to Joe Talbert.Coming in November, 2019, expect a new book from this author -- Nothing More Dangerous.

I have now read all but one of Allen Esken’s books and I have given each one a five star review. What a writer! I am taken on a twisting journey that completely surprises. His stories are so well written and I feel totally immersed. Thank you!

It really moved, never a dull moment.

In this stand alone novel, the story of Joe Talbert the hero of "The Life we Bury", is continued with a new murder and some of the cast of characters from Allen Eskens previous books. Time has marched on for Joe Talbert. He is still living with his girlfriend Lila and his autistic brother, Jeremy as he is now his legal guardian, having removed him from his mother's care or lack thereof. Joe has not spoken one single word to her, Kathy, since the hearing for legal guardianship. Kathy was removed from court and charged with using meth during the proceedings.Joe, a reporter, learns he is being sued by a Senator for his latest exposee when he is served along with his boss, Allison, who approved the article. The only way to get himself out of the mess would be to reveal his source and he will not do that. So he is offered a leave of absence which coincides with something he feels he must investigate for personal reasons. He discovers an obituary for a Joe Talbert and realizes this may be his long lost father who abandoned his mother during her pregnancy. But when he finds out that his father did not die of natural causes and he may also have a half sister who is in a coma, he leaves the city and heads for the small town where all this took place. And thus begins the roller coaster ride.I loved this latest book from Allen Eskens and again will have to wait for his next one. This author is thoroughly readable.

This book as any by Allen Eskens is a book worth reading.

Another good read by this author!!!

Great read!!! I've read all of his books which has been led by the very first book "The Life We Bury"

Love this author. So far his books are the only ones I don’t want to put down once I start reading.