Allen Eskens

This is such a clever story! I purchased the book two years ago (at an author event) but hadn't gotten around to reading it even though I'd heard nothing but great things about the book.

Joe Talbert is a college kid trying to make his way on his own. His dad is out of the picture and his mother is dependent on Joe to be the adult, her younger son's disability checks, and alcohol.

In Joe's search to write a short biography of a stranger's life, he connects with Carl Iverson, a man dying from cancer in a nursing home after spending thirty years in prison for murder.

The story is about more than Joe's search for the truth of Carl's conviction. It's about trust, character, family, and doing what's right...even if the past claws at you to keep that from happening.

It's a complex, layered, heartfelt, and cleverly written novel.
… (lisätietoja)

While there are many parts of this story which require readers to really set aside believably, the story is fascinating and the pace is excellent from start to finish. I listened to the audio book version of this and the narrator was 5 stars EXCELLENT! If you enjoy a good mystery and appreciate character development and a story that flows well, this is for you!

CAVEAT: For those who are triggered by sexual violence - this story might not be for you as there is a great deal of it in the narrative.… (lisätietoja)

Allen Eskens is hands down, one of my favorite authors. I've enjoyed each and every one of the books he's written. His latest - Saving Emma is no exception.

Lawyer Boady Sanden is part of The Innocence Project. The goal is to revisit a case when new information is found. Elijah's sister approaches Boady sure that her brother is innocent, despite being convicted of murder. Boady very reluctantly says he will.

Boady has a lot on his plate. His ward Emma is questioning her life. And another relative opened their door to her. But, Boady and his wife Dee question the motive behind that move. And then there's a connection that's so unexpected....

What makes Eskens' books so good? Well, his lead characters for one thing. They're never perfect or hotshots. Instead they're real and believable, making mistakes along the way, but trying to do their best. The supporting characters are just as well drawn. Dee is the voice of reason and emotions, doing her best as well. The antagonists? Yeah, it won't be too hard to pinpoint the 'bad guys.'

Then there's the plotting. Fantastic melding of two seemingly disparate plotlines. One of the main parts is easily recognizable from television and news. The other is a 'couldn't be predicted' element. And finally, a nice gotcha in the final pages. Morality, family and faith are woven into the story as well.

And then the writing itself. It's easy to be drawn in the story and I'm always eager to see what the next chapter will bring. Eskens is just so 'readable'.… (lisätietoja)