Joe Talbert's life is changing. He hopes going away to collage will help, but it only adds to the challenges. He has saved his own money and been the strength in his home, helping his autistic brother and covering for his alcoholic mother. His new life at the University of Minnesota has brought him to a new apartment, a young lady friend down the hall, and a very interesting writing assignment in his English class.

For his assignment he decides to write a biography of a stranger and chooses Carl Iverson whom he finds in a nursing home. It turns out that the Carl had spent the last 30 years in prison for the rape and murder of a 14 year old girl. Carl was released from prison because he was close to death with stage 4 cancer.

Carl is a Vietnam vet with two Purple Hearts and a Silver Cross. Joe’s at first figures a short biography would be an easy A for his class. When he learns that Carl could be innocent he decides to look at the crime evidence to make the biography more accurate.

Joe's brother, Jeremy, has to move in with him because of troubles at his home are still a concern. Joe, Jeremy and his neighbor all help to resolve things as they work on the facts they find about Carl's crime.

The books characters are interesting and the plot twists with surprises. Exploring the evidence of a long past crime and getting to know the people is interesting.

A story well written and a book that is worth reading

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Brent M. Jones

Brent writes with quiet confidence and curiosity, exploring communication, reinvention, and what truly matters. His reflections invite readers to slow down, reconsider their stories, and reconnect with the values that guide them. Through books, essays, and his What Matters newsletter, he offers writing that doesn’t shout—but still speaks clearly.