Dig Two Graves by Andrew Hallman follows Von Martin after his release from prison as he tries to reclaim a place in a world that’s moved on without him. He’s intent on reconnecting with his daughter Tara and rebuilding a life that includes steady work, respect, and family stability. But each step forward, like securing a job, finding shelter, reconnecting with old contacts, collides with setbacks: his daughter won’t see him, his old coworkers have replaced him, and people he trusted seem to be living better lives while he clings to the margins. Frustrated and increasingly desperate, he shifts from seeking legitimate opportunities to crossing lines—car theft, scams, armed robbery, and eventually violent confrontations. These escalate alongside his efforts to regain control, revenge, and dignity as the law closes in and his options dwindle.

Andrew Hallman’s Dig Two Graves is a relentless and unflinching portrait of a man losing total control, written in the third person but, in a testament to Hallman's skill as a writer, simultaneously reading like a stream of consciousness. The standout to me is Von’s relationship with Jasmine/Nora, which has a twist of its own. He deflects in a way that makes the reader question if what's happening isn't as it seems, even though we can clearly see that Von is delusional. Likeable, but completely off his rocker. The details are sharp, from bloodstained wipes hidden under a car seat to the quiet desperation of dreaming about Pastor Tom’s sermons. Hallman places readers directly inside Von’s head as he ricochets between determination, regret, and raw survival. The result is a gritty story that refuses to sanitize crime or its consequences, drawing readers toward a conclusion that is as bittersweet as it is surprising.

In Dig Two Graves by Andrew Hallman, Von Martin grapples with the humiliation of leaving prison only to return to a world he no longer recognizes. On his way home to see his daughter, Tara, a neighbor reminds him that freedom is the most valuable thing a person can possess. But Von soon discovers that his former friend, Darnell, has taken over his family, his wife, and even his daughter. Darnell goes so far as to host a neighborhood gathering with cake and ice cream to celebrate Von’s release. Despite Tara’s rejection, Von manages to keep his composure during the visit. Before leaving, he takes his father’s Bible, both a symbol of his past and a beacon for his future. Seeking guidance, Von turns to Pastor Tom, a man who once knew his father, and expresses his yearning for a new beginning and a clear direction for the path ahead.

Dig Two Graves by Andrew Hallman is an intense mix of raw emotion and gripping suspense. The pacing is steady yet charged, keeping me hooked while allowing me time to fully take in Von’s emotional struggles. This balance keeps the tension and unpredictability throughout the story. The action is unrelenting and enhances the emotional depth of the story without overshadowing it. Themes of revenge, betrayal, faith, and the price of freedom are explored, giving the book a lasting resonance. The writing is vivid, atmospheric, and deeply evocative, painting striking images of both external conflict and Von’s inner battles. The characters feel genuine and layered, with Von portrayed as both flawed and sympathetic, while the supporting characters add further depth. This is a masterfully written story that left a strong and lasting impression on me.