Debut novel by Dennis Noyes
"An absorbing moral drama with great depth." ー Kirkus Reviews
Dennis Noyes, short story writer and renowned motorsports author, ventures deeper into fiction through his debut novel. With a writing style rich in character depth and moral complexity, yet lightened by humor, this story pulls you in.
Editorial Reviews
"This is part mystery novel, part literary fiction...Noyes pulls all the string of the plot together in the climactic chapter of the book, and it's both hair-raising and satisfying...The description is so detailed and atmospheric, it's almost as if the town itself is the central character. (Much like Savannah in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil) ...I would recommend this book to anyone. Just don't start it before going to bed...you'll be up all night."
— LISA REARDON, author of The Mercy Killers
"In this complex but never superfluously convoluted drama, Noyes sensitively charts the killings' ramifications, which crescendo nearly 40 years later. At the heart of the story is the fragility of a person's destiny and the myriad ways in which a minor setback can snowball into a tragedy—a gripping idea unfurled by the author with considerable dramatic power."
— KIRKUS REVIEWS
"Original, deftly crafted, and an inherently fascinating read from start to finish, and all the more impressive when considering that it is his debut as a novelist. Yonders, Illinois showcases author Dennis Noyes' genuine flair for the kind of narrative driven storytelling that holds the reader's rapt attention throughout."
— JIM COX, Midwest Review of Books
"Touches of E Annie Proulx, a whiff of Kesey and maybe Faulkner, a garnish of Truman Capote, but mainly pure Dennis Noyes—telling a carefully wrought story with humour and compassion."
— MICHAEL SCOTT, author of Wayne Rainey,
His Own Story
About the book
Perfect for Suspense Lovers
“Yonders, Illinois” is an enthralling novel that masterfully intertwines a four-decade-old, triple homicide with the rich tapestry of a small Midwestern town. Spanning from 1959 to 1998, the story unfolds through the eyes of seven diverse characters, central among them are the honest Police Chief Buster Lawton and the primary suspect in the crime, Keelan Putnam. The narrative skillfully captures the essence of Yonders, a place where memories persist and justice is a complex, often elusive pursuit.The book delves deep into themes of crime, justice, and the human condition, offering a vivid portrayal of a community wrestling with its past. Characters like Buster and Keelan bring to life the struggles of confronting old truths and personal demons, making the novel more than just a mystery; it's a profound exploration of small-town dynamics and the lasting impact of unresolved crimes. With its rich narrative, multifaceted characters, and a setting that resonates with the familiarity of a hometown, this novel is a perfect pick for those who relish stories that blend suspense with deep, meaningful insights into the human psyche and community spirit.
About the author
Dennis Noyes is a celebrated motorcycling journalist, ex-racer, and TV commentator, widely known in Spain for his work covering the MotoGP World Championship. Alongside his motorsports career, Noyes nurtured a lifelong passion for fiction writing, which culminated in the publication of his debut novel, Yonders, Illinois, in 2023.Born in Oak Park, Illinois, and raised in a small town shaped by Midwestern and Appalachian cultures, Noyes developed an early love for storytelling. He won the Atlantic Monthly Annual Writing Contest in 1966 and attended the Bread Loaf Writers Conference on scholarship. His diverse experiences include working as a reporter in Venezuela, teaching English in Guatemala, and eventually spending five decades in Spain.Having previously written popular nonfiction works in Spanish, Noyes is now crafting a new novel inspired by the rich vernacular, humor, and dark complexities of his Midwestern roots.
What led me to write Yonders, Illinois?
At dusk on the evening of my return to my hometown for our fiftieth high school class reunion, I heard a southbound freight whistling out by the graveyard and heard it rattle through town, calling out for the five crossings I knew so well. Later I drove out to the cemetery and walked in moonlight among familiar names. The next day I wandered the town. Every street and every alleyway held memories. On Main Street many businesses were derelict, but as I passed the boarded-up pool hall, I could hear in my mind's ear the clacks and dings of the pinball machine and imagine who was running up a big score. After the reunion on my last day in town, I met an old friend for coffee at the diner on the highway. She told me an old story she said no one but her believed. It was as if we were back in the sixties whispering in the window booth about something awful that had just happened...a long time ago. At dawn, before I headed back up to Chicago to catch my flight home, I again heard a fast freight whistling through town and I thought: What if...?
Available as an ebook
Now, Yonders, Illinois is available as an ebook—a digital edition that can be read on e-readers, tablets, computers, and other electronic devices.
A Closer Look
Get Your Signed Copy of Yonders, Illinois Today!
Now available—signed editions of Yonders, Illinois by Dennis Noyes! This special edition brings readers a unique opportunity to own a personally autographed copy of this compelling story.Each book is hand-signed, making it a perfect addition to your collection or a thoughtful gift for a fellow reader. Plus, enjoy FREE shipping within the USA for a limited time!
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