The Lonely Witness: A Novel - Hardcover

William Boyle is from Brooklyn, New York. His books include: Gravesend, which was nominated for the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière in France and shortlisted for the John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger in the UK; The Lonely Witness, which is nominated for the Hammett Prize; and, most recently, A Friend Is a Gift You Give Yourself. He lives in Oxford, Mississippi.

“Amy is the epitome of The Lonely Witness, William Boyle’s second character-driven novel that explores the neighborhoods of Brooklyn and the people who inhabit them. Boyle skillfully shows how crime fiction has the ability to explore what motivates people to choose their path in life. Boyle launched his gritty vision about this section of Brooklyn, where neighbors make their own small town, in his debut, Gravesend. The Lonely Witness offers an excellent sequel with a superb plot, matched by its realistically shaped characters.”
- Oline Cogdil, The Associated Press

“A beautifully nuanced novel that has an unhurried but compelling narrative drive, a central character you are totally invested in, and a locale―the Gravesend neighborhood in Brooklyn―that does indeed function as a major character, interacting with and psychically affecting each and every person in the book.”
- Criminal Element

“A knockout combination of in-depth character work, Brooklyn atmosphere, and straight-up gritty noir. The devotion Boyle demonstrates for character, story and place is perhaps the one unadulterated emotion on display in a story imbued with ambiguous morality and loyalty.”
- Shelf Awareness (starred)

“William Boyle has worked his way into becoming one of crime fiction’s talents. In both his short story collection and debut novel, he chronicles the battered souls of working class East Coast in a way that hits the heart without being maudlin. His second novel, The Lonely Witness, proves he is taking his skills further. What makes William Boyle’s work ring with such a strong and true voice is that he realizes for many daily life is a struggle. His writing prays for them.”
- Mystery People (Pick of the Month)

“The Lonely Witness is a tense, and, at times, darkly funny, thriller. Reminiscent of writers from Daniel Fuchs to George Pelecanos, it's safe to say that if you liked Gravesend, you'll love The Lonely Witness. And if you haven't read Gravesend, you will no doubt want to do so after reading The Lonely Witness.”
- Woody Haut, author of Pulp Culture, Neon Noire, Heartbreak & Vine

“Boyle is from Brooklyn, and his easy familiarity with this milieu shows up on virtually every page. If you like the richly nuanced novels of George Pelecanos or Dennis Lehane, be prepared to add Boyle to your regular reading list.”
- Bookpage

“The Lonely Witness is a map of Brooklyn’s genome. Amy Falconetti is that rarest of noir characters, a woman redeemed and a redeemer. Walking in her shoes for only a few blocks is worth the price of admission.”
- Reed Farrel Coleman New York Times bestselling author of 'What You Break'

“A powerful, character-driven suspense novel that can keep you on the edge of your seat.”
- Popular Culture Association

“In true noir fashion, William Boyle gives us an intimate portrait of a neighborhood in vivid, evocative prose, and explores how place and the past make us who we are. The Lonely Witness moves with unstoppable momentum, powered by Amy Falconetti's impulsive human heart. I would gladly follow her anywhere.”
- Melissa Ginsburg, author of 'Sunset City'

“Boyle is a bard of Brooklyn.”
- Nick Mamatas, author of I Am Providence