“R.M. Doyon offers a crackling good read in Upcountry, a tale of politics, ambition and redemption in upstate New York. It is a gripping debut novel. His growing legion of fans await his next one in the new year.”
— Andrew Cohen, Author & Columnist, The Ottawa Citizen, December 27, 2011
“What a great read! I can always tell that I like a book when I find myself mentally casting the characters into a movie version. Doyon delivered on this front – as this book has movie all over it – with a dynamic plot, great characters, comedic scenes, along with ample other emotional pulls (yes, Kleenex required). Lots of great stuff – with juicy themes that touch on family, friendships, crisis, loyalty and much more. It’s a fast-moving plot and easy to read. Well done Doyon- especially for a first-time author! Bring on the next!”
— Eileen Chadnick, Toronto, Ontario
“Incredible read, well-paced and extremely well developed characters, the author has created a novel that I couldn’t put down and finished in a single read. One four hour airplane ride and I finished the best book I have read in years…do yourself a favor a buy yourself a copy of this book — and don’t be surprised if this book becomes a full-length feature motion picture in the near future — it’s that good!”
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— Rick Lepow, Chicago, Illinois
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“Doyon’s got quite the writer’s touch – taking over from the late John Updike possibly?”
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— Lawrence Weinstein, Boca Raton, Florida and Ottawa, Ontario
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“Doyon’s talent lies in portraying everyday people…who are all trying in their own ways to survive in the face of prejudice and pain…a dynamic read…peppered with dramatic events that move along at a good pace. There are also some beautifully poignant moments, set against the barren and unforgiving backdrop of Morgantown, NY.”
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— IndieReader.com
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“I absolutely just loved Upcountry…couldn’t put it down, it just drew me in to the story so deeply. I loved the characters. Kudos to you on such a great story!”
— Jill Aroeste, Morristown, New Jersey
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“…a very gripping story-line and you feel that you know the characters and want to know what will happen to them.”
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— Anne Bachinski, Ottawa, OntarioÂ
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“A friend recommended this book to me, and because I trusted her opinion, I ordered it immediately. I’m so glad I did! The book is very well-written and engages you from the beginning. The only negative to me was that the lead character started cursing from the very start. At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted to accept that. But as I read more, I realized the author was utilizing that as one means to build the character of Jane – and a way to let us know more about her.
Jane was a successful political aide/advisor/confidante who attained her level of success completely on her own. However, other issues came into play, and she made a decision to return to her hometown – a place she ran from many years before – to visit her estranged father and sister and try to make peace with her past. Shortly after she arrived, she discovered that her twin sister, Joanne, was in an abusive marriage, and Jane opted to help her.
The emotional struggles that both Jane and Joanne face throughout this book are heartfelt, and they pull you in to both sympathize and empathize with both women. The author relates Joanne’s abusive situation realistically and unflinchingly – which, as a long-time representative for victims of domestic violence – I find refreshing. Too many people want to shy away from the realities of domestic violence. The author lets you know what really happens but does it in a way that is neither maudlin nor overly graphic. He achieves a good balance and allows the reader to care about Joanne while still recognizing her weaknesses.
In a similar way, he paints a realistic picture of Jane. He doesn’t try to make the sisters perfect by any means, but the reader will be able to relate much more closely to both of them because he shows both flaws and strengths.
I don’t want to give too many details about what actually happens in the book, because there are a few surprises that you will want to experience for yourself.
I’ve never written a review for a book before, and I’ve been an avid reader for more than 40 years. Do yourself a favor…buy this book and read it soon so you’ll be ready for the sequel. I guarantee you’ll want to read more!
— Martha J. Fleshman, Lewisburg, West Virginia
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“A wonderful job with the plot…surely gripping, with twists and turns and characters that would make a good film. A great book!”Â
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— Mary Gooderham, Ottawa, Ontario
“Picked it up and read it in one sitting. I really, truly enjoyed it. A great read, engaged me from start to finish; Both the plot and the individual characters. Extremely well-developed on all fronts. When a writer’s words bring story and characters to life in my mind (imagery and a sense of personal connection,) I am all over it. Doyon achieved that rarity for me! Keep writing Mr. Doyon – You ARE talented!”
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— Harry W. Schlough, Mill Valley, California
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“This author is so proficient at getting to the inner feelings and mentality of these people, they become so real…”
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— Dorothy Swift-Grant, Palm Springs, California Â
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“I could not put it down and was disappointed when I came to the end. This novel has it all: mystery, coming of age, humor and good writing. I look forward to reading more from Doyon.”
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— Janice Hidey, Sikesville, Maryland
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“I loved this book. The characters are very real and loveable with all their flaws. He creates a believable dysfunctional family. I was racing to see how it ended and yet was sad when it was over. I didn’t want to leave the characters behind. I can hardly wait for his next book.
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— Nicky Curran, Orange County, California
“R. M. Doyon has written a novel that puts you right in the middle of a very dysfunctional family and yet you come to understand and like them. I could not put it down and was disappointed when I came to the end.”
+ Click here to read the full review of Upcountry from Janice on Tribe Network
“It’s strange to claim that a book is wonderful when the two main characters are involved in murder. But I’m saying it–this book is beautifully written and beautiful to read. Upcountry by R. M. Doyon was inspired by true events and Doyon has created characters that come alive as if the activities are happening as we read. There is no way readers will not be immediately pulled into the story and claiming your full attention right to the very last page. Somehow I predicted what that ending would be, but it still left me smiling and content when I closed the book! If you love true-life drama, you are going to love Upcountry.”
+ Click here to read the full review of Upcountry from Glenda Bixler, “Great book! I can hardly put it down..Can’t wait to get back to it…Maybe if I read slowly, the sequel will be released!” “Just finished UPCOUNTRY, and I loved it! I couldn’t put the book down and didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait for the sequel.” “Phenomenal! Couldn’t put it down!” “I loved it…and must say, it made for restless nights until I finished it!” “I absolutely loved it! The development of your characters was fabulous. A real talent…” “Doyon’s characters are fantastically developed and you know each character’s personality from your first encounter with them…be sure to read this one because I highly doubt you’ll be disappointed!” — MostlyReadingYA, London, UK “It’s a NON-STOP, ‘can’t-put-it-down’ book and I regretted it coming to a close! WOW, what a great story line…the development of the different lines was really artful!’ “Upcountry paints a wonderful story with a storyline (that) develops all the essential components found only in great novels. Great job…it belongs on the big screen!” “With glass of wine in hand and a roaring fire awaiting me, I curled up on the couch under my Afghan and picked up my new favorite book…I did not want the book to end. It is nothing short of awesome!” “I loved it…cried a lot, but then I’m just an old sentimental guy. This author is so talented, and I hope to see the sequel out soon!” “A story for anyone who has wished they could turn back the clock on a relationship with a sibling. A must read!” “Doyon tells a great and wonderful story. The characters just jumped off the page, grabbed me and took me on a great adventure…I left a few tears on the pages.” “…an emotional rollercoaster ride! Doyon has become one of my new favorite authors!” “I am half way through Mr. R.M. Doyon’s submission to the Pulitzer committee for literature. The novel is excellent. You will just love the subtle references to the north… If you have not purchased this yet . . .get going. It is a great read.” — Mike French, Toronto, Ontario “A rocking tale of revenge, faith and redemption! — Corien Kershey, Ottawa, Ontario “A dark, intriguing storyline right from the first page! Chapter after chapter, the writer brings the story alive…and hard to put down! A great read! — Ruth Brown, Sudbury, Ontario “Upcountry is an ambitious story about the complicated and unshakeable bonds of family…with its strong, creative characters, you’ll want to know what’s coming on the next page.!” — Diana Buckingham, Cockeysville, Maryland “This book should carry a warning label! That by the end of it you will be tired. I was up all night reading it!” “A suspense-filled romp through the Adirondacks!” “A non-stop page turner that tells a riveting story of heartache, retribution and forgiveness…”
Book Readers Heaven
— Debbie Flynn Nolet, Tulsa, Oklahoma
— Betty Redden, Charleston, West Virginia
— Julie Tremblay, Ottawa, Ontario
— Joanne French, Peterborough, Ontario
— Dave Hamilton, Brampton, Ontario
— Tim Kash, Kennebunkport, Maine
— Wayne Croxall, North Bay, Ontario
— Nancy Pennell Taylor, Kirkland Lake, Ontario
— Larry Parks, Palm Springs, California
— Carol Caler, Rochester, New York
— Chuck Mangan, Mississauga, Ontario
— Melissa Mitchell, Brier Hill, New York
— Shelley Taubman, Ottawa, Ontario
— Diane Smith, Syracuse, New York
— Vicki Lambert-Hood, Sudbury, Ontario
