The Never-Open Desert Diner: A Novel

By James Anderson

Book Overview

A singularly compelling debut novel, about a desert where people go to escape their past, and a truck driver who finds himself at risk when he falls in love with a mysterious woman. Ben Jones lives a quiet, hardscrabble life, working as a trucker on Route 117, a little-travelled road in a remote region of the Utah desert which serves as a haven for fugitives and others looking to hide from the world. For many of the desert's inhabitants, Ben's visits are their only contact with the outside world, and the only landmark worth noting is a once-famous roadside diner that hasn't opened in years. Ben's routine is turned upside down when he stumbles across a beautiful woman named Claire playing a cello in an abandoned housing development. He can tell that she's fleeing something in her past--a dark secret that pushed her to the end of the earth--but despite his better judgment he is inexorably drawn to her. As Ben and Claire fall in love, specters from her past begin to resurface, with serious and life-threatening consequences not only for them both, but for others who have made this desert their sanctuary. Dangerous men come looking for her, and as they turn Route 117 upside down in their search, the long-buried secrets of those who've laid claim to this desert come to light, bringing Ben and the other locals into deadly conflict with Claire's pursuers. Ultimately, the answers they all seek are connected to the desert's greatest mystery--what really happened all those years ago at the never-open desert diner? In this unforgettable story of love and loss, Ben learns the enduring truth that some violent crimes renew themselves across generations. At turns funny, heartbreaking and thrilling, The Never-Open Desert Diner powerfully evokes an unforgettable setting and introduces readers to a cast of characters who will linger long after the last page.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1101906529
• ISBN13: 9781101906521
• Release Date: March 2016
• Publisher: Crown
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 0.9" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

This Was A Pleasant Surprise

Truthfully, I wasn't expecting much when I picked this book up off of a Bargain Book sale rack, but I am so glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Very unique story line, well developed characters who were actually likeable, for the most part. Ben Jones is a near bankrupt Utah truck driver who is loyal to his (few) friends, nasty to those he sees as enemies and clearly ready for some love in his life. If you are familiar with the high desert of Western Colorado/Eastern Utah you will see right away that the author has been there and "gets it." Quirky characters who, although not really likeable at times, begin to grow on you. The plot winds along just like Rt 117 and, like a lot of roads in Utah, it can take you to some pretty surprising places. Walt Butterfield, the owner of the diner in the title, is part hermit, part bully and part very sympathetic character. All in all, a fun read. I look forward to what comes next from James Anderson.Kind of a sad ending but it left me wanting more. I would just say, do yourselves a favor and read this book. I don't believe you will be disappointed.