Norman V. Kelly
Born:
Pen Name: None Connection to Illinois: Norman V. Kelly is a life-long Peorian, a graduate from Woodruff High School, class of 1950, and a Distinguished Alumni, 2006. Norm graduated from Bradley University in 1958 after returning from the Korean War where he served as a S/Sgt. in a Medical Unit. Norm is a retired Private Investigator and Para-Legal, and still living in his beloved hometown of Peoria, Illinois. Biography: Norm is a well-known radio personality having appeared on all of the local talk shows in Peoria as well as several TV shows. He has written 10 books about the history of Peoria, Illinois, writing mostly about the bawdy, seedy and dangerous elements of Peoria’s long history, 1845 through 1950. He has written close to 300 short stories, including mystery, fiction and adventure pieces. He was a member of the prestigious Mystery Writers of America for many years. Mr. Kelly has been awarded the Landin Award from the Peoria Park District and two distinguished service awards from the Peoria and State Police Departments. Norm represented the United States as the U.S. Clue Champion in 1986 in a World competition in New York City. The author wrote OFFICER DOWN, a book that chronicled the death of officers who died in the line of duty here in Peoria. He has written stories of 5 other officers that had died in the line of duty but were never honored. These men’s names are now on all three police memorials in Illinois and Washington, DC. He also found PFC Zimmerman who died of wounds suffered in Korea. He is now on the local Korean Monument. Norm has written hundreds of articles about Peoria and currently writes for NEWS and VIEWS and stories for The Times Observer, Arts and Society, Journal Star, Illinois Business Issues and Downstate Story. He has had stories printed in multiple newspapers, America’s Most Wanted, and dozens of newsletters. Norm wrote THE CASE OF THE MISSING MANUSCRIPT for the Peoria Library. This play was shown on local TV and starred local celebrities. Norm’s current play is AN ARTFUL MURDER, being offered to local theatrical companies. He has over 30 stories on the Peoria library’s web site and is a frequent speaker at service clubs and luncheons. You can read some of his stories at http://peoriahistorian.blogspot.com/blog and www.peoriapubliclibrary.org. Go to WHAT WE DO then under the title of ‘Let’s Talk Peoria History,’ his picture will appear. His e mail is: norman.kelly@sbcglobal.net. Phone 309-692-6387. Norm wrote a two-act play that was performed by the Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf, Iowa. His new play, AN ARTFUL MURDER is available now. GENESIS: The Park Murders… is Norm’s newest book that sold out the first two printings. “A sinister killer stalked the small town of Peoria, Illinois. All of the killer’s victims were discovered in the local parks grotesquely displayed. Can two local detectives track down this killer and bring an end to the most bizarre murders in Peoria’s bawdy history?” His newest mystery book, FALSE FACE will be available soon. Norm has been writing since 1982 and over the years has given over $12,000.00 to local non-profit organizations here in Peoria, Illinois. The author continues to write and speak at local service clubs and special events. He writes monthly for NEWS and VIEWS and two local magazines. All of his books are available at the Peoria Public Library. However, none of them are presently available for purchase. He encourages your e mails at: norman.kelly@sbcglobal.net. Some of his books are available in the Bradley University archives.
Awards:
Norman V. Kelly on WorldCat : http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=norman+++v.+kelly+
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