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A review by book_concierge
Joyland by Stephen King
3.0
Devin Jones is a 21-year-old New Hampshire college student who takes a job at an amusement park in North Carolina for the summer. Healing from his broken heart, he makes friends with fellow students and seasonal workers – Tom Kennedy and Erin Cook, as well as his mentor at the park, Lane Hardy (who runs the giant Ferris wheel, The Caroline Spin). But some years back there was a murder at the park, and people claim the girl’s ghost actually haunts the Horror House ride.
Say what you will about Stephen King, but the man can write a good story. Most people equate this author with horror or paranormal genres, but this book gives a nod to the old-fashioned crime novel. Still this is a more than just a “hard case crime” story; it is a ghost story, a coming-of-age story, a tender romance, and a serial-killer mystery all rolled into one. I thought the ending was somewhat contrived, but I sure enjoyed the ride. And I really appreciated that King dedicated the novel to Donald E Westlake (one of my favorite crime writers).
Say what you will about Stephen King, but the man can write a good story. Most people equate this author with horror or paranormal genres, but this book gives a nod to the old-fashioned crime novel. Still this is a more than just a “hard case crime” story; it is a ghost story, a coming-of-age story, a tender romance, and a serial-killer mystery all rolled into one. I thought the ending was somewhat contrived, but I sure enjoyed the ride. And I really appreciated that King dedicated the novel to Donald E Westlake (one of my favorite crime writers).