Mystery, Murder, Romance and Self-Discovery

Joyland; Stephen King

Book review by Kristy Webster  | published Saturday, August 24, 2013 |
Thursday Review Contributing Writer

Never having read much of King's fiction, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed Joyland. Devin Jones is a college student, suffering through his first major breakup. He takes a job at Joyland in an attempt to both heal and forget his broken heart. What Devin learns that summer, however—as the unexplainable and dramatic events consuming Joyland distract him from his heartache--is that there are far more tragic experiences in life than one's first heart break.

Both a coming-of-age novel as well as a cleverly plotted murder mystery, Joyland has all the elements of a winning page turner; mystery, romance, self-discovery and a truly likeable and endearing narrator.