Fresh Meat: Joyland by Stephen King

Set in a small-town amusement park in North Carolina in 1973, Joyland by Stephen King is a noir thriller (available June 4, 2013).

There’s a weird thing that happens when a writer’s name becomes a brand. On the one hand, readers start using it as shorthand—“the new John Grisham,” “the new Nicholas Sparks”—to convey their enthusiasm for their favorite author’s work. It’s an easy way of saying, “If you liked Grisham’s last book, you’re going to like this new one.” In these conversations, it doesn’t actually matter what the title of the new book is, you know that the writer is going to deliver a good read.

At the same time, though, brand name recognition sets up certain expectations. If you’re a Grisham fan, for instance, you might have been surprised, or even disappointed, when the king of legal thrillers came out with Skipping Christmas, an engaging story of one couple’s attempt to bypass the annual holiday madness. The novel had nothing to do with Grisham’s usual subject matter and was also so different in tone that calling it a “Grisham novel” was actually inaccurate even though it was a novel by John Grisham. (Skipping Christmas is my favorite of Grisham’s books, but then, I love Christmas even more than I love crime.)

How would Nicholas Sparks’s fans react if he suddenly produced a science fiction novel? (Unlikelier things have happened. Look at James Patterson’s Maximum Ride series—which always seem like pseudo X-Men stories to me—or Walter Mosley’s Blue Light, in which an intergalactic evil uses a human as his weapon of destruction.)

With Stephen King books, you’re dealing with a whole different set of expectation. It’s been a long time since he’s been dismissed as simply a horror writer, yet when you see one of his books in the library or the bookstore, more often than not, it’s shelved in the section devoted to horror. (And btw, even though King was an early and avid supporter of epublishing, Joyland is coming out in paperback and limited edition hardcover from Hard Case Crime and will only be available in actual book form, at least for the time being.)

So in calling Joyland a “Stephen King book,” you need to define your terms and you need to consider which subset of King’s fans you’re talking to. Are they the die-hard, read-everything-King-writes readers who delight in the author’s change-of-pace books such as Gerald’s Game or The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon or Dolores Claiborne? Then what you tell them about Joyland is that this novel is not set in King’s beloved Maine, but in North Carolina, where a lovelorn working class kid named Devin Jones is spending the summer working at an old-school amusement park. The owner is show-biz veteran Brad Easterbrook, who wants his employees to share his enthusiasm for the world he’s created and not just look on the park’s patrons as rubes to be fleeced and conned.

He stood behind the podium, his enormous hands—they seemed to be nothing but knuckles—clasped before him. His eyes were set deep in pouched sockets.

Age looked at youth, and youth's applause first weakened, then died.

I'm not sure what we expected; posibly a mournful foghorn voice telling us that the Red Death would soon hold sway over all. Then he smiled, and it lit him up like a jukebox. You could almost hear a sigh of relief rustle through the summer hires. I found out later that was the summer Bradley Easterbrook turned ninety-three…

“This is a badly broken world, full of wars and cruelty and senseless tragedy. Every human being who inhabits it is served his or her portion of unhappiness and wakeful nights. Those of you who don't already know it will come to know it. Given such sad but undeniable facts of the human condition, you have been given a priceless gift this summer: you are here to sell fun…”

You can say that Joyland’s characters come in all shapes and sizes, and include some wonderful middle-aged women—Devin’s no-nonsense landlady for one and the park’s resident psychic for another. These women know and like each other and both worry about Devin in different ways. King, who has written often and lovingly about his mother, has a knack for writing such characters, bringing them to vivid life in ways that celebrate their gender and their age and their wisdom without making them either caricatures or saints.

When I reached the palm-reading concession, Madame Fortuna planted herself in my path. Except that's not quite right, because she was only Fortuna between May fifteenth and Labor Day. During those sixteen weeks, she dressed in long skirts, gauzy, layered blouses, and shawls decorated with various cabalistic symbols. Gold hoops hung down from her ears, so heavy they dragged the lobes down, and she talked in a thick Romany accent that made her sound like a character from a 1930s fright-flick, the kind featuring mist-shrouded castles and howling wolves.

During the rest of the year she was a childless widow from Brooklyn who collected Hummel figurines and liked movies (especially the weepy-ass kind where some chick gets cancer and dies beautifully). Today she was smartly put together in a black pantsuit and low heels…The Love Story fan from Brooklyn and Fortuna the Seer only came together in one respect: both fancied themselves psychic.

“There is a shadow over you, young man,” she announced.

Are you talking to the King fans who like the books in which King mixes crime with his horror as in The Dead Zone? Those fans are in luck, because Joyland deftly straddles the genres while wrapping the narrative around a story of friendship and kinship and coming of age. The horror has a slow build that begins with the reflexive horror Devin feels when he hears the story of a murder that occurred inside one of the park’s most popular rides. The dread caused by the unsolved murder and the subsequent haunting floats like a marine layer over the landscape of the story, sending out cold tendrils of suspicion that insinuate themselves into the sunlight as Devin and his friends investigate the crime.

A relationship between a mother and her child is also a big part of the story here, so for King fans who enjoy ghost stories intertwined with family relationships (like the novelist’s Bag of Bones, The Shining, and Duma Key), a Joyland subplot involving Dev’s neighbors Annie Ross and her son Mike will prove especially satisfying. There are some lovely quiet moments between Devin and Mike, and the joyous scene of them flying a kite together is truly emotional.

In fact, King’s most loyal readers know that the novelist is a genius—yes, it’s okay to use the G-word around them—at wringing emotion from situations and characters. Did they cry when the mouse was killed in The Green Mile? King’s ability to elicit emotion is on full display here, and there are several scenes in Joyland that will pluck those same heartstrings.

Also on display in Joyland is King’s virtuosity at creating a range of characters thrown together by circumstance—as in The Stand and Under the Dome (a miniseries coming from CBS next month). King may be a wealthy man now but he hasn’t forgotten his hardscrabble roots and his depiction of Dev’s economies—he walks to work to save bus money—have the ring of reality to them. He also has a loathing for bullies and the way they interact with otherwise peaceful groups of people and his way of dealing with the bullies in this book is particularly satisfying and completely King-esque. (Kingian?)

So if a reader asks, “Is this a Stephen King book?” the answer is “yes,” no matter what kind of Stephen King fan that reader might be. It’s not possible for one writer to be all things to all readers, but for all the reasons readers love his books, Joyland delivers on their expectations.

This Sweepstakes has ended. See current opportunities at our Sweepstakes feature page.

To enter for a chance to win one of 3 paperback copies of Joyland by Stephen King, make sure you’re logged in as a registered member of the site, and then simply leave a comment below.

TIP: Since only comments from registered users will be tabulated, if your user name appears in red above your comment—STOP—go log in, then try commenting again. If your user name appears in black above your comment, You’re In!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A purchase does not improve your chances of winning. Sweepstakes open to legal residents of fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia, who are 18 or older. To enter, fill out entry at www.criminalelement.com/blogs/2013/05/fresh-meat-joyland-stephen-king-katherine-tomlinson beginning at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) May 30, 2013. Sweepstakes ends at 9:39 a.m. ET on June 10, 2013 (the “Promotion Period”). Void outside of the 50 US and DC and where prohibited by law. Please see full details and official rules at https://www.criminalelement.com/page/official-rules-joyland-comments-contest. Sponsor: Macmillan, 175 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010
 

See more coverage of new releases in our Fresh Meat series.


Katherine Tomlinson lives in Los Angeles in an apartment where her TBR pile has its own bookcase. She writes dark fiction but has a soft spot for cozy mysteries, heroic fantasy, and horror novels where only bad people get killed. She is the editor of the upcoming anthology Nightfalls.

Read all posts by Katherine Tomlinson for Criminal Element.

Comments

  1. letitia vancampen

    I am so excited about this book. I really love the cover art. It is the first Stephen King novel I have been eagerly looking forward to since… maybe Bag of Bones?

  2. Deborah Lacy

    Sounds like a great book!

  3. Robert H. Bedford

    Looks like it could be fun, been too long since I’ve read a Stephen King novel

  4. B Creed

    King is such a great writer in whatever genre he does – including memoir. I loved his book on writing which told as much about him as about writing.

  5. L L

    Interesting setting

  6. Nadia

    I can’t wait for this book to come out! I’m so excited!! I love the pulp cover – so cool!

  7. vanessagalore

    I also loved “On Writing.” And I think I’d like this book as well.

  8. Bill Hirons

    Can’t wait.. for this and for the TV adaption of “Under the Dome.”

  9. MaryC

    Looking forward to reading JOYLAND.

  10. Mike Markland

    Can’t wait to read Joyland

  11. Sheri S

    I don’t think it’s possible for this book to disappoint!

  12. Marguerite Beal

    I Would love to read Joyland. Anything King is as good as being in Maine.

  13. Mitchell Glavas

    It’s been a long time since I’ve read a Stephen King novel (and frankly, my favorite books of his are his non-fiction titles), but this one looks interesting.

  14. Pete Tass

    This looks like one to read topless in my car.

  15. Pete Tass

    This looks like one to read topless in my car.

  16. Betty Breier

    I’d love to read this, then donate it to the library where I work so other King fans could enjoy it, too.

  17. Trish Nelson

    This one sounds great! It’s been awhile since I’ve read a Stephen King.

  18. Sally Schmidt

    I love to read everything – but reading Stephen King is always like coming home. Can’t wait for this one.

  19. Kristen Heyl

    Looks like an awesome book…I would love to win.

  20. Tatiana deCarillion

    My first King book was The Shining, in hardcover. It was my first purchase from whatever bookclub I belonged to, at the time. I looooved it. He’s rarely disappointed since 🙂

  21. Veronica Vasquez

    Thank you for the chance! I have been a Stephen King fan for as long as I can remember!!

  22. Albert Tucher

    Well, heck. Of course I’m in.

  23. Francis Cardosi

    Sounds like a great book!

  24. Jody Darden

    Like King’s novella’s. Colorado Kid was good and this sounds better!

  25. James P. Pope

    very cool.

  26. Tracy Melhinch

    I can’t wait to read this one!

  27. Deborah Dumm

    Love Stephen King’s books!!!!!!!!!!!

  28. Meredith Jones

    Love the setting

  29. Suzanne Gonneville

    OK . . . .

  30. amy mcdermott

    Fantastic giveaway, thank you!

  31. Steven Wilber

    I really liked King’s first entry in the Hard Case Crime line (The Colorado Kid) and am really looking forward to his one. I hope I win 🙂

  32. Denise Felix

    Sounds like a great book! Would love to win!

  33. ravensfan

    Would love to win this. I really enjoy Stephen King’s books.

  34. scott hoff

    thanks! I would love a copy of this book!

  35. Dana Hislop

    This is a book I would buy just for the cover. The fact that inside is a Stephen King noir is an unbelievable bonus!!

  36. Cary Gordon

    Been looking forwarded to reading this since I read about it a little while back.

  37. Lisa Richardson

    I think I have loved every King book I’ve read, and that’s most of them! Would love to win this!

  38. Crystal Richmond

    I can’t wait to read this book!!

  39. Sheila Korman

    I would enjoy reading Stephen’s King’s grocery list, so I am ECSTATIC at this opportunity to win a copy of his latest book—thanks so much! Not to be self-serving or anything, but please pick me, me, me, me … ME!

  40. Vikkilyn

    I love Stephen King, he is one of the only authors I will read. Every book is an exciting adventure. I just love all of his books and would love to win!!

  41. DALLAS DAIGLE

    I love Stephen King and would love to win this amazing book!!!

  42. soha molina

    What’s btter than a new Stephen King novel? Nothing..

  43. Leigh Nichols

    I have been anxiously awaiting this exquisite piece of art

  44. Rosemary Krejsa

    Stephen King always delivers a good, scrary story!

  45. Michele Powell

    Love King!!

  46. Joshua Atkins

    I love Stephen King and the Hard Case Crime series. They are a match made in heaven!

  47. Susan Craig

    Looks like a good read.

  48. Michele Powell

    Let me try this again…. Love King!

  49. Sally

    He has been one of my favorite writers ever since I started reading his books. The slight glimpse you showed has me eager to read this ASAP.

  50. Susan O'Keefe

    I have a love-hate relationship with Stephen King’s novels–but they’re never, ever boring!

  51. Jenna Papaleo

    I love Stephen King!

  52. Sharon Shumway

    You had me at “that was the summer that Bradley Easterbrook turned 93”. I want to win this book.

  53. Erin Hartshorn

    What a lovely pulp cover!

  54. Kathy Chiocca

    He has always delivered NEW and exciting stories. Looking forward to reading this.

  55. Tammy Houghton

    Sounds interesting!

  56. Dana Meeks

    I’m sure this is another masterpiece by King.

  57. O. D. Jones

    Hopefully, it’s as good as Full Dark, No Stars! I absolutely, positively adore Mr. Kings’ novels!

  58. Judy Woodruff

    I would love to read this. Reading Under The Dome now

  59. Jeff Schroeder

    I would love to win this book! S. K. is one of my favorite authors.

  60. Lynn Speer

    The thing about Stephen King is, although he is a brand, he has lots of different “flavors” under that brand. Sometimes the flavors are distinct. Sometimes they are blended. Not often, but sometimes, the flavor combinations should never have been allowed on the shelf. Can’t wait to see where this one fits in.

  61. Mary Lauff-Thompson

    Love Stephen King!

  62. Mary Vernau

    Thanks for a chance to get a copy of Joyland! Can’t wait to read it!

  63. Lance Williams

    This would be the best summer read….ever!

  64. Kat Emerick

    I love all of [b]Stephen King’s book and I know I will enjoy this![/b]

  65. Gordon Bingham

    Having once worked for a one ring circus, I love all myster/thriller titles associated with them. Adding to the fact that King wrote this puts it over the top…

  66. mia caringal

    I’m always excited about a Stephen King book!

  67. Teresa Glenn-Harrell

    Can’t wait to read this great Stephen King book, could picture curl up on the sofa, reading this in the evening.

  68. Teresa Henson

    I love all Stephen King books! Can’t wait to read this one too.

  69. Gwenn Atkinson

    Wow it has been sometime since I have read SK ‘s work! I am looking forward to reading this one!

  70. jane

    Never read Stephen King but would love to try one!

  71. Rebecca Bentrim

    I love Stephen King, looking forward to reading this and cannot wait for Doctor Sleep!!!

  72. Dan Laramy

    Can’t wait to read Joyland!

  73. Angela Dyrcz

    I have never read a Stephen King novel but this looks great!

  74. Dorothy Newmark

    What a great review of Joyland! I can’t wait to read it!

  75. Deanna Stillings

    I haven’t read any Stephen King for quite a while. Sounds like I need to get back to him. Dee

  76. Michael O'Connell

    Love King’s work. Thanks for the chance to win one!

  77. Jane Wade

    JoyLand

  78. cherise mckeown

    Can’t wait to read!

  79. Eleanor (Ellie) Miller

    I’ve been looking forward to this book for SO LONG! I guess I must combine the various kinds of King devotees you mention above because, so far as I can tell, Joyland has ALL the elements that I most admire in King’s highly diverse body of writing.

  80. Loren Palmer

    sounds great,thanx!

  81. mosaix

    Stephen King-Yes!

  82. Deb Mosora

    Great cover! Would love to read this book.

  83. Sonia Grgas

    Will definitely read this one.

  84. Jackie Tweed

    I’m a huge fan of THE KING. Old enough to say I have read every one of his novels & magazine short stories upon publication. It would be an honor to win this from CRIMINALELEMENT.com

  85. lynette barfield

    Would love a copy.

  86. M

    I just saw Stephen King being interviewed, and am so excited about reading this book!

  87. Richard Schlueter

    Looks like a great read for the vacation.

  88. erin f

    Looks fantastic!

  89. Deb Krenzer

    I would love to win Stephen King’s latest book “Joyland”. It looks like it would be a great read!!!

  90. Joyce Mitchell

    Thanks for the chance to win!

  91. Mark F

    I have been a Stephen King fan for over 40 years and I still think he is writing top-notch fiction.

  92. Becky Hantsbarger

    Oh please, pick me!

  93. evelyn J

    Been reading Stephen King for nearly 40 yrs., but have to say that 11/22/63 is my favorite!

  94. Rebecca Brothers

    Would love to win!

  95. Pam Howell

    I have really liked the Stephen King books I have read. This one sounds great.

  96. Jennifer Beers

    I would love to read this, it sounds really interesting!!!

  97. Patricia Hill

    I have read everything by Stephen King. I want to add this one.

  98. Sharon Haas

    Idk why I haven’t read this yet. It’s going on the list.

  99. Susan Chester

    Not 5 minutes ago, I finished Full Dark No Stars by Mr. King. I would love to read another by him!

  100. Charlee Griffith

    I can’t wait to get my mitts on this!

  101. Megan Mariner

    Can’t wait to add this one to my collection!

  102. Joanne Mielczarski

    I have to read this NOW!

  103. Vikki Parman

    I have been reading Stephen King books since Carrie first came out (yeah, that long). This is a must read for me.

  104. Anita Yancey

    I love his books, and this one sounds so good. I really wnat to read this one.

  105. BARBIE Hodges

    never read a KING I didnt like

  106. Kelley Tackett

    I am so glad that Stephen King is not publishing Joyland as an eBook and forcing people to actually buy this book if they want to read it. He has enough clout to do this.

  107. Earle Isibue

    I personally can’t wait to read this book. It is when an author steps outside of their pigeon hole that they can trully impress.

  108. Harvee

    I am willing to try Stephen King again after staying away from his horror genre. Glad to know he has entered the mystery field.

  109. anita nilson

    Looking foward to reading this.

  110. Walt Buchanan

    I have always been fascinated by the carnival. Can’t wait to read this one!

  111. Saundra K. Warren

    I read everything he writes!

  112. Max Lakshtanov

    thanks

  113. Henry Ricardo

    I look forward to reading *any* “Stephen King book.”

  114. Dan Carr

    Count me in on this one!

  115. Connie Ruggles

    It’s been a while since I’ve read a Stephen King novel…this sounds interesting.

  116. Melissa Dials

    I’m in the “anything by Stephen King” category…all of his works are works of a truly gifted mind!

  117. Allison Moyer

    Sounds awesome! Thanks for the review and the excerpts. I love that it is set in North Carolina (practically my backyard).

  118. KENNETH ATHON

    With this book’s promotion, Terri Gross did a recent interview with SK on NPR’s FRESH AIR. You can hear the audio on the npr.org site.

  119. vicki wurgler

    love Stephen Kings books

  120. Ken Robinson

    I’m ready to get spooked again.

  121. Linda Kish

    I would love to read this.

  122. Ruben Ramos

    I love Stephen King. He’s one of the top writers out there and really knows how to keep you reading.

  123. Kathleen Tyree

    Ready for more King!

  124. Michael Lee Smith

    Cool~!

  125. Morris Quackenbush

    Sounds like FUN reading….always refreshing.

  126. Bill Jankun

    My friend and I would both like to get our hands on a copy of this book!!

  127. Irene Menge

    This sounds like a book I’d enjoy reading.

  128. Tia

    I am dying to read this!!!

  129. Tia Dalley

    I am dying to read this!!!

  130. Anthony Schultz

    This will definitely be a good year for King fans. “Joyland” looks amazing, and I am personalling very excited about “The Dark Man.” And, then to top it all off a sequel to “The Shining” in September!? Holy moly. I need to re-read the Shining just to catch up.

  131. caite fitzgerald

    love that retro cover! want..want!!

  132. babs allen

    He can write just about anything, and I’ve been waiting for this one to come out.

  133. Gabrielle Hodge

    I would love to win this! I made the art for a game with a similar concept!!

  134. Juli Lear

    I love almost everything Stephen King writes. I’m really looking forward to reading this one! I also like his idea of “going retro” with this one and only releasing it in paperback (no ebook version).

  135. Justine Heredia

    This looks great!

  136. Linda Rodriguez

    So looking forward to this book!

  137. Jeffrey Malis

    Thanks for the chance!

  138. Beverly Jackson

    I am looking forward to this book – especially since it takes place in NC. Love the cover!!!

  139. Tim McNamee

    I look forward to the Hard Case series entries! Plus I’m a King fan!

  140. Tricha Leary

    can’t wait

  141. Taylor Duncan

    Awesome!

  142. Joyce Benzing

    Love that this only comes in actual book form!

  143. cheryl HEAD

    should be a great book.

  144. Dan Stinton

    Been a Stephen King fan for 30 years and have read just about all the Hard Case Crime books.Looking forward to this one.

  145. Shaunterria Owens

    Stephen King is always good for a great literary ride – can’t wait to give Joyland a twirl 🙂

  146. Brenda Tucker

    Can’t wait for another book by Stephen King.

  147. Laura Wernet

    haven’t read King in a long time…

  148. Roxann Trexel

    Stephen King is my favorite author. I look forward to reading this book!

  149. MARY Mclain

    I would like to read this book.

  150. Sharon Stern

    Stephen King is an American Icon…I can’t wait to read this book.

  151. Carl Ginger

    I worked for a short period of time at a place called Joyland in Decatur, Illinois. I am a fan of Stephen King and would like to read this one!

  152. Bruce Epper

    I have yet to be disappointed in any written matter by Stephen King. My reading list just got another entry (entered at position 413, but sitting in the top 10 right now).

  153. Charles Fraker

    Hard Case Crime books are great and Stephen King ain’t too bad either. Thanks for the giveaway.

  154. Karen Terry

    Stephen King is the man.

  155. Donald Hornbaker

    Great Book!

  156. John Clark

    Looks like an excellent evening killer, count me in.

  157. Beverly Price

    I would love to win this book. I have read and own almost every one of his books.

  158. annie13035

    LOVE a good new Stephen King book.

  159. ann welton

    LOVE a good new Stephen King book.

  160. susan beamon

    Well, I guess I’m one of the people who read just about everything Mr. King writes and enjoy most of it. Even the topics I don’t much care for I like the writing. I haven’t read this one, so it’s new to me and I’d like to win a copy of it.

  161. nancy black

    This book is bound to be a huge hit. I’m so hopeful that one way or another I will be able to get a copy. King’s books no matter what genre are ALL great.

  162. Judie McDonald

    Looking forward to reading Joyland. I listened to his interview on NPR.

  163. Judie McDonald

    Looking forward to reading Joyland. I listened to his interview on NPR.

  164. John Maline

    Have read every one of his books; would like to add this one to the list!

  165. Beth Talmage

    This would be a great gift for my brother, who has a birthday coming up.

  166. Lisa Garrett

    I LOVE Stephen King!!

  167. enaj

    I’ve been a Stephen King fan since we both were young. Always glad to see another come along.

  168. Rosemary Simm

    It’s very easy to get pulled into the mystic of a Stephen King novel.

    The one that most people forget about is a favorite of mine, The Girl
    Who Loved Tom Gordon.

    I’m ready for King to work his magic again!!

  169. Lisa Kaiser

    Love Stephen King’s stuff. Though 11/22/63 and Under the Dome were marvelous. The Stand is super. He ahs amny outstanding novels and short stories (love the Apt Pupil!). Am eager to read Joyland

  170. Cindi Hoppes

    The cover of this book is fabulous!
    It reminds me of the 50’s/60’s retro covers…
    Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

  171. Michael Coty

    Looking forward to Joyland. Loved The Colorado Kid and hope Mr. King writes many more Hard Case Crime novels.

  172. Laura McIntyre

    Sounds interesting, I’d love to read it.

  173. Patty Dump

    Glad to hear that Mr. King is supporting hard copy publishing.

  174. Patrice

    Loved The Running Man. I’m sure I’ll like this as well.

  175. Patrice Gottfried

    Loved The Running Man. I’m sure I’ll like this as well.

  176. Nancy Gonzalez

    Love the cover!

  177. Steve

    Can’t wait to read Stephen Kings latest. No matter what type of book he writes or genre he explores its always worth the wait.

  178. Barbara

    Stephen King is the greatest!

  179. Michael Gonzales

    Have never read Stephen King, but have enjoyed some of the movies based on his works.

  180. Tiffany Duncan

    I have t read Stephen king in forever!

  181. Louis Burklow

    Enjoyed Stephen King’s previous Hard Case Crime book and I’m looking forward to this one too.

  182. Ron Pratt

    Good luck to everyone!

  183. DARLA KIDDER

    I’m looking forward to watching the new tv series from Stephen King Under The Dome.

  184. Kris Kaminski

    Sounds Great! can’t wait!

  185. Andrew Kuligowski

    I just finished “The Colorado Kid”, which believe it or not is my first actual READ from Stephen King. (Yeah, I’ve seen a movie or five …)
    That tale shows that he knows what makes up a STORY – an excellent read. Given that, I must expect the same quality from a work like this!

  186. Johanna Bouchard

    Sounds good! Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂

  187. Vernon Luckert

    Steven King is always good, would love to win this!

  188. L MW

    Looks like a great read! 🙂

  189. Thomas Walker

    would love to win this book!

  190. PegNittskoff

    Would love to get my book club started on Stephen King novels. This would be an excellent start.

  191. shawn manning

    Would dearly love to see this in my mail box!

  192. Erin Peden

    I loved Colorado Kid so I’m excited to read this book!

  193. Ceil Hook

    I am looking forward to reading this one! Die hard King fan, love it when he breaks away and does something a little different!

  194. Desmond Warzel

    Count me in, please!

  195. Pam Howell

    I gave up on SK – but I would read if I won a copy

  196. Jim Belcher

    Great writer. Glad he is doing some outside the horror genre. I can read them, but it makes me uncomfortable. Love mysteries.

  197. Lori Myers

    Would love to win this book! Stephen King is an awesome writer. Many of his books have given me nightmares, but worth it.

  198. Heather Martin

    Each King book gets better and better. The more he says he wants to retire, the better his writing gets.

  199. Bob Keck

    I love STephen King – especially when he branches out of his comfort zone. Please include me.

  200. Cheryl Greenleaf

    I always get so excited when Stephen King has a new book out.
    Did anyone else read “Chillin’ With The King” in the May 29th issue of Parade?

  201. Julia Holden

    Can’t wait! Thanks for the chance to win!

  202. Lorrie Mandanici

    Looking forward to a different kind of read from King!!

  203. Gail Beach

    Love Steven King!!

  204. shannon Baas

    I’d like to read this.

  205. Starr Greenwell

    I would so love to win this:)

  206. Christine Yvonne Groce

    King is my favorite author. I have been a fan of his for years; as a matter of fact “I’m his number one fan, lol”. Please count me in for a chance to win this book. Thank You.

  207. Vicky Boackle

    i haven’t read a King in a while,time to start again.

  208. Melissa Keith

    I want to ride the rides in JOYLAND!

  209. Amy Davis

    Can’t wait to read this!

  210. Don Gentry

    Really excited about this book !!!!

  211. Jane Wright

    Can’t wait to read this, it looks it might be one of his best!

  212. Jamie Gates

    Cool!

  213. Roseann Moss

    I want to read this book.

  214. alicia marie

    I will definitely be reading this book : )

  215. Tawney Mazek

    To be honest, I’ve never enjoyed King’s books, but this may be the one to change my mind. It sounds promising.

  216. lynette barfield

    Would love a copy.

  217. Rebecca Peters

    He is one of my favorite authors!

  218. Tama Fitzsimmons

    Can’t wait to read Joyland!

  219. Karen Martin

    Stephen King has been one of my favorite author for many years. I wish he would write more. Thanks

  220. Heather Hyde-Herndon

    Cool contest! Good luck (to me!)!

  221. Phoenix

    King continues to have a vivid imagination!

  222. Kelly Tabor

    Murder, mayhem, carnival rides and buxom babes…my kind of read!

  223. Mike ONeill

    Hope I win a copy!!!!

  224. Daniel Morrell

    sounds like a fun one!

  225. Racy Copley

    i love Stephen King and would love to read this new book.

  226. Jeffrey Grace

    Very excited for the chance to win! Huge King fan!

  227. D Hamilton

    [b]Can’t wait to read Joyland! It’s been too long since I’ve read a new novel of his. Very exciting![/b]

  228. Jen Harriman

    I would love to win this

  229. Valerie Taylor Mabrey

    this is awesome
    vmkids3 at msn dot com

  230. Susan D

    He’s definitely been getting TV news stories aired to promote this book

  231. Brenda Elsner

    I love Stephen King!! Would love to read this one!

  232. Heather Cowley

    What a writer! He horrifies me often.

  233. Paula Adams

    Another great book by Stephen King. I look forward to reading it.

  234. Susan Smoaks

    thank you for the chance to win, i love to read!

  235. Ed Nemmers

    I would love to read the recent work of Stephen King!

  236. kathy pease

    Thank you for the great giveaway please count me in 🙂

  237. cassandra mccann

    I would love this prize

  238. Jeff Fitzgerald

    Really looking forward to this one!

  239. Jeff Fitzgerald

    Really looking forward to this one!

  240. Sherry Schwabacher

    Looks like a Stephen King summer…

  241. Lisa Ahlstedt

    Always eager to read the latest Stephen King!

  242. Buddy Garrett

    It sounds like a great read. Thanks.

  243. Jaclyn Reynolds

    Would love to read this book!

  244. Tim Moss

    Count me in!

  245. Lisa Pecora

    I love Stephen King!

  246. Sand Lopez

    I would love to read this!

  247. Deb Yancey

    I have been a fan of Stephen King for over 30 years. I would love to win a copy of this book

  248. lilahshea

    Love Stephen King!

  249. Debra Kidle

    One of my favorite authors, would love to read this!

  250. Donna Kozar

    It sounds good.

  251. Erin Cook

    sounds like an interesting stephen king book, would love to win it
    [url=mailto:cookster77@aol.com]cookster77@aol.com[/url]

  252. barbara stenby

    Can’t wait to Read this! King is the first writer I got into as a kid & still love his work!

  253. Daniel Vice

    This looks great

  254. Timberlea Brown

    My mom is a die hard King fan and loves all he writes. I on the other hand like the ones a little more mellow and this definately sounds like my kind of book. I would love to have a chance to win and read this story.

  255. Caryn S

    Would love to read

    caryn9802 at yahoo dot com

  256. Edward Vandenberg

    I like Stephen King books and have not read this one yet.

  257. parisangel113

    boo

  258. Dayla Rothrock

    boo

  259. Tina Long

    Stephen King is my all time favorite writer. I have been reading him for over 20 years. I am so excited about this book. Also very excited for this summers mini series “Under The Doom”.

  260. Bobbie Booth

    Fascinating.

  261. Julie Couture

    Should be a good one.

  262. Angie Strait

    I grew up reading Stephen King! Something things never get old; no matter the genre he chooses, it’s always an adventure!!! Absolutely LOVED seeing him perform live in the last concert for “The Rockbottom Remainders” at the American Library Assocation conference last year. Been a fan since before I was a teen. 🙂

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