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.
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?
Sounds like a great book!
Looks like it could be fun, been too long since I’ve read a Stephen King novel
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.
Interesting setting
I can’t wait for this book to come out! I’m so excited!! I love the pulp cover – so cool!
I also loved “On Writing.” And I think I’d like this book as well.
Can’t wait.. for this and for the TV adaption of “Under the Dome.”
Looking forward to reading JOYLAND.
Can’t wait to read Joyland
I don’t think it’s possible for this book to disappoint!
I Would love to read Joyland. Anything King is as good as being in Maine.
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.
This looks like one to read topless in my car.
This looks like one to read topless in my car.
I’d love to read this, then donate it to the library where I work so other King fans could enjoy it, too.
This one sounds great! It’s been awhile since I’ve read a Stephen King.
I love to read everything – but reading Stephen King is always like coming home. Can’t wait for this one.
Looks like an awesome book…I would love to win.
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 🙂
Thank you for the chance! I have been a Stephen King fan for as long as I can remember!!
Well, heck. Of course I’m in.
Sounds like a great book!
Like King’s novella’s. Colorado Kid was good and this sounds better!
very cool.
I can’t wait to read this one!
Love Stephen King’s books!!!!!!!!!!!
Love the setting
OK . . . .
Fantastic giveaway, thank you!
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 🙂
Sounds like a great book! Would love to win!
Would love to win this. I really enjoy Stephen King’s books.
thanks! I would love a copy of this book!
This is a book I would buy just for the cover. The fact that inside is a Stephen King noir is an unbelievable bonus!!
Been looking forwarded to reading this since I read about it a little while back.
I think I have loved every King book I’ve read, and that’s most of them! Would love to win this!
I can’t wait to read this book!!
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!
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!!
I love Stephen King and would love to win this amazing book!!!
What’s btter than a new Stephen King novel? Nothing..
I have been anxiously awaiting this exquisite piece of art
Stephen King always delivers a good, scrary story!
Love King!!
I love Stephen King and the Hard Case Crime series. They are a match made in heaven!
Looks like a good read.
Let me try this again…. Love King!
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.
I have a love-hate relationship with Stephen King’s novels–but they’re never, ever boring!
I love Stephen King!
You had me at “that was the summer that Bradley Easterbrook turned 93”. I want to win this book.
What a lovely pulp cover!
He has always delivered NEW and exciting stories. Looking forward to reading this.
Sounds interesting!
I’m sure this is another masterpiece by King.
Hopefully, it’s as good as Full Dark, No Stars! I absolutely, positively adore Mr. Kings’ novels!
I would love to read this. Reading Under The Dome now
I would love to win this book! S. K. is one of my favorite authors.
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.
Love Stephen King!
Thanks for a chance to get a copy of Joyland! Can’t wait to read it!
This would be the best summer read….ever!
I love all of [b]Stephen King’s book and I know I will enjoy this![/b]
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…
I’m always excited about a Stephen King book!
Can’t wait to read this great Stephen King book, could picture curl up on the sofa, reading this in the evening.
I love all Stephen King books! Can’t wait to read this one too.
Wow it has been sometime since I have read SK ‘s work! I am looking forward to reading this one!
Never read Stephen King but would love to try one!
I love Stephen King, looking forward to reading this and cannot wait for Doctor Sleep!!!
Can’t wait to read Joyland!
I have never read a Stephen King novel but this looks great!
What a great review of Joyland! I can’t wait to read it!
I haven’t read any Stephen King for quite a while. Sounds like I need to get back to him. Dee
Love King’s work. Thanks for the chance to win one!
JoyLand
Can’t wait to read!
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.
sounds great,thanx!
Stephen King-Yes!
Great cover! Would love to read this book.
Will definitely read this one.
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
Would love a copy.
I just saw Stephen King being interviewed, and am so excited about reading this book!
Looks like a great read for the vacation.
Looks fantastic!
I would love to win Stephen King’s latest book “Joyland”. It looks like it would be a great read!!!
Thanks for the chance to win!
I have been a Stephen King fan for over 40 years and I still think he is writing top-notch fiction.
Oh please, pick me!
Been reading Stephen King for nearly 40 yrs., but have to say that 11/22/63 is my favorite!
Would love to win!
I have really liked the Stephen King books I have read. This one sounds great.
I would love to read this, it sounds really interesting!!!
I have read everything by Stephen King. I want to add this one.
Idk why I haven’t read this yet. It’s going on the list.
Not 5 minutes ago, I finished Full Dark No Stars by Mr. King. I would love to read another by him!
I can’t wait to get my mitts on this!
Can’t wait to add this one to my collection!
I have to read this NOW!
I have been reading Stephen King books since Carrie first came out (yeah, that long). This is a must read for me.
I love his books, and this one sounds so good. I really wnat to read this one.
never read a KING I didnt like
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.
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.
I am willing to try Stephen King again after staying away from his horror genre. Glad to know he has entered the mystery field.
Looking foward to reading this.
I have always been fascinated by the carnival. Can’t wait to read this one!
I read everything he writes!
thanks
I look forward to reading *any* “Stephen King book.”
Count me in on this one!
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Stephen King novel…this sounds interesting.
I’m in the “anything by Stephen King” category…all of his works are works of a truly gifted mind!
Sounds awesome! Thanks for the review and the excerpts. I love that it is set in North Carolina (practically my backyard).
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.
love Stephen Kings books
I’m ready to get spooked again.
I would love to read this.
I love Stephen King. He’s one of the top writers out there and really knows how to keep you reading.
Ready for more King!
Cool~!
Sounds like FUN reading….always refreshing.
My friend and I would both like to get our hands on a copy of this book!!
This sounds like a book I’d enjoy reading.
I am dying to read this!!!
I am dying to read this!!!
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.
love that retro cover! want..want!!
He can write just about anything, and I’ve been waiting for this one to come out.
I would love to win this! I made the art for a game with a similar concept!!
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).
This looks great!
So looking forward to this book!
Thanks for the chance!
I am looking forward to this book – especially since it takes place in NC. Love the cover!!!
I look forward to the Hard Case series entries! Plus I’m a King fan!
can’t wait
Awesome!
Love that this only comes in actual book form!
should be a great book.
Been a Stephen King fan for 30 years and have read just about all the Hard Case Crime books.Looking forward to this one.
Stephen King is always good for a great literary ride – can’t wait to give Joyland a twirl 🙂
Can’t wait for another book by Stephen King.
haven’t read King in a long time…
Stephen King is my favorite author. I look forward to reading this book!
I would like to read this book.
Stephen King is an American Icon…I can’t wait to read this book.
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!
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).
Hard Case Crime books are great and Stephen King ain’t too bad either. Thanks for the giveaway.
Stephen King is the man.
Great Book!
Looks like an excellent evening killer, count me in.
I would love to win this book. I have read and own almost every one of his books.
LOVE a good new Stephen King book.
LOVE a good new Stephen King book.
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.
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.
Looking forward to reading Joyland. I listened to his interview on NPR.
Looking forward to reading Joyland. I listened to his interview on NPR.
Have read every one of his books; would like to add this one to the list!
This would be a great gift for my brother, who has a birthday coming up.
I LOVE Stephen King!!
I’ve been a Stephen King fan since we both were young. Always glad to see another come along.
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!!
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
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
Looking forward to Joyland. Loved The Colorado Kid and hope Mr. King writes many more Hard Case Crime novels.
Sounds interesting, I’d love to read it.
Glad to hear that Mr. King is supporting hard copy publishing.
Loved The Running Man. I’m sure I’ll like this as well.
Loved The Running Man. I’m sure I’ll like this as well.
Love the cover!
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.
Stephen King is the greatest!
Have never read Stephen King, but have enjoyed some of the movies based on his works.
I have t read Stephen king in forever!
Enjoyed Stephen King’s previous Hard Case Crime book and I’m looking forward to this one too.
Good luck to everyone!
I’m looking forward to watching the new tv series from Stephen King Under The Dome.
Sounds Great! can’t wait!
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!
Sounds good! Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
Steven King is always good, would love to win this!
Looks like a great read! 🙂
would love to win this book!
Would love to get my book club started on Stephen King novels. This would be an excellent start.
Would dearly love to see this in my mail box!
I loved Colorado Kid so I’m excited to read this book!
I am looking forward to reading this one! Die hard King fan, love it when he breaks away and does something a little different!
Count me in, please!
I gave up on SK – but I would read if I won a copy
Great writer. Glad he is doing some outside the horror genre. I can read them, but it makes me uncomfortable. Love mysteries.
Would love to win this book! Stephen King is an awesome writer. Many of his books have given me nightmares, but worth it.
Each King book gets better and better. The more he says he wants to retire, the better his writing gets.
I love STephen King – especially when he branches out of his comfort zone. Please include me.
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?
Can’t wait! Thanks for the chance to win!
Looking forward to a different kind of read from King!!
Love Steven King!!
I’d like to read this.
I would so love to win this:)
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.
i haven’t read a King in a while,time to start again.
I want to ride the rides in JOYLAND!
Can’t wait to read this!
Really excited about this book !!!!
Can’t wait to read this, it looks it might be one of his best!
Cool!
I want to read this book.
I will definitely be reading this book : )
To be honest, I’ve never enjoyed King’s books, but this may be the one to change my mind. It sounds promising.
Would love a copy.
He is one of my favorite authors!
Can’t wait to read Joyland!
Stephen King has been one of my favorite author for many years. I wish he would write more. Thanks
Cool contest! Good luck (to me!)!
King continues to have a vivid imagination!
Murder, mayhem, carnival rides and buxom babes…my kind of read!
Hope I win a copy!!!!
sounds like a fun one!
i love Stephen King and would love to read this new book.
Very excited for the chance to win! Huge King fan!
[b]Can’t wait to read Joyland! It’s been too long since I’ve read a new novel of his. Very exciting![/b]
I would love to win this
this is awesome
vmkids3 at msn dot com
He’s definitely been getting TV news stories aired to promote this book
I love Stephen King!! Would love to read this one!
What a writer! He horrifies me often.
Another great book by Stephen King. I look forward to reading it.
thank you for the chance to win, i love to read!
I would love to read the recent work of Stephen King!
Thank you for the great giveaway please count me in 🙂
I would love this prize
Really looking forward to this one!
Really looking forward to this one!
Looks like a Stephen King summer…
Always eager to read the latest Stephen King!
It sounds like a great read. Thanks.
Would love to read this book!
Count me in!
I love Stephen King!
I would love to read this!
I have been a fan of Stephen King for over 30 years. I would love to win a copy of this book
Love Stephen King!
One of my favorite authors, would love to read this!
It sounds good.
sounds like an interesting stephen king book, would love to win it
[url=mailto:cookster77@aol.com]cookster77@aol.com[/url]
Can’t wait to Read this! King is the first writer I got into as a kid & still love his work!
This looks great
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.
Would love to read
caryn9802 at yahoo dot com
I like Stephen King books and have not read this one yet.
boo
boo
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”.
Fascinating.
Should be a good one.
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. 🙂