Joyland

Reviews

• Laurynn

  Finished July 11, 2026

  Joyland follows Devin Jones, a college student who takes a summer job at a North Carolina amusement park in the early 1970s. During what becomes a life-changing summer, he navigates heartbreak, forms unexpected friendships, and learns about the unsolved murder of a young woman whose ghost is rumored to still haunt the park’s haunted house. As Devin searches for answers, the story becomes just as much about growing up, grief, healing, and finding yourself as it is about solving a mystery. King has such a gift for bringing places to life, and Joyland is no exception. The park feels like a real place full of history, charm, and nostalgia, and the characters are equally unforgettable. They all have their own little quirks, memorable sayings, and personalities that make them feel like people you’ve actually met. Joyland itself becomes a character of its own, making it feel like a place you could actually visit. It’s one of those stories that feels completely one of a kind. While the murder mystery and coming-of-age story were my favorite parts, my only real complaint is that I was hoping for a little more of the supernatural throughout the novel. The ghostly elements are there, but they’re much more subtle than I expected and don’t really take center stage until the end. I went in wanting a bit more of that eerie atmosphere woven throughout the story. Even so, this is another reminder that some of King’s best work isn’t about the scares—it’s about the people. Joyland is heartfelt, nostalgic, bittersweet, and quietly emotional, making it a story that sticks with you long after the mystery has been solved. [Find my reviews on Bookstagram🫶🏻](https://www.instagram.com/literarily_laurynn?igsh=aTh6eTZ6dGwxMXpy&utm_source=qr)

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• KatieM
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