What do readers think of Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley? Write your own review.

The title was a little off putting but the book -fantastic! Even the chapters grouped under specific headings and the bomb pictures added to the suspense and delight. Jane, long married, tired of influencers' dictates, could have been me speaking. Husband Dan's unimaginative plodding along irritates her -especially when she discovers an affair. Why not ask for a divorce while out for dinner celebrating your anniversary? Her 6 year old, not well received novel added to the hilarity as the story unfolded. The serious. climate concerns were handed deftly, and did make one think. This book is a page turner with characters you won't soon forget. Who knew Elon Musk was the second richest man in the world?

This novel tempts a reader to cancel every other life obligation to keep reading. As the mid-life Dan and Jane celebrate their 19th anniversary, more than a little bored and unsure of their love and how well they have parented their two children, life throws them a curve ball--a terrorist group hostage crisis. In one moment a reader shares their terror and in the next laughs at their conversations and at another unexpected twist. Brilliantly covering both the domestic ennui of midlife as well as global climate and political issues a reader comes to the heart of what truly matters--liking who you love.

In my 86 years I have read thousands of mystery/thriller books. This plot is so original and clever I read it start to finish in one day. Jan and Dan go to an exclusive posh restaurant to celebrate their anniversary.. Before they can order a group of young thugs enter and take all of the diners hostage. Who are they and why? Even the ending is unexpected. To tell more would ruin the experience for all readers.

It was so much joy to read Jane and Dan I plan to read more by its author, Colleen Oakely.

I enjoyed parts of this book, including the humorous writing style, but the plot was a little outlandish. I read the book quickly a couple of weeks ago but remember little of the ending. I also received an ARC of The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise, which I enjoyed more than this book.

I enjoyed Ms. Oakley's novel. She sustained suspense and a comic wit from the opening of their date night through the conclusion. Well done, Madame novelist.

Jane and Dan at the End of the World

Jane and Dan go to one of the most elite restaurants on the planet to celebrate their 20th (or is it their 19th?) wedding anniversary. Just as they dig into some alien-like claws that Jane says look like they were harvested out of Sigourney Weaver's stomach, their dinner is interrupted by a group of eco-terrorists running a script that rings all too familiar to novelist, Jane. What follows is a twisty, crazy heist story with hostages, weapons, and a motley group of leaderless rebels who sometimes seem as confused as their hostages.


Well-plotted, highly entertaining, humorous, and somewhat political, Jane and Dan at the End of the World is a fun, quick read about going to the end of the world only to find what you're looking for is right in front of you. It's a quick-paced caper, but sometimes just as the suspense builds and you're dying to know what happens next, the page turns and Jane or Dan start musing about their lives, breaking up the pace and taking you out of the story. I tried to rush back in, but these interruptions took away some of the magic of this original, keep-you-guessing, tale of love, anarchy, and the clash between the haves and have-nots.

I received this book for a free and fair review. I enjoyed Oakley's previous book, The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise, this, her most recent book, and was excited to be able to review this one. And this one did not fail to deliver either, being a fun-filled romp of misadventure, miscommunication and missed steps that lead to a denouement that's unique and satisfying.

Jane and Dan are going to La Fin de Munde, an expensive and exclusive restaurant, precariously located over a cliff, to celebrate their 19th wedding anniversary (though Dan keeps thinking it's their 20th). Jane's in a funk; she's ready to leave Dan, feeling in a rut as her writing career hasn't taken off and she believes something's going on with Dan. The restaurant only seats five tables and is known as the restaurant that serves the most expensive dessert! Just a Jane announces to Dan that she wants a divorce a group takes over the restaurant and from there the adventure begins. As things unfold, Jane comes to realize that what is happening is based on the book she wrote, things get more curious as Dan begins to realize he might know someone in the group. No spoilers here. You have to read the book - and you won't be disappointed if you - to find out what the group wants, how the takeover ends and if Jane and Dan come to the "end of their world."

Overall, I enjoyed the read and believe others will as well.

This started out promising but quickly became outlandish and I found myself skimming a lot of the book. This was a miss for me.