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Angela W. (Shelby Twp, MI)
Hilarious Anniversary Dinner
Jane and Dan have been married for 19 years, and life has become ordinary—at least for Jane. Plus, Jane is sure that Dan is having an affair. Her plan is to tell Dan she wants a divorce while they are celebrating their wedding anniversary at an upscale restaurant. However, her plan backfires when an armed robbery occurs.
In classic Colleen Oakley fashion, she adds an armed robbery, a few unexpected plot twists, and several well-developed characters, resulting in hilarity. (Note: Not too many characters—I was able to keep track of them.)
I loved this book and highly recommend it.
Thank you to BookBrowse and Berkley
…more Books for an early read in exchange for a fair review. (less)Jane and Dan at the End of the World delivers a very entertaining read. I enjoy all of Colleen Oakley's novels. She has an uncanny way with plot and dialogue that makes her novels unspool in living color as you read them. I think it is the way she puts very ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances and then sets things in motion. Jane and Dan at the End of the World is my favorite of her novels to date. Centering her novel on Jane, a one book author, and her husband, Dan a plodding podiatrist with a new passion, the novel takes place over the course of one evening.
Ms. Oakley's plot twists are clever and
…more surprising. Her dialogue is realistic and laugh out loud funny.
I will be recommending this book to all my reading friends and to the book club I lead. We read Colleen Oakley's previous novel, The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise, to the delight of all of our readers. (less)
Peggy H. (Erie, PA)
A Fun Romp with a Few Twists
I wasn't sure what to expect with this novel, but it ended up being a warm twisty romp. There are insights about marriage, parenting, climate change, and even crypto currency. Nothing ends the way you think it is going to, which is just the way I like my fiction. It's a quick read with believable characters in an unbelievable situation.
Borderlass, Belmont, MA
A Timely Tale
I can't recall a book I've read from cover to cover without stopping, but it happened to me with this latest book by Colleen Oakley. It's a fun combination of action thriller and zeitgeist distiller - all done with relatable characters in this most contemporary of novels. This will appeal to book groups and likely will have many exploring more of Colleen Oakley's fiction writing upon completion of this tale. Her touches of humor and satirical depiction of current American society somehow combine well with the underlying suspenseful drama resulting in a most entertaining read.... a dose of Anthony Trollope with a
…more dash of Dan Brown - quirky but compelling. (less)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
…more characters you won't soon forget. Who knew Elon Musk was the second richest man in the world? (less)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.
Barbara B. (Harlingen, TX)
Jane and Dan At the End of the World
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.
Hannah L. (Plymouth, MA)
Lighthearted Book with a Sinister Plot
This book caught me off guard as while there are funny moments in the book the main plot line is that Jane and Dan are being held hostage so it is very serious situation that the author does make efforts to lighten through some plot points. I recommend reading if you can get past that.
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