Stephen King is an author whose work, while distinctive in style and subjects, spans many genres. This is proven, in some ways, by the breadth of Stephen King movie adaptations. Many know his work through classic Hollywood horror films like The Shining and Misery, but fewer know that non-horror classics like The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption have their origins in his work. Even fewer know of his forays into fantasy (The Dark Tower, The Eyes of the Dragon) or science fiction (The Tommyknockers, Running Man).  

One particular stylistic foray of King’s was his trilogy for Hard Case Crime, a publishing label that focuses on a style of detective novels known as hard-boiled fiction. This extends to the cover art for their releases, which all pay homage to pulpy paperbacks of the 1940s and 50s. King has written three books for the imprint: The Colorado Kid (2005), Joyland (2013), and Later (2021).  

The middle of these, Joyland, less resembles the detective noir fiction of the 40s by Raymond Chandler and Mickey Spillane than it is more akin to King’s classic coming of age story The Body (later adapted into the Hollywood hit Stand by Me). The book’s adult narrator, Devin Jones, recalls his summer job at Joyland carnival in North Carolina from his high school years. He describes it as a popular, dingy, and dubious little fairground that’s ideal for students who want to make a little money on their summer break. Devin, though, seems to be a natural at carny work, rising to the top of the ranks and becoming buddy-buddy with the management. After becoming somewhat of a local hero with a particularly good performance in a blistering hot mascot suit, he elects to take a break from school to work full-time at the carnival, much to the dismay of his parents. 

Again, the tone is far less Maltese Falcon and more sentimental and sweet, a nostalgic ode to the growing pains and new experiences that are expected from a carnival summer job in a beach town. Much of the book provides a nuts-and-bolts look at how carnys work, down to their slang and the way they work the rides, games, booths, and stands. Eventually, an murder mystery emerges (and a connection to one of King’s other novels, as introduced by a fortune teller), but it’s overwhelmingly clear that King’s heart lies elsewhere; It’s one of his sweeter novels, aching with nostalgia and an overwhelming amount of heart. I found it best experienced through its audiobook, a great performance by actor Michael Kelly, best known for his work in the show House of Cards.  

Joyland by Stephen King is available in print and e-book, e-audiobook and book on CD.

Alex Pyryt works in the Customer Service department in the Savage Branch of the Howard County Library System.