Book Summary and Reviews of Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley

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Mary B. (St Paul, MN)

Jane and Dan at the End of the World
Knowing nothing about author Colleen OakLey I read and reviewed, before publication, The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise some time ago. I thoroughly enjoyed that book. I enjoyed Jane and Dan as well.

The story is a combination of mystery, thriller, romance and a comedy. There are plot twists. insights into marriage, parenthood, family, career, aging, and one's view of self.
What starts out as an "special" anniversary night out(maybe) turns into a dramatic crisis with several twists and turns along the way.

The events of the evening become eerily familiar to Jane and Dan. as they try to make sense of what is happening and how to fix it.
the story is very engaging. The author starts the story with a tease of the ending and then very cleverly marks each chapter as Five Hours Before, Four Hours Before etc before ending.

Not all happenings are plausible but they fit the story and are fun. It is fiction after all!! Good story!!

Mark S. (Blauvelt, NY)

An anniversary dinner date like no other
I was already a fan of Oakley's writing (especially The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise), but this book definitely makes me want to read more of her work. As someone who gravitates toward mystery and suspense, this had enough surprises to keep me turning pages, but what I enjoyed even more than the plot itself was the way that Jane and Dan (both individually and as a married couple) were developed in the course of one memorable anniversary.

There was definitely something more to Dan than there seemed to be early in the story, and Jane's bluntness and sarcasm were fun to read. Even the bad guys/girls turned out to be interesting on their own and in terms of adding some of those moments of surprise to the storyline.

I was getting ready to not like the way the story looked like it would end, but the "diversion" and aftermath in the last few chapters actually worked for me. This is definitely one I will recommend to friends of all ages.

Sylvia L. (Suwanee, GA)

Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley
4.5 rounded up. You are sure to enjoy this book if you are in the mood for a light, witty, fun-filled read, with interesting characters. Jane and her husband Dan are spending their 19th anniversary at an exclusive, cliffside restaurant in California, La Fin du Monde, At the End of the World.

Jane is unhappy with her life and marriage, and she suspects Dan of having an affair. During the first dinner course, she shocks him by saying she wants a divorce.
Unexpectedly, a group of armed terrorists enter, take cell phones, and zip tie the people's wrists and feet. The drama that ensues is very much like that of the mystery she wrote six years ago. How could that be, when only 500 copies sold? She knows her book's ending and it's not good.

The banter between the couple and that among the hostages had me laughing aloud. Who are these terrorists and what do they want? The twists and turns are answered by the end of their 4-hour hostage ordeal. This would make a fun movie.
Thank you to BookBrowse and NetGalley for an ARC in return for my review.

Shawna (TX)

Need to Escape?
While a quick read, this book entertains. It has humor and nod-your-head moments that sound like me (or my friend's marriage.) It is fiction, so if you expect reality in every plot detail this book might not be for you. If you're looking for an escape from routine and heavy reads, pick it up. It could provide an interesting book club discussion when a lighter read is needed in the summer. Fiction imitating life, relationships, parenting, and anniversary dinners could be discussion topics. Overall, an enjoyable book.

Edith K. (Northglenn, CO)

A Great Lighthearted Read
This clever read is done with a tongue-and-cheek approach to midlife and marriage, all rolled into an audience of climate activism. What's more, the book revolves around the story reflected in Jane's last failed novel attempt and a witnessing of art imitating life, making the situation a little too familiar and close to home. The story flows with emotional intelligence that only a couple of almost two decades could reveal to its readers. The outrageous gives way to an very enjoyable tale!

Jennie W. (Denver, CO)

Fun Read
This book was an absolute delight to read, with relatable characters and a compelling story that pulled me in from the very first page. The plot centers around Jane and Dan, a couple celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary at a fancy, upscale restaurant when their evening takes a sudden, chaotic turn.

The narrative brilliantly explores Jane's introspections about her life choices—her roles as a parent, spouse, and writer—while Dan contemplates his own capacity for heroism in the midst of an unraveling night.
What truly made this story stand out was its emotional depth combined with an edge-of-your-seat pace. The characters felt real and grounded, their struggles and reflections mirroring the complexities of life, love, and family. I found myself unable to put the book down, eagerly turning pages late into the night just to see how it all resolved.

In short, this is a fantastic read for anyone looking for a blend of drama, suspense, and heartfelt storytelling. Highly recommended!

...23 more reader reviews

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