The Land of Laughs is one of those books that starts off feeling grounded and familiar, until it quietly pulls the rug out from under you. It’s eerie, magical, and a little unhinged in the best way, blurring the line between fiction and reality until you’re not sure what’s real anymore...and not sure you want to know.

The Land of Laughs” is one of those rare novels that slips under your skin and stays there. It starts off grounded but slowly unravels into something bizarre, magical, and deeply disquieting. I couldn’t stop turning the pages, caught between fascination and unease. Jonathan Carroll crafts a world where fiction and reality blur in the most unexpected ways. This was my first journey into his work, and I’m completely sold. If you enjoy stories that are unpredictable, eerie, and emotionally rich, this book will be a standout on your shelf.

The Land of Laughs was my first book by Jonathan Carroll and it was when I fell in love with his writing. I cannot even describe why I like it so much -- he's so unique and his characters always feel so real, even when there are fantasy elements in the story. There is now an audiobook and NetGalley was kind enough to allow me to preview it, and it's so well done. The narrator gives a fantastic performance and manages to keep just the right tone even when things are going off the rails.
I love the story itself -- the son of a famous children's author goes to the town to write a biography of him, and finds himself in a world where reality and fiction are blurred. This was the first book I ever read that really got this balance right, and I'm left again with the sense that nothing is what it seems.. So much fun.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Although I liked the narrator, I found myself feeling uninterested on The Land of Laughs for the first half. I decided to keep listening and I really enjoyed how it all ended up, but in general the book was fine.

An obscure author's fan decides to write his biography with the help of another fan, but ends up finding out that his story is not what he thought it would be. About female characters: I expected something better. I gather that the main character is not really a likeable character, but he was not interesting enough for that to feel understandable.

Liked the idea a lot, but the execution was sloggish. Again, not because of the narrator, but because the pacing of the book was quite non sensical. I would have loved it if there had been more fantastical elements and if they appeared slowlier.

The synopsis of The Land of Laughs made it sound like it would be a fantasy book with horror elements. However, It's more akin to a romantic drama with very little fantastical elements. An English teacher decides to write a biography on his favourite children's book author, meeting a fellow fan with whom he visits the novelist's hometown for research purposes. While there, the couple discover a secret about the author that turns the situation on its head.

Personally, I didn't really engage with the story. Perhaps if the blurb had been more accurate to the genre and not made it sound more scary and spooky than the story turned out to be, I'd have enjoyed it more. Regardless, the story is decent enough, although the main character comes off as unintentionally unsympathetic due to the often chauvinistic writing.

Not for me, but maybe worth a listen to those looking for a romantic drama with very subtle fantasy elements.

Braden Wright's narration is excellent, telling the tale adeptly.

No, this book will not make you laugh, but what it will do is chill you to the bone!

Thomas is still discovering who he truly is, beyond being the son of a famous star. The only thing that has ever touched his heart are the books of Marshal France. Now, he plans to follow his heart for once and write something of his own, which brings him to the hometown of his favorite author, along with Saxony—a strange encounter at a bookstore that turned into a strange relationship. But as they both inch closer to their new project of researching Marshal’s life, the town starts to reveal secrets they never thought possible in this mundane world.

For those who’ve always wondered if magic is real, here’s a glimpse of what might happen if it turned out to be horribly true! The part that struck me most was the idea of being a real character in your favorite book. We’ve all imagined it, and now someone has gone ahead and executed it.

Somewhat scary, with a books about books vibe from an author’s perspective, the story is engaging and entertaining. Though I’m not really a fan of the steamy romance angle the book explored, especially Thomas’s behavior in this regard, I only felt sorry for Saxony. Overall, a decent read, and I’m happy I listened to the audiobook, where I had the option to go at my own pace. Otherwise, I’m not sure how well this would have worked for me in another format.

Land of Laughs is a stunningly good book, unfolding and sucking the author in to his hero's town with every step. As the narrator and his plucky research assistant meet while outbidding each other for a rare copy of one of their late hero's novels, the woman who was first to the find but unable to pay the dear price insinuates herself into the narrator's project -- he who finds more in this long-lost author than in his famous actor father. They brave a crazy agent with tales of a crazier daughter who has shunned numerous attempts to write about this famous recluse -- full of legends of lost manuscripts, apocryphal stories, and other shadows. They venture to the small town to find a much more agreeable daughter, but strange reactions to their arrival and other happenings. Onion and clothing layers get peeled back as an egregious love triangle (rhombus?) and the author's true connection to the town and their need for a new author reveal themselves.
It's a very Borgesian setup and a great maze to traverse. The characters and situations are witty and absurd in just the right way.

Audiobook
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the first book by author Jonathan Carroll I've read/listened to, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm glad to say it was an experience well beyond my expectations. I'm definitely a big fan, and I'm looking forward to checking out his other works.

I ran across the blurb for The Land of Laughs and was intrigued. The cover also drew me in a bit as I've always had a soft spot for bull terriers. I will say I could never have imagined the twist that makes this book the must-read that it is. I never saw it coming and found myself shaking my head once I did.

Thomas Abbey is the son of a movie star that led a life a bit unusual compared to the norm. When the story begins, Thomas is teaching English at a prep school and isn't quite happy at this point in his life. Unsure of relationships, career choices, desires for his future, etc. he's a bit confused and sort of stuck. On a random trip to a bookstore, he runs across a book by his all-time favorite author. He is saddened to learn that the book has already been purchased by another buyer. Intrigued and curious, he decides to wait for the person who will pick it up.

When a woman named Saxony shows up, he's able to persuade her to sell him the book for far more than she paid herself. The two spark up a conversation and spend time outside of the bookstore. Over the course of their spending time together, Thomas learns of Saxony's expertise in research and a shared desire to learn more about the author they both revere. When the idea of writing the author's biography takes root, Thomas and Saxony decide to partner up. Thomas takes a leave of absence from teaching and takes off with Saxony to visit the author's hometown.

Once there, the roller coaster of a ride this book turns out to be begins, and it's a strange one for sure. Jonathan Carroll went above and beyond with his use of magical imagery and behavioral quirkiness of characters to leave the reader questioning what their reading. In the end, I found myself smiling, laughing, and rereading a few parts just to make sure I got it all. It's definitely a must-read, as this book has it all!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided me with access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

A quirky novel about two people who meet and bond over a favorite childhood book, The Land of Laughs. They decide to write a biography about the author and, together, make a trip to his hometown to get his surviving daughter on board with their project. Things get weird. The story takes on a Twilight Zone aspect that is both strange and captivating. Quite a sense of (small town) place; many of the characters are unique and oddball. I found this very entertaining, mind bending, and creative. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author, and appreciate the recent effort to put his backlist on audiobook. 4.4 stars.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @BrillianceAudio, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook of #TheLandofLaughs for review purposes. The book, ebook, and audiobook are currently available.

The Land of Laughs
By Jonathan Carroll
Narrated by Braden Wright
Brilliance Audio

This audiobook is labeled sci-fi /fantasy, but it’s the mystery/thriller elements that added so much.
I was on the edge of my seat thru most of this book.

The Narrators voice was absolutely perfect. It was easy to visualize each character by just listening.
Kudos! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m impressed by how twisty this story is. It’s like taking a leisurely walk around the block, where each time around something horrific happens, but you’re still just taking a walk. (Hope this makes sense)

It starts with a professor who doesn’t enjoy teaching anymore.
He decides to write a biography based on a deceased author whose stories greatly impacted his life.
At the same time he meets a woman with similar interests who offers to do research work with him.
In order to get permission from the authors daughter they will need to contact her in person. Knowing this the couple decides to rent a house in the same small town where the daughter and author lived and wrote his popular books.
As the daughter has a history of turning down any writers who come asking. They are encouraged by how welcoming the daughter and town’s residents are. Even given permission to access any documents or information they may need. The towns dog population also welcome them.
However as they uncover many mysterious events and people, it becomes much more than writing a simple biography about one man.

The cover art work is so perfect.
I can’t think of too many other covers that captured the essence of a story as well as this one did.

I’m grateful to be given a copy of this audiobook which grabbed my attention and kept me listening till The End.
And Wow what an end!!!!

#Brillianceaudio #NetGalley

4.5 stars rounded up!

Mmmm, what a satisfying twist and ending!

I requested a copy of The Land of Laughs on a total whim after seeing the audiobook pop up on NetGalley. It sounded right up my alley (sci-fi horror, yes please!) and I absolutely loved the cover. After starting it, I knew I was going to want a physical copy for my shelves. That little search led me to discover it was originally published over 40 years ago (!!) and the audiobook was recently republished.
Now, Jonathan Carroll definitely suffers from a classic case of male horror writer syndrome. Every woman in this book is wildly objectified for no reason. But if you can push past that, this was delightfully weird, creepy, and suspenseful. I was hooked from the first chapter all the way to the very end.

I dropped everything else I was reading because I had to know what was going on. I thought I had it figured out early on... turns out, I was very wrong, and things only got weirder (in the best way) the further I went. The twist was such a fun surprise, and the ending absolutely delivered. So, so satisfying.

I thoroughly enjoyed this little fever dream of a book!

Thanks to NetGalley & Brilliance Publishing for an audiobook arc of The Land of Laughs!

Wow! The Land of Laughs gave me serious Twilight Zone vibes, and I absolutely loved it. The blend of strange, intriguing, and unsettling elements kept me hooked from start to finish. It was a unique, thought-provoking experience. YES! YES! YES! This was my first Jonathan Carroll novel, and it definitely won't be my last. If you're looking for something that pushes the boundaries of reality and keeps you on the edge of your seat, this book is for you.

Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the chance to listen to this book in exchange for my honest opinion.