"Jokers Club" is an interesting little short story extended into a full-length novel. As such, it feels awkward at times, like Mr. Bastianelli is searching for additional material to fill in the gaps; this, it turns out, extended the page count without enhancing the quality of the work. Mr. Bastianelli might have benefited as well from a more pro-active editor who could not only have replaced some of the language that makes parts of the book feel "forced" but who could also have suggested revisions that would have eliminated much of the redundant detail. On the whole, though, an enjoyable little tale to read. ( )

With echoes of Stephen King's IT this book tells the story of a group of childhood friends who reunite and one by one begin to die. I loved IT and hope I would have the same feelings for the Jokers Club but I found the story even the creepiest to be wooden and forced, good idea that wasnt full flushed out. ( )

I can't say I didn't dislike it. It had a brilliant premise. I'm glad I read it, but I probably wouldn't have if I didn't get the ARC. The major disappointment of the book is simply the fact that it's premise is a bit too complicated for such a short story. Still, read it if you want something good to read. Just don't go hoping for something amazingly new. It's more of the same, and that's why it's so enjoyable. ( )

Jokers Club was a pleasure to read, giving a unique look into the lives of its protagonists as they struggle to deal with what they have unearthed in their own lives. Without a great cast of characters, a terrific plot, and a great job of weaving in various horror tropes, this book would have been a dud, but it will win over the vast majority of those who read it. ( )

Not a bad read. I think it could have benefited from a little more time, a little more editing, etc., but it was enjoyable. Although it felt a little too much like Stephen King's "It" to me, and I've never been a big fan of the whole "writer-as-protagonist" thing. Always feels a bit contrived. It definitely got better as the book went on, and I thought the ending was a nice little twist. ( )