Despite the appearance of a tornado, this is what I would describe as a nice, quiet novel. In fact, the tornado doesn’t actually show up until the end of the book and is the only real “action” in the common sense of the word. However, it wasn’t the tornado that kept me reading anyway.

Everyone Dies Famous is interesting despite the lack of “action”. The author is well able to keep the reader hooked as he unravels each character for us. Despite the book having quite a few main characters, there was good character development for each. And, through these characters, we experience the pain of life’s hardships, the struggle of moving past our mistakes, and feelings of hopefulness and disappointment. As an added bonus, the author also does a wonderful job setting the atmosphere of laid-back Maple Springs.

I was surprised to find out after reading Everyone Dies Famous that it is a sequel. I certainly didn’t feel lacking from not having read the first book.

When I read this story I was unaware that there had been a previous book about these characters but it didn’t spoil the enjoyment of this story. The story begins at the end after tragedy has struck the small town of Maple Springs, then drops back to fill in the pieces. The story centres around Dancer Stonemason and the events that brought him back to this town and how his decisions that day change the course of other peoples lives as the day goes on.

I liked the laidback pace of the town and getting to know the people. It is weird because knowing at the beginning of the story that some people die feels terribly sad but at that point, I didn’t know those people, by the end I do and the feelings are so much deeper. The author brings this town to life, the way they live, the pace and the hidden hurts that have festered for years because of lack of communication. The things that matter in life.

The author created a perfect atmospheric build-up throughout the book, with the last few chapters being both intense with the characters and the elements. It certainly brought out true heroes and heart in my mouth moments.

If there were any lessons to be learned by this book it is never to take anything or anyone for granted, because you never know if you will see that person again.

I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.

In Maple Springs, Missouri some people live in their past glories, trying their best to adapt to the future. This is a purely character driven novel about regret and redemption, with a heart for veterans. Joy is a talented writer, most of the character driven, emotional novels move slowly; but not this one. I read it in two days!

Thank you BQB publishing, Netgalley and Len Joy for the arc. This is my own opinion.

Absolutely brilliant story about uncommon lives of everyday people. A purely character-driven story that blows your mind! Len Joy's storytelling is marvelous, keeps the reader hooked on to the story until the end. Highly recommended!

This skillfully written story about the choices made by people in the heartland and the aftermath is a great read. The characters are well-developed and the story moves at the perfect pace.

An interesting story that traces a rather dysfunctional family through the years. There are flashbacks and it all culminates in a way you don’t expect