Quite the Caper
The title was a little off putting but the book -fantastic! Even the chapters grouped under specific headings and the bomb pictures added to the suspense and delight. Jane, long married, tired of influencers' dictates, could have been me speaking. Husband Dan's unimaginative plodding along irritates her -especially when she discovers an affair. Why not ask for a divorce while out for dinner celebrating your anniversary? Her 6 year old, not well received novel added to the hilarity as the story unfolded. The serious. climate concerns were handed deftly, and did make one think. This book is a page turner with characters you won't soon forget. Who knew Elon Musk was the second richest man in the world?

Jane and Dan…your table is ready. If you’ll just follow me, please.

Jane and Dan are out on the town, celebrating their nineteenth wedding anniversary at a ridiculously expensive restaurant.

But this won’t be just another dinner. Before the second course is served two major events will occur:
1. Jane is about to ask Dan for a divorce
2. Jane and Dan are about to be held hostage along with the other diners at this high-end restaurant. (Check please!🙋🏼‍♀️)

As the group of activists begin rounding everyone up and making their demands, Jane starts to have a strange feeling. This all seems oddly familiar. As in a spot-on reenactment of her one and only published book! How could that be? It was years ago! And truth be told, virtually no one read it, including her own family!

This sounded like a fun premise and having enjoyed previous books by this author I was excited to read this one.

And while it did deliver an overall fun read, I just wish it would have been a bit sharper…a little more snarkiness.

If you’re looking for a read on the lighter side laced with a bit of humor then look no further.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing via NetGalley

Holy moly! This is officially a new favorite of mine!

‘Jane and Dan at the End of the World’ follows an author named Jane and her husband Dan during an evening that truly feels like the end of the world. They are out eating at an expensive restaurant for their nineteenth wedding anniversary. If you ask Dan, it’s their twentieth anniversary, but he is wrong, which is why Jane is planning to ask him for a divorce during dinner — until a group of activists charges into the restaurant and takes everyone dining there hostage.

It’s a terrifying situation that Jane and Dan have found themselves in, but for some reason, Jane isn’t afraid. It may be because this hostage situation is playing out exactly like the plot from Jane’s last book she wrote that didn’t sell many copies. She doesn’t even think her own husband actually read it.

While I originally gravitated toward this book due to the humorous situation at hand, I wasn’t expecting such a powerful narrative about marriage and motherhood. I found myself tearing up one minute and laughing out loud the next. The story was witty and hysterical, but it was also honest and heartfelt, depicting a couple who has drifted apart but is forced to look back on their love story during a scary situation.

This will easily be one of the most impactful books I read in 2025. Colleen Oakley, you wrote such an incredible story! This was a 5-star read for me!

In Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley I found myself laughing, relating, and quickly turn the pages to find out what happens next.

As a middle-aged, long married wife and mother, I could relate to Jane in this book so very much. It's very possible to be hopelessly in love with your husband while wanting to be far away from them at the same time.

During the anniversary dinner in which Jane plans to end her dinner with her husband, Dan, an event even more fraught takes place - they are taken hostage along with the rest of the restaurant by eco-terrorists.

Dan is moved to a different room to take care of gun shot victim, Jane is plotting to try and get help - and oh yeah, one of them recognizes one of the terrorists.

The dialogue is witty, their frustrations relatable, and the twist was very interesting. I read this in one sitting and couldn't wait to find out how it would end. (It ended how I had hoped!)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this really fun read. All opinions are my own.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT! @writercolleenoakley

You can imagine my delight when, never having heard of Colleen Oakley (how?) I giggled my way through not one but two of her books. If you pinned me down, I’d finally relent and say that Dan and Jane at the End of the World (due out in March!) was the better of the two. But do not discount the The Mostly True Story…

THE MOSTLY TRUE STORY OF TANNER AND LOUISE 4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
An 82-year old who needs a caregiver and a 21-year old who needs a place to live. Secrets are revealed and a madcap chase ensues. The generation gap is my favorite comedic device in this story.

DAN AND JANE AT THE END OF THE WORLD 4.5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
A fancy restaurant (La Fin du Monde — The End of The World) on the coast in California (think Big Sur) is overtaken by “terrorists.” Dan and Jane have their own problems and their banter alone is captivating from the start. The internal voices of our main characters are witty, sarcastic and so relatable— definitely my favorite part of this story.

I was up late many nights giggling—Oakley’s “voice” is definitely up my alley. She makes absurd plots completely believable with characters that arc and satisfying endings.

Thanks to @netgalley and @berkleypub for the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Oh. my gosh. Colleen Oakley, what a gem you are. This book pulled me in right from the start, making it hard to set aside. The writing was sharp and captivating, and the characters felt real—imperfect yet relatable, which added richness to the story.

At its heart, the book revolves around Jane and Dan, a couple navigating 20 years of marriage. Dan scores a booking at the most exclusive (and undeniably pretentious) restaurant in town, only to realize that what he assumed was a complimentary meal was actually just a reservation. What begins as an upscale dinner spirals into chaos when climate activists storm in and take the diners hostage.

Although the hostage situation adds an element of suspense, the real focus is on the characters themselves. Jane's journey of rediscovering who she is—beyond being a wife and mother—takes center stage, while Dan’s frequent cluelessness brings both levity and depth to his role in the story.

I really enjoyed the author’s approachable and engaging style, which made diving into the narrative effortless. This was my first time reading her work, and I’m excited to check out more of her other books soon.

Mmm 3.5 maybe. The ending fell flat for me but I thought it was a fun & different story.
I enjoy this author

Colleen Oakley’s book takes you on an unexpected journey with a delightful blend of tension and humor. Despite the unfortunate interruption of Jane and Dan’s anniversary dinner when terrorists take over the restaurant, Oakley manages to weave a captivating story that explores profound themes while delivering side-splitting belly laughs.

Thank you to Colleen Oakley, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!

ane and Dan have been married for 19 years, and although they are on their way to a super swanky restaurant for their anniversary dinner, they are pretty much going through the motions. In fact, Jane is planning to tell Dan that she wants a divorce. She has barely broached the subject in the middle of the appetizer course when a group of masked, assault-weapon-wielding activists invade the restaurant, confiscate everyone's cell phones, and demand complete compliance with their orders. That's scary enough, but then the surprise identity of one of their captors raises the stakes exponentially. But even in her terror, Jane starts to notice that the situation feels familiar - because it's almost identical to the plot of the one (failed) novel she published six years ago.

"Jane and Dan" is a weird mash up of marriage-in-peril drama, suspense thriller, and wacky satire. I know it's just a novel, but I'm on edge these days and easily offended. In particular, the POV chapters from a bumbling police deputy who is excited to experience his first real crime (including a gunshot wound and everything!) made me see red. Similarly, without spoiling anything, the ultimate fate of the activists demonstrates either the author's naivete or her privilege.

If I were feeling more charitable towards the world, I would note that Oakley does an decent job of showing how Jane and Dan gradually remember why they love each other as they work together to avert the worst-case scenario. There's a heartfelt message about learning to trust that your kids will be okay even if you can't protect them 24/7 anymore. And the final reveal of why life is imitating Jane's art is undeniably clever (if incredibly far-fetched).

This was an interesting story. The cover was misleading as to what you are about to read. This is my first book by this author and it was enjoyable but I didn't have a strong connection to any character. It started out strong and had a few exciting chapters but overall just a decent read that left me wanting some changes in the story and unanswered questions.

I adored Colleen Oakley's previous book, The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise so I was thrilled to read an advance copy of her newest book Jane and Dan at the End of the World. On their 19th (not 20th) anniversary, Jane and Dan are going to an exclusive, isolated restaurant to celebrate the milestone. Mingling with some of the richest and most out-of-touch members of society, the meal starts smoothly enough, just as their life begins to go off the rails.

When a group of climate activists take over the restaurant and hold its staff and diners hostage, Jane can't help but notice the similarities between the situation she is in and an unsuccessful book she wrote years before, right down to the terrorists conversations. This gives Jane the advantage of knowing what might happen next, though whether that knowledge will help her or be the end of her, she isn't sure.

This book was fascinating on many levels and I generally enjoyed the characters, their interactions and even the far-fetched (you have to suspend some disbelief in this one, for sure) situations they found or put themselves into. At the same time, Oakley has a lot to say about family, marriage, climate and the effects of children growing up and moving on.

I didn't enjoy this as much as Oakley's Tanner and Louise, but I did enjoy it. I definitely found myself wanting to know what would happen next and whether or not anyone was going to get out of this restaurant. The ending was a bit silly, but I'd rather silly than sad any day. I think if you like Oakley's writing, you're going to enjoy this adventure as well.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advance copy. Jane and Dan at the End of the World publishes on March 11, 2025

Colleen always knows how to pull you in with her humor while also tugging at your heart strings. Such a funny, heart felt story with relatable characters. Loved it!!!

This book was hilarious. Marriage at its worst and best. And throw in a mad cap hostage situation? This was an unexpected delight! I was laughing out loud.

Thanks to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the adavnce digital copy

This is a fun, if a bit farfetched, read. The main characters are relatable and likable, and the action in the story moves quickly. It does stretch plausibility at times. Still, the stakes never seemed too high, even though they could have been, and it was an enjoyable read.

Though Jane is ready to end their 19-year marriage, she’s out with her husband Dan celebrating their anniversary when they suddenly find themselves taken hostage by a group of bumbling environmental terrorists. As the situation unfolds, Jane starts noticing eerie similarities to the only novel she’s ever published. Feeling stuck in life, the hostage scenario makes her reflect on her choices, and Dan does the same. This book is packed with humor, but also so much heart, exploring themes like marriage, parenting, and life in general.

I really enjoyed Oakley’s The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise, and this book has the same perfect blend of humor and depth. I absolutely loved it! It’s full of meaningful moments but never takes itself too seriously, with funny twists throughout the clumsy takeover that kept me hooked. Quirky and far-fetched, the banter between Dan and Jane clearly shows they've been married for 19 (or is it 20?) years. Highly recommend for everyone; fans of Knives Out will especially enjoy.

Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley is an intriguing mix of humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments. The story follows Jane and Dan, a couple celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary, when an armed hostage situation at an exclusive restaurant takes an unexpected twist—eerily resembling the plot of Jane’s unpublished novel.

Oakley explores the complexities of long-term relationships, midlife struggles, and personal reinvention with wit and emotional depth. Jane’s frustrations as a writer and mother, paired with her doubts about Dan, feel authentic and relatable, while the high-stakes scenario pushes them to confront their shared history.

The book is an engaging read that combines quirky, fast-paced storytelling with thoughtful reflections on love and growth. While not every twist is entirely plausible, it fits the story’s tone, delivering a fun yet meaningful tale about marriage and second chances.

This book is a ROMP. It is, as described, hilarious.
However, it is also bewildering, tense, touching, and thrilling. At times, you must willingly suspend disbelief b/c some bits are hard to believe. But that's part of the fun.
The plot turns are brilliant.
It is difficult to categorize this book according to any one genre.
Just read it cuz it's a great book full of fun, romance, greed, they, terrorism, family ties, etc.
I received an ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Colleen Oakley’s hilarious new novel, Jane and Dan at the End of the World. A combination of suspense, comedy and marital woes, this will keep you entertained from start to finish.

Jane and Dan have been married for nineteen or twenty years, depending on who you ask. Dan was loyal and reliable until Jane saw texts on his phone from a mystery woman and assumes that he’s having an affair. Instead of feeling outraged, Jane decides that they’ve been heading toward divorce for a while and makes this announcement at their ridiculously expensive anniversary dinner…. but her announcement is upstaged by a group of activists who rush in and take everyone’ hostage.

What ensues is nothing short of laugh out loud moments, poignant reflections on marriage and motherhood, and a comedy of errors that seems suspiciously like the plot of Jane’s unsuccessful novel.
Jane and Dan at the End of the World should be made into a movie or a miniseries asap!

This was a fun and easy read- I enjoy Colleen Oakley's books because they are enjoyable and not meant to be taken seriously! Jane and Dan at the End of the World gave me the vibe of if the Finlay Donovan series met The Menu (without all of the gore). It also reminded me of a comedy thriller you would watch on Netflix because of all the banter between Jane and Dan. The portrayal of Jane going through a somewhat midlife identity crisis as a wife and mom was very realistic and relatable.

Thank you, NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC!

Colleen Oakley is a fav and this one did not disappoint! Jane and Dan are married and are going to Fin de lu Monte for their anniversary. However, Jane isn't 100% about their marriage... and having doubts. Also, Jane somewhat struggles with their 18 year old daughter. While Jane and Dan are out to eat, there is an active shooter situation and takes everyone by surprise/shock. This book was very relatable as a parent and as a married person, I found it funny and the plot moved right along!