What the Hell Did I Just Read
Creative
Witty
Original

What the Hell Did I Just Read A Novel of Cosmic Horror

David Wong2017
It's the story "They" don't want you to read. Though, to be fair, "They" are probably right about this one. To quote the Bible, "Learning the truth can be like loosening a necktie, only to realize it was the only thing keeping your head attached." No, don't put the book back on the shelf -- it is now your duty to purchase it to prevent others from reading it. Yes, it works with e-books, too, I don't have time to explain how. While investigating a fairly straightforward case of a shape-shifting interdimensional child predator, Dave, John and Amy realized there might actually be something weird going on. Together, they navigate a diabolically convoluted maze of illusions, lies, and their own incompetence in an attempt to uncover a terrible truth they -- like you -- would be better off not knowing. Your first impulse will be to think that a story this gruesome -- and, to be frank, stupid -- cannot possibly be true. That is precisely the reaction "They" are hoping for. John Dies at the End's "smart take on fear manages to tap into readers' existential dread on one page, then have them laughing the next" (Publishers Weekly) and This Book is Full of Spiders was "unlike any other book of the genre" (Washington Post). Now, New York Times bestselling author David Wong is back with What the Hell Did I Just Read, the third installment of this black-humored thriller series.
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Reviews

Photo of Alex
Alex@azelious
4 stars
Nov 3, 2022

very much a wtf did I read. The book is all over the place but in a good way, it keeps you on your toes. Characters are very funny and relatable

Photo of Ewan
Ewan@euzie
5 stars
Sep 18, 2022

"I've seen things you wouldn't believe" Sure did, sure did. Possibly the best of the series, a series that improves with every iteration. Yeah there are moments that have always annoyed me . The whole "this is my craaaaazy mate John" has always felt a little off. But balls to it, in this cosmic page turner it all sort of clicked, or did it, I'm not 100% sure anymore. What did I just read?

Photo of Matilda grace
Matilda grace@matildagrace
4 stars
Sep 1, 2022

Yeah i just really enjoyed this book for fun. Didnt notice it was the finale of a trilogy till id finished it. Love how deeper themes of morality and existence creep through the silicone butts and fuckroaches.

Photo of Theodore Kaplan
Theodore Kaplan@squareshot
5 stars
Aug 15, 2022

Third in the John Dies at the End series, this one is exceptional. The first, John Dies at the End, was a bit inconsistent, perhaps reflecting the process of David’s/Jason’s becoming a novelist. The second, This Book is Full of Spiders (Seriously Dude, Don’t Touch It), showed tremendous growth without skimping on the fart jokes and other comedic tools that might take one back to middle school for a while. The topic was prescient when published, and anyone who read it in the early days of the pandemic may have found it particularly horrifying. I find that it hits a level of claustrophobic intensity that I am ambivalent about, preferring a greater proportion of ridiculous humor. What the Hell Did I Just Read? Is perhaps the most effective blend of his work at Cracked.com and that of his emergent identity as a novelist. Those familiar with Cracked will find topics in his novels that originated with his editorial efforts for the website; this is the novel that truly incorporates some of his Cracked favorites in a naturally fluid manner, relying far less on injected insights via Marconi and others. The result is a truly amazing plot, punctuated by humor (David’s “interview” with the NON agent is, to me, packed with solid gold one-liners deserving of a medal, probably of solid gold), socio-economic commentary, philosophical issues, and horror (the chapter in which a larva is allowed to hatch in… well, elsewhere… is masterful speculative terror that always gives me chills). This third entry seems under-appreciated (I wouldn’t really know, though) for such a unique narrative, with a plot and corresponding series of events unlike any other written work, but it’s certainly my favorite in the series so far, and one of my favorites in general. Can’t wait for the fourth book, coming in October!

+8
Photo of Kerri McDonald
Kerri McDonald@kerrimcbooknerd
4 stars
Oct 17, 2021

Disclaimer: I received a free ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Okay, I'm going to admit upfront that I was unaware that this book was the third in a series when I requested it from Netgalley. I have heard of John Dies at the End and have been debating on whether or not to add it to my ever-growing TBR pile for a long time. After reading this book, John Dies at the End is not only getting added to the pile, but getting bumped near the top, as well. This story follows David, John, and Amy on (apparently) yet another adventure in the thoroughly creepy town of Undisclosed. It starts with the disappearance of a small child and just gets weirder from there. I went into this book knowing nothing about the John Dies at the End universe and, at first, that gave me a little hesitation. I was afraid I would be completely confused by obscure references and inside jokes from the other two books in the series that I haven't yet read. I'm sure there were a lot of things that I did, in fact, miss, but that certainly didn't take away my ability to thoroughly enjoy this book. It grabbed me in the first few pages and did not let go. It was frightening, it was thrilling, and it was freakin' hilarious! I loved the characters, I loved the story, and I just loved the overall feel of the book. I think my least favorite part of the book was the end. Though believable (I mean... in a supernatural context, of course) and probably the best outcome that could be hoped for, it left me feeling unsatisfied. I like resolution!! Still, it totally fit with the rest of the book. The author mentioned in the Afterword that there's always the possibility of another story featuring Dave, Amy, and John. I certainly hope so! In the meantime, I should probably get to reading the first two books!

Photo of Jack Baty
Jack Baty@jackbaty
5 stars
Jun 11, 2021

As funny and fun as "John Dies at the End". Books like this are made for me. Someone described them as "Nonchalant Absurdism" and that just about nails it. I smiled and/or laughed the entire time.

Photo of Elizabeth Jones
Elizabeth Jones@emariet20
5 stars
Feb 1, 2022
Photo of Phil James
Phil James@philjames
4 stars
Jun 12, 2024
Photo of Jordan
Jordan@jordanfischerr
5 stars
May 28, 2024
Photo of Micah
Micah@micahlynn90
5 stars
Apr 15, 2024
Photo of Lexi McCullough
Lexi McCullough @lexilou62
4 stars
May 7, 2023
Photo of Oliver Merryweather
Oliver Merryweather@ollievander
2 stars
Jan 22, 2023
Photo of Jeff James
Jeff James@unsquare
3 stars
Jan 3, 2023
Photo of Rebecca Sheets
Rebecca Sheets@rabeckz
5 stars
Apr 26, 2022
Photo of Jason Hill
Jason Hill@gawkward
4 stars
Mar 16, 2022
Photo of Nanette Copeland
Nanette Copeland@ravinfear
3 stars
Mar 15, 2022
Photo of Jasmine Tania
Jasmine Tania@jsmntania
4 stars
Dec 13, 2021

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