If you like python you might check out jello[0]. I basically wrote it to give you the power and simplicity of python without the boiler plate in a jq-like form-factor. Jello also allows you to use dot-notation instead of dict bracket notation, so it does make things easier on the command line.

Also, there is jellex[1], which is a TUI wrapper around jello that can help you build your queries.

[0] https://github.com/kellyjonbrazil/jello [1] https://github.com/kellyjonbrazil/jellex