Product Description
Back by popular demand-master of suspense Dean Koontz's classic collection of stories-now available on CD!One of the most popular and prolific storytellers of our time, Dean Koontz has many classic New York Times bestsellers to his name, but none quite like this. STRANGE HIGHWAYS: THECHASE is part of Koontz's spellbinding collection of tales interconnected by the strange highways of human experience-the adventures, terrors, failures, and triumphs encountered on the roads that are chosen, and on those detoured by fate. As profound as it is mesmerizing, STRANGE HIGHWAYS:THECHASE is a remarkable achievement. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A Nice Simple Read but Not Quality Koontz
An ex Vietnam war hero Ben Chase has retreated into a world of seclusion.While checking out young couples at a hilltop make out place, he observes a lone man acting strangely.The man stabs a young male in a car and Chase intervenes before the girlfriend is murdered as well.Slipping on wet grass, Chase isn't successful in stopping the killer from escaping.

Chase starts to get phone calls from the killer who calls himself The Judge.He tells Chase that he is researching him and his judgement will come soon.Can Chase work out Judge's identity before he is killed himself?

This is a very short and simple to read book.It is not one of the masterpieces Koontz has written but you have to remember this is one of his first books written by him over 30 years ago.It is still an enjoyable read and would be ideal for those who are just moving up from the junior fiction world into novels and do not want thick or complicated novels.His novel Shattered is also like this.

Excellent story telling, but too unbelievable
This is the first book I've picked up by Dean Koontz and I love his command of the English language.He has such a wonderful way of explaining things and illuminating certain details.His writing skills really impressed me.

This had the potential of a five star story but fell short in a few areas.The biggest one was his characters.While you learn to understand the motivations of the main character, Benjamin Chase, a war hero with a past that he is not particularly proud of, the rest of the characters just don't make any sense to me.

For instance, we have a homicide detective who has 1) the ring of the killer, which is a BIG clue that should lead right to the killer, and 2) somebody claiming to be in contact with the killer.He can't figure nor seems to do anything with the vital clue (#1).He also ignores Ben (#2).The detective believes Ben originally, but gives up on him too easily and on such false pretenses.I can almost understand taking the cop/guard but he could have left the phone tap behind so Ben could record the incoming calls.Was it being put to use elsewhere?I doubt it.

It seems like the murder victim had some lousy friends.His "lover" couldn't care less he had died or that she, too, had witness something utterly horrifying.She was shocked at first, but recovered quickly.A little too quickly.In fact, a lot too quickly.The best friend also doesn't care because, hey, we all die anyways.I don't know, I think most teenagers would have a little bit more reflection on their own immortality.

And then there is the shrink... WHERE TO BEGIN????I'll leave it at that.

And I can't go over the victim's parents without giving too much of the story away, but there that doesn't add up either.

Ben also picks up a love interest during the course of this story.This story would be better without even mentioning her.It added to the story's disbelief.

The basic plot of the story started off good.There is a psychopath who wants to execute others for their sins.Okay, that is fairly believable.But then at the end you find out the true motivation of the killer.Oh, boy.Boy, oh boy, oh boy.I won't give it away, but he should have stuck with the original idea.

I will probably give the author another shot sometime in the future.As I stated, his writing ability is wonderful.Hopefully other stories are a little bit more thought out and more believable.

'Chase' is a good read, but short story is riveting!!
I liked 'Chase.' It was read quite well by the narrator and you do start to feel much empathy for Ben Chase, who is a young, struggling Vietnam hero who is feeling anything but heroic. As Ben drinks whiskey and eats apples in the solitary of his apartment day by day, the reader is right there with him, sipping along, staring at the bare, white walls of his drab one-room studio apartment. He is miserably content in his solitude, only venturing out to see his psychiatrist. But then he witnesses the murder of a young man, and his protective shell begins to be chipped away -- and not always by the right people and circumstances. The true identity of the stalker/murderer is hidden well throughout the book; I did not begin to figure it out until toward the end. Another plus to this book is that Ben Chase is a modern, Shakespearan tragic hero with an evolving tragic flaw that the reader discovers as the book goes along.

On a negative note for 'Chase,' I felt Ben's love interest needed more character development; it's like she's just thrown in there suddenly. The book goes rather slow at times, and I found myself wondering if an abridged version might have been better. Also, this might just be a personal thing, but I haddifferent expectations for what type of person the killer would be, so it was a strange ending and resolution at the end for me.But perhaps that adds to the mystique of the book, and you yourself might like that.

Now, as for the short story, "Down in the Darkness," I loved it so much that I listened to it twice so I, the second time around, could hear those subtley wound clues a virgin listen may have missed. The story from the very beginning grabs your attention and holds on tight until the end. Just what is the story behind the disappearing cellar in this new house? And what is down there?These are the questions you'll be urgently asking yourself as you explore the cellar with 'Jes.' The sights, smells and anxious but curious horror that Jes feels truly come to life. And the end will lead you on a path of self-introspection that makes you question your own motives and feelings at times. This short story is a concise work of art -- not too long, not too short -- your daily dose of Koontz at his best. Needless to say, I highly recommend it, and while I give 'Chase' a 4, I give this short story a 5++!

great book
Dean Koontz is the best writer on earth, I have all his books and I read them over and over

A gripping rendition of an earlier work, well revised.
The audio version of Chase is done in a gripping and mysterious style fitting with the content.The story is one to sympathize with as the listener feels he is living out the adventure with the main character, a misunderstood Vietnam vet who wants only to be left alone in his misery.His struggle towards heroism in the context of Koontz's expert thriller content is an enchanting mix.The extra content added to this book only adds to its value in the same vein.The "Down in the Darkness" story is similarly a story of struggle of a man against his baser instincts and against his more natural and unnatural inclinations. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Book is like new!
I love Deen Koontz.This book is like new, and three novels in one - what a deal! ... Read more

Product Description
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Terror strikes when four hideously disfigured corpses are discovered over the course of four days. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (98)

Remember Biloxi Blues???
Do you remember the movie Biloxi Blues, starring Matthew Broderick and christopher Walken?This book was exactly the same in terms of a story that takes off in flying colors then completely deflates.It GRABBED my imagination immediately!Within the first few chapters it genuinely tweaked my curiosity hook, line and sinker. I was mesmerized; great suspense.Did I mention this was within the first few chapters?Yeah.The rest of the book went flat and cheesy, especially when voodoo magic came into play.I probably could have lived with that, had the main character not become an instant master himself, saving the day with his own pure self-sacrifice of blood.Sigh. What a weak, unimaginative ending.Wasted potential.

VooDoo Daddy Bad
Darkfall is a story that never really got off the ground for me. Dean Koontz is hit or miss with every single book. You can never know if the story will be terrific or horrific.

Darkfall was horrific.

Two homicide cops are following the murders of members of a crimelord family. The bodies appear to be chewed and mangled.

Turns out, a voodoo bad guy is out to get the crimeboss and he sends out little demon/goblins to do his dirty deeds.

Because the police are hunting for answers, the voodoo man decides to turn the goblins on them; specifically, the children.

This makes "police man" angry and now it's all or nothing. Which man will die?

Throw in a few vague references about the devil, God, and hell and you've got a very sub-par Koontz novel.

Do that voodoo you do so well
I really enjoy the mixture of the prosaic with the weird and supernatural, and Koontz does a great job of combining the two here.Whenever you're in the semi-supernatural mode, you need to make sure your characters are sufficiently incredulous of the supernatural but not too hard-headed, and Koontz effortlessly achieves a good balance between these extremes.

In brief, Jack Dawson and Rebecca Chandler are two of New York's Finest trying to solve the gruesome murders of Mafia capos and soldatos, and Jack begins to suspect that the murders would be impossible to pull off unless...Well, let's just say that some very bad people and *things* just may be responsible.

Also, if you like this mixture of the everyday and the supernatural, I recommend OSC's "Enchantment" which mixes reality with medieval Russian folklore.

Hot dang, one of Koontz' best works!
I'll admit - this was actually the first DK book I ever read. When I was young, I got a whole bunch of paperbacks as a hand me down. That pile wasn't sorted out despite my age - thank goodness for that. I doubt my parents would have wanted me reading this when I was ten. It's a very good book, and as I have come to read and enjoy his other books, this one stands out as one of his best (along with Lightning and False Memory)

A vendetta is simple enough - but throw in a Voodoo practitioner and some Mafia, and you have a truly bloody and twisted tale. Even though the Voodoo man is a wicked man himself, you can't help but sympathize with his need for revenge after what happened. This book is a solid thriller - I could not put it down. Koontz had some really imaginative descriptions in this book to make for an awesome read.

Wow, that's what I'm sayin'
I have been discovering Dean Koontz's older works, mainly because he can't write them fast enough for me any more. To fill the time between the last one and the next one, I've gone way back and read the first books, working my way forward. Darkfall is one of the best up to this point. It has absolutely everything I love in a Koontz book: the characters are fleshed out and likable; the plot is many-layered, but not to a distracting degree; the scariness just keeps on coming page after page. And the trademark research Koontz puts into everything he writes about always makes the finished product interesting and believable. If I had one criticism (and I'm sure Mr. K. has heard this over and over since the book's publication) it would be the difficulty I had in believing Jack would engage in a touch of brandy and deep spiritual discussion while death's pocket watch is ticking as his children are being pursued by an army of "goblins" from hell. And as a result of said discussion, I'm sure Mr. Koontz managed to alienate every believer in the Old and New Testaments when instead he should have avoided making many of the statements he did (through the vehicle of the voodoo priest) about what is and isn't a "real" sin. Oh well, I'm not the religion police, I'm just an avid fan of Dean Koontz, past, present and future. ... Read more

Product Description
For the first time ever, three bestselling Dean Koontz novels—The Servants of Twilight, Darkfall, Phantoms—are available in hardcover and complete in this single volume.Koontz's novels are spine-chilling and terrifying stories about ordinary people caught in nightmarish situations.Although Dean Koontz writes about the "dark side," the endings to his fast-paced, stay-up-all-night reads always show the forces of good prevailing.But it's what happens between the covers of the book and in the imaginations ofthe readers that has earned Dean Koontz his position at the top of bestseller lists across the country.When you begin a Dean Koontz novel, you're never sure where he's going to take you...
The Servants of Twilight
A mother and son are approached by an old lady in a southern California parking lot.It's a chance encounter that erupts into a nightmare of terror as a mother strives to protect her only child when he is threatened again and again...
Darkfall
In a city, paralyzed by a blizzard, something watches, something stalks, and the clock is ticking...A fast-paced twisting story with one of the most frightening chase scenes ever.
Phantom
The found the town silent, apparently abandoned.Then they found the first body strangely swollen and still warm.One hundred fifty were dead, three hundred fifty missing. But the terror had only begun in a tiny mountain town of Snowfield, California.

These three masterful novels of suspense are guaranteed to keep you reading until you turn the last page. There's no going back once you begin a Dean Koontz novel...Amazon.com Review
Be prepared for spine-tingling overload, as three of Dean R. Koontz'sscariest stories are combined into one terrifying edition. Complete andunabridged, the three novels incorporate the essential elements of a Koontzclassic: ordinary people living uneventful lives suddenly flung into asupernatural web of ghoulish horror.The Servants of Twilight pits a devoted mother against a bizarre cult intent on harming her son.Who will triumph in this tale of good versus evil? Don't be tempted to turnto the final page of this delightful yet horrific story!Darkfall plays with afundamental human fear--that of being watched and stalked by an unknownforce. This is pure, unadulterated, heart-stopping terror--nothing subtleabout it. "Part of him wanted to see it, had to see it, needed to knowwhat in God's name it was. But another part of him, sensing the extrememonstrousness of it, was grateful for darkness." Read at your peril.Koontz's third novel in the collection is Phantoms, which places thereader in a small California town, a place of swollen corpses and missingpersons. Here people die "in the middle of a scream." But how they died,and why so many more are missing is just the beginning of this morbidmystery. Dean R. Koontz: Three Complete Novels is not for the faint of heart! --Naomi Gesinger ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Stories that pull the reader in!
The Servants of Twilight was the very first Koontz novel I read, and due to its intensity made me an instant Koontz's fan.The style of how Koontz develops his characters and jumps back and forth between them makes these books vivid page-turners.I had to keep reading to see what happened next and didn't put it down until I finished it.This collection is a MUST to any suspense/thriller fans.You won't be disappointed!

cant give a review
i cant give a review, because i have not recieved it yet. it is now been over a month since i ordered it

GREAT OLD BOOK
THE BOOK IS A VERY OLD BOOK, HOWEVER THE CONDITION OF THIS BOOK WAS FANTASTIC AND VERY WELL KEPT. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR ANYONE WANTING TO HAVE A GREAT READ AND RECOMMEND THIS SELLER TO SELL IT TO YOU

Another Great Seller
I bought this book as a Christmas present for my son as he is an avid Dean Koontz fan.It arrived very promptly.If I didn't know it was a used book, I would swear it was brand new.I'm very pleased with it and I know my son will be too.

Nice for collectors
For the Dean Koontz fan this book is a must.It has 3 complete novels and as a hard bound book it looks great on display in a bookcase. ... Read more

Product Description
A fast-paced thriller by the best-selling author of Dark Rivers of the Heart and Eyes of Darkness promises fans a roller-coaster ride of stomach-gripping suspense. Reissue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (153)

back to my beginnings, I love this book
I read this years ago and decided recently to revisit my Koontz days. These were the days before I was cynical and jaded by the same story repeated seven thousand times. What I discovered was so wonderful that I actually remembered the feeling of falling in love with this Author. His ability to somehow infuse you with hope for the human condition while allowing you , simultaneously to enjoy simple, bloody terror. It is, I will admit a strange combination , but it is ultimately one I crave in all of my reading. I realized it was these books I devoured in my twenties that cultivated my taste in novels and motivated me to become a writer. The bad place is a book about the human spirit overcoming tragedy to discover that dreams do come true, even if they change for the dreamer. I loved this Novel as much as i did the first time I read it.I must admit some of my favorite scenes were the way Koontz stepped into the mind of the psychopath, Candy. Bizarre , Dark and simply Brilliant. I love Koontz.

Very Idsappointed
I have been a fan of Dean Koontz for a long time and have read most of his books, but I have to say I was so disappointed with The Bad Place.I didn't even finish it and that is not like me.If I start a book I usually try and finish it.Not this one.

Uneven, but good
This is one of Koontz's wildest books. I really liked it, but there are some points at which he just goes over the top, and gets into the "I can't buy this" zone. Other than that, it is a great dark fantasy read. Not sure this is horror, in a way, it is too SF/fantasy for me to call it that. It is not really about scaring anyone, it is more about nasty insane cool things (powers) that some of the characters have and others figure out.

Nobody writes like koontz!!!
One of koontz best!! Dean koontz can create characters that no one else can. My favorites are thomas and the weird sisters violet & verbina. Strange but beautiful!!

the bad place
i loved it. have read it 4 times over the years. it is one of koontz's best books. d.estep ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Terror is in the Eye of the Beholder...
Contributing Authors:
Clive Barker
Stephen King
Dean R. Koontz
David Morrell
Joyce Carol Oates
Jack Vance
And More! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (288)

A book with every turn and twist!
Life Expectancy has every turn and twist that will make you want to read on!

Entralling & Captivating
I just got done reading this book for the second time and I have to say that even knowing the outcome it was still a captivating read.I find Dean's books range from good to excellent - this was definitely at the excellent end of the scale.

The story is told in the first person, a style I typically don't care for as much as 3rd person, but Dean employs his rather unique semi-humorous personality for the principle characters, which makes one smile often and has the effect of making the characters extremely likable.The protagonists are delightfully unlikeable, and seem at least slightly insane, which gives them an edge of unpredictability - by definition, one can't expect an insane person to always act rationally.

One thing I particularly enjoy about this specific style of personality which Dean sometimes uses is that the story is fundamentally entertaining by virtue of the main character(s), even apart from the story itself.That said however, the plot is superbly developed, and I found it very difficult to put down; as usual I started it on a Friday night (my rule of thumb for Dean's novels so I have time to complete it before it interferes too much with work), and I finished it Monday evening.

The essence of the plot revolves around "five terrible days" in the life of the main character, Jimmy Tock, and the suspense ebbs and flows around the approach and occurrence of these 5 days.The result was a roller-coaster of entertainment which I really enjoyed.

The ending is par excellence with a very unexpected twist.A few of Dean's books I've read ended weakly, but not this one - expect to be enthralled to the last chapter.

Well worth the money - a definite "buy" recommendation from me.

My first Dean Koontz - loved it!
Perhaps this is not a true mystery in the general sense of the genre, but there truly are several fascinating mysteries that unfold in this story. And given that it has been weeks, no, months, since I wrote a Mystery Mondays post I felt this book was worthy of one.

Several people more familiar with Koontz's works recommended that I read this one first, and I can't say that I blame them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book--so much that I finished all 500+ pages in less than two days. Not only is it an exciting, suspenseful read, this book is often humorous and sharp throughout. I honestly cannot write about any aspects of the plot, nor would I want to, but while absolutely far-fetched, it is 100% entertaining. Koontz's dialogues between the characters are spot-on if you enjoy witty banter and have a sense of the ironic. In the midst of terrifying events these exchanges provide a welcome comic relief while not taking away from the matters at hand.

While I did find myself able to predict some aspects of the story (and I have to say I was impressed with myself at times, as I frequently don't pick up on subtle clues), there were other twists that I wasn't able to see coming. I think anyone who enjoys a good suspenseful read with a healthy dose of wit would enjoy this book.

One of his worst.
I can't believe how many 5-star reviews this one got. These people must not read much. I've read many of his books. This one was very bad. The worst part about it was the inane, inappropriate banter between the characters. They would be in these life-threatening, suspenseful situations and all of the sudden make an extremely lame joke and then fall into a cutesy back-and-forth. Imagine if you were reading The Shining and the mother and son are running away from the axe-wielding father, and the mother turns to the son and says, "Either Daddy wants to kill us or he really needs some help chopping firewood." I'm not exaggerating. It was literally this bad. It's because of this that you not only don't care for the characters, they often annoy you.

And the "5 terrible days", weren't all that terrible. And the twist and the end was so far-fetched and loaded, your eyes will practically roll out of your head.

Do yourself a favor and don't waste your money on this.

New Koontz favorite!
I read a lot of his earlier works a long time ago, but thought some of his newer stuff wasn't up to the same level. Watchers was my favorite, but there were many others that I really liked. While I hadn't given up entirely on Koontz, I only read him now and again. This book IS back to his old standards!Really enjoyed it and read it in about 36 hours. It was hard to put down, and the plot turns are awesome. Buy this book! ... Read more

Product Description
A fearful divorcee is relieved when her enraged ex-husband dies in a freak accident, but her terror returns when his body disappears and she is stalked by a man who looks just like him. Reissue. AB. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (71)

ShadowFires
I'm a Dean Koontz fan.I am currently reading the book, and I am liking it.

Disappointed...
Too bad I read "Relentless" first... This one is a repackaged/rebranded release of a pretty early work. Still kept me rapt all the way through, but I realized I was shaking my head at too much of the cheesy dialogue and it regularly challenged my own ability to suspend disbelief.

Might be okay if you've read other greats of his ("Velocity," "Seize the Night," "The Good Guy," "The Husband," so many!)....

Too many inconsistencies
I love horror books, and far-out stories.The premise of this book was great, but I personally found the execution to be flawed.There were a number of times where I would scratch my head and think, "that wouldn't happen that way!" - even within a fictional story, situations need to be believable.

About halfway through the book I gave up reading it when the protagonist stated that she thought the 15 year old, drug addicted, hospitalized girl could "handle" the corporate executives who had just gunned down 2 police officers, but feared should would not be able to deal with the Government agent investigating the case.

Terrible
The dreaded reviewI read 100 awful pages and deleted it off my Kindle GASP
enjoy when people only read so much and
they have to put it down That is how terrible it isGreat dialogHorrible things
start to happen and the heroin knows why
A corpse disappears from the morgue and
she knows whyHer faithful lapdog Ben wants to know what happenedAHI cannot tell youBullets start flying at the twowhat is going onJust leave it alone
BenBodies start piling upBen again what is the storyjust leave it alone
Benny No liethis goes on the 1st hundred pagesPlot is amazingly predictable and as two others mentioned
LAME

Fast paced and gripping
I enjoyed this book immensely - it was very hard to put down.I now have a new rule which is to only start a DK novel on a Friday night so as to have a chance to finish it without it impinging on work from too many late nights.Dean is one of the few writers whose books often keep me awake instead of helping my mind "switch off" from work as an aid to sleeping.

This one held my attention from beginning to end over several late nights in 2 and 3 hour blocks.Well worth the read. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

nightmare journey
The first dean koontz i read-got a paperback at a garage sale. A good little sci-fi well worth reading.

A Good Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Quest Novel
This story, delivered to the publisher in 1972, but not printed until 1975 is, in my humble opinion, one of his better early efforts. Koontz is very efficient with his words, and makes a short novel read like an epic.The imagery is clear and concise and the characters are vivid.

A Good Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Quest Novel
This story, delivered to the publisher in 1972, but not printed until 1975 is, in my humble opinion, one of his better early efforts. Koontz is very efficient with his words, and makes a short novel read like an epic.The imagery is clear and concise and the characters are vivid. P.S. If you can find a paperback of this novel, it is more affordable (by far). ... Read more

Product Description
A handful of people from different backgrounds, living indifferent towns and cities across America, they had nothing incommon--except fear.

What dark secret bound them together?

Deep in the heart of a sprawling desert, a dark memory calledout to them, drawing them to the Tranquility Motel--where theterrifying truth was waiting...

"This is a book with a capitalB."--John D. MacDonald

* A New York Times bestseller
... Read more

Customer Reviews (157)

Another really good Koontz thriller
This is only my third Koontz novel - the first one I ever read was "Fear Nothing" which got me hooked (it's wonderful!); the second was the sequel to that one, but not quite as good. Strangers is sometimes a little too wordy, but fortunately Koontz has quite a way with words!

Strangers
This book was not one of Dean Koontz better books. There was way to much beating around the bush about an ending that anyone can see coming a mile away. The characters are the usual Dean Koontz characters. The good guys are all good and the bad guys are all bad. No middle ground. Usually the best part of a Dean Koontz novel is his narration from the bad guys perspective, which this book somewhat lacks. I wouldn't recommend this book.

One Of Koontz's Best
The other highly qualified reviewers have adequately given a synopsis of this book. I am simply adding a voice to the chorus. This is by far one of the BEST Koontz books ever--right up there with Watchers. If you like Koontz, but haven't read this book, then shame on you! You need to read it STAT... FIVE STARS!

Slow to start
Book is long and slow through first half.The latter half is more interesting as the suspense builds and you begin to understand the dynamics between the characters and become curious about the ultimate ending (why the moon?).The ending is somewhat of a letdown because the book builds up event in July to such a degree, comparing it to the greatest event of mankind (a.k.a. the meaning of life, Jesus, etc.).I was hoping for a more climatic ending that answered all the questions that were asked throughout the book.That said, it's an interesting read and I'd recommend.

One his best
I truly believe that this book is one of his best, a page turner that you will want to read more than once! ... Read more

Product Description
Aided through many crises by the near miraculous intervention of a stranger, Laura Shane finally learns the nature of her incredible destiny when, on her thirtieth birthday, the stranger requests her help. Reissue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (306)

Still One of Koontz's best books
Over the last decade, it seems that the quality of Koontz's already exceptional books has risen ever higher, especially with his Odd Thomas books.However, Lightening (though one of his earlier works) still remains near the top of his list of best books.

A fascinating story
Lightning is such a fascinating story... about a young girl who experiences a series of tragedies in her life. And during each of them, a mysterious stranger shows up to save her. There is so much going on in this book, I don't want to spoil it, because the discovery is what makes it so much fun. I also liked that it is essentially broken into two pieces, when she is a girl, and when she is a woman (mother and wife). The ending isn't perfect, but there is a real sense of closure.

Another Koontz Thriller
Lightning, by Dean Koontz is a fun and exciting book that takes one through a heartwarming and exciting story full of adventure. Not one of Koontz's best it does deliver in his typical style of writing. A young girl, Laura is met with many challenges in her life as a mysterious man, her" Guardian Angel" appears to rescue her from any life threatening danger.As Laura's life moves forward, her guardian is there to make sure that her life is free from danger. But who is this strange man and why is he so concerned?The story begins to make sense as more is reveled about this man and his mission to save humanity.
Many wild and fun rides takes the reader by surprise as the good guys go on a non stop ride totry to evade their pursuers. The action picks up and gets a little complicated (in a good way) as these are no ordinary bad guys. With already many heartaches and losses in her life, Laura does everything in her power to be ready to fight. And fight she does, to the surprise of many who know her and those unfortunate not to. I am trying to give a a review of this book without mentioning anything specific, as it would give away much of the story. Oh what the heck, there are time travelers, secret institutes, contacts with historical icons and plenty of paradoxes-something that always makes any time travel novel interesting. This one is no exception, as it makes on think about it in a scientific way. I did and it made me ponder about time travel, if it were possible one day,from the past versus from the future.
The characters in the book are well developed. The best part is that there is not an over abundance of them so it makes for an easy read. Lightning is similar to past Koontz's book in a way, but this one gives one new grass to chew on. In the appendix, Koontz mentions this as his publishers had wanted him to write template style stories to keep a steady reader base-'keep the cows coming back to the same field to eat'.Koontz rejected their idea and went down a different road. The book was actually rejected for that reason, but Koontz stood his ground. He felt that his readers were more like wolves, so he spiced up story and plots. It did pay off as sales soared and why he is one of the best fiction writers in the business. Lightning is proof positive of that and why I will continue to read his books.

Robert Glasker

Great Book - Kindle Version is very badly eddited
I read this book in high school and thought I would read it again.It is still a fun read, but the Kindle version is so full of typos and errors, it was really a distraction.I'm not sure why the text in the paper book could be perfect but the Kindle version so bad, but they really made a mess of this one.

A conventional plot device told in an unconvential way
(Spoiler warning)

Laura Shane has a guardian angel, and this man's appearance seems to coincide with bone-chilling lightning storms. Of course, it's not coincidental because Laura's protector is a time-traveler.

I consider this story to be one of the more unique takes on the time-travel genre. Time-travel plots by nature are constrained by finely-explained science fiction rules lest the author leave too many gaping plot holes. Lightning by Dean Koontz introduced a new perspective of time travel for me, and although many criticized the story's need for continual explanation, I relished the dialogued because these are the same discussions I have with my friends on occasion.

Additionally, Laura Shane's life is one full of tragedy in spite of her guardian angel's efforts. The book has overtones of helplessness against fate and of living with the sorrows one faces. I found these bits of wisdom relevant in my own life. ... Read more

Product Description
Performance by Anne Twomey
13 Cassettes, approx. 22 hrs.

ONE DOOR AWAY FROM HEAVEN introduces a young woman, Micky Bellsong, searching for meaning in her troubled life.When she meets the radiant Leilani Klonk, a child whose physical disabilities cannot quench her spirit, Micky unexpectedly finds the purpose she so desperately needs.Leilani's stepfather, Preston Maddoc, is a fanatical UFO believer who claims that aliens will heal the girl by her approaching tenth birthday or take her away with them.Micky's foreboding escalates with her discovery that Leilani had an older brother, also disabled who is now "gone to the stars" after Maddoc took him in search of the aliens to "heal" him.When the family vanishes, Micky sets off on a daunting quest to find them, joined by a detective drawn by her passion and courage.Pitted against an adversary as fearsome as he is cunning, they will journey together through terrible darkness to unexpected light.

Suspense and humor, tragedy and joy, terror, wonder, and hope combine to make ONE DOOR AWAY FROM HEAVEN a new triumph of storytelling from Dean Koontz.

Amazon.com Review
Dean Koontz virtually invented the cross-genre novel, and in One Door Away from Heaven he mixes an action thriller with post-X-Files alien paranoia to remarkable effect. Micky Bellsong is a young woman at a crisis point in her life, using a stay at her Aunt Geneva's to sort things out. Then the precocious and deformed Leilani Klonk walks into her life, telling stories of her stepfather and drugged-up mother, who believe aliens will beam the girl into their mothership and heal her deformities before her 10th birthday. But tales of the stepfather's vicious past, including his hand in several murders, leave Micky believing that a far more terrible fate awaits her friend. So when the parents take off with Leilani, Micky pursues.

As is typical with a Koontz novel, nothing turns out to be what it seems, and the meticulously crafted plot tightens like a noose with every turn of the page. His characters are exceptionally drawn, driving the novel forward with realism and warmth. Micky is one of his more attractive young heroines, but the real star is Leilani, a mature young girl whose plucky nature and sparkling dialogue instantly make her Koontz's most memorable creation. She embodies his belief that despite violence, pain, and suffering, there is always goodness to be found in every person and situation. Koontz has once again proven why he is one of the premier novelists of his generation. --Jonathan Weir, Amazon.co.uk ... Read more

Customer Reviews (272)

yet another novel greatly written
the subtle change in his writing style for this book had me wondering if it was going to be any good. after a day or so of reading it, my attitude was checked.I look forward to Mr Koontz's next novel, as I'm sure many others are as well.

Short story gone crazy
I read this book and toughed it out til the end, because it came recommended by someone who usually has the same taste as me in books.Slow plot, some minor suspense, and a poor ending. SPOILER: I was very mad after reading the entire book to find the reason given for the alien coming to Earth was to save the planet by, of all things, teaching them to love dogs. Seriously?

Early disapointment
I never read anything by Koontz, and apparently this was a bad choice to be my first. I read only a part of Kindle sample, and simply could not continue. Mr. Koontz: one does not describe a precocious 9-year old by describing an adult, then declaring her a superintelligent child.

Sigh, another bestselling author on my "don't touch with a ten foot pole" list...

Book review
Book was in good condition.Not new, but in almost new condition.Delivery time was reasaonable and the price was excellent.Thank you!

One of Koontz' Best!
Plot/Storyline: 5 Stars

Mr. Koontz shows how vast his imagination is in this cross between thriller and science fiction. This book is a prime example of why I am such a huge fan of Mr. Koontz.

There's an alien. There's an abused girl who is overcoming her upbringing. There's a dog. Yep, there's a dog. And, after reading this novel, you may never look at dogs quite the same way again. I mean that in a good way.

There's a sociopathic stepfather. There's a set of twins. There's..well...a whole bunch of stuff that is pulled together for one spellbinding story.

Character Development: 5 Stars

As touched on above, there are a whole host of varied characters in this novel. This is where Koontz really excels, making interesting, incredible characters seem like they could be your neighbors. As a matter of fact, after reading this novel, or any Koontz book for that matter, I often find myself wondering what is really going on behind the closed doors of houses I pass while driving. As outlandish as some of his characters are, Koontz still manages to avoid caricatures by keeping his population grounded in reality.

Leilani is my favorite character. She horrifies, yet fascinates, in turns. I find myself crying and cheering for her, depending on what page I am reading at the time.

Her stepfather, as cruel and unfeeling as he is, surely exists in many human souls on the `real' earth. He is a sociopath, and it amazes me how Koontz can portray one so vividly and honestly, especially without delving into the grotesque or absurd.

Writing Style: 5 Stars

This novel has all the spicy flavor and marked speed of most of Mr. Koontz' other novels. The descriptions are vivid and entertaining. The dialogue is snappy and interesting. The overall sentence structure is just complex enough for the story, but simplistic enough for easy reading flow.

Editing/Formatting: 5 Stars

Both were of Professional Quality

Rating: PG-14 for Violence, some Blood & Gore
... Read more

Product Description
In a novel previously published under the best-selling author's pseudonym, Leigh Nichols, an American owner of a Japanese nightclub meets a fellow expatriate who helps her uncover the terrible truth about her real identity. Reprint. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

Dean Koontz fan
I don't know how I missed this one, thought I'd read everything that he had written.Haven't put it down except to sleep since it arrived at my home.He is the master of setting the scenes, making you live the action and leaving you wanting more.

Audio version
The audio version of this book read by a woman, I don't know who, is horrible. The woman has serious problems with inflection and I feel compelled to go to the library to finish the story. She is very irritating.
The story itself, does not come up to the quality of DK's better books. It's OK but seems more amateurish than what DK is capable of. I guess it was one of his early books and he decided to dust it off and re-sell it instead of working on something new.

Great find
Husband loves reading from Dean Koonz books he almost has them all and Amazon was a great place to shop for them

Good Book
I loved this Book, I didn't want to put it down. I am a Dean Koontz fan and I enjoy all his books.

I never read it.
I purchased this book and several others by Mr.Koontz for a friend. I have way to much other stuff to read to get interested in this type of book. The person I purchased them for liked them very much. ... Read more

Product Description
The best-selling author of Mr. Murder tells the story of a woman haunted by visions of the man who tortured her in her childhood, vowing one day to return to her. Reissue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (47)

A striking supernatural crime drama evolves
Dean Koontz's THE VISION receives a fine narration by Dan John Miller, who is a multiple Audie finalist and Earphones ward winner. It provides an early Koontz classic award-winning novel telling of a clairvoyant who uses her psychic abilities and visions to help police solve crimes - until she envisions her own death. A striking supernatural crime drama evolves.

Distasteful, ridiculous book
SPOILER ALERT:If you enjoy books about young girls being raped with animals then Dean Koontz has the story for you.This is not about a psychic who predicts her own murder.It is about a perverted horror which took place and a disturbed young woman who has supressed the violent incident.It is disgusting.After listening (I used audible books on my iPod) to Your Heart Belongs to Me, The Vision sounded similiar.Very disappointed and I deleted the material from my player.Ugh!

Despicable
Features the worst red herring I've ever read.I only finished it because I could not believe that an acclaimed author would write something so painfully predictable.I was wrong--Koontz would and he did.An absolute waste of time.

Not Koontz's best effort
Although it has its good points, "The Vision" is not Dean Koontz's best effort. The plot is cliched, the characters are flat, and the book is filled with long passages of dialogue by itself, without descriptions of what the characters are doing as they speak. The scene where Alan is torturing Mary as a child is graphic and upsetting. The only good thing about the book are the passages offering psychological insight into Mary's mind. Overall, I can't recommend it.

Wish I could give it a Zero
Spoiler alert at the end of review

don't waste your time. I can't believe I like Dean Koontz. If this was the first of his books I ever read I'd avoid him like the plague. Too graphic, too disgusting, and quite frankly I'm surprised he hasn't been torn apart by what he wrote here. We do not need such detailed scenes he has written. I enjoy good horror and suspense, but do NOT need to read such disturbing images, regardless if the author thinks it's necessary to paint the evil of this one character, it's absoutely unnecessary and disgusting.

I'm reading along, la de da, and then wham! Rape by and with children, and with animals, and scenes involving drinking menstural blood.

I wish I could take back the time I spent reading this book. These scenes, very graphic and detailed, come in the last 20 pages. Beware. They are not only disgusting, but very disturbing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (222)

Great story, but Kindle edition needs revision!
Phantoms is definitely a chilling horror story! It's one of my favorite Koontz books and kept me up late, unable to put it down on several occasions. If you're thinking about purchasing this in a printed edition, go ahead; it's definitely worth it! However, I bought the Kindle edition and would not recommend it to anyone.

Not only is the price for the digital edition almost twice the price for which Amazon is listing new paperback editions, but the digital edition is FULL of mistakes. I was constantly distracted from this great story (at least once every page) by typing errors that weren't present in the paperback edition of the book. Any time a word contained an "r" followed by an "n", the digital edition ran the letters together to make an "m". So the words barn, corner, afternoon, and carnage become bam, comer, aftemoon, and camage. It may seem like this letter combination doesn't occur too frequently, but believe me, it becomes very noticeable how frequent it is when reading the digital edition of "phantoms". Although this was the most common mistake, there were also a few instances in which letters and even whole words were missing from the story.

Overall, Phantoms is a great story, but if I'd have known what I was paying for, I would NOT have paid any amount of money for the Kindle edition.

Creepy!
Nearly every single resident in the mountain town of Snowfield, Colorado has disappeared. Now it's up to a military Biological Investigations Unit, to find out why.

A creepy book! I really loved it. Koontz knows how to keep an audience enthralled in a premise. Despite the title, this is not a ghost story. Recommended for sci-fi and biological thriller fans.

I like it better then IT
The only two authors that I really read are Dean Koontz and Stephen King. When I first read IT I couldn't get into it. The book just seemed long and overwritten even though it did make me turn the pages. Them I started to read Dean Koontz books (not that many only Your Heart belongs to Me, Restless and By the Light of the Moon) this one was highly recommended. I also decided to read it to see how it compared to IT and not only is it a good book on its own but I also like it more then IT. The book is a page turner like IT, gives its characters personality and wastes little time although it managed to do that in about a quarter of the size of IT.

Another great book not available in Australia on kindle..
Why do all the good books have to be restricted on the kindle in Australia... Same with koontz's first two books of frankenstein, yet the 3rd is available.. I can't read the 3rd if I cant get the first two....

Excellent work!!!
By far the best of Dean Koontz I have read to date.It is not his usual type of book to write but he explains that in the afterwards.An excellent book you will not want to put down with surprising twists and turns.You will want to read this book with all the lights on and a flashlight on hand.Koontz does an excellent job and letting your imagination run wild with this book.A true must read for anyone who enjoys a good book! ... Read more

Product Description
Waking up in a hospital, Susan Thornton is unable to remember anything and begins a desperate battle to unlock the mysteries of her past while four shadowy strangers prepare to stop her if necessary. Reissue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (91)

Dean got lazy for the ending. whats the point of a book but to get to what the story is building up to, the ending.
Good writing until the end. The book builds the reader up to the climatic event then resolves it in summary. He must have been very rushed to finish it because you get 70 pages about a regular day, then the last week is all in just 70 pages. The abrupt ending really made me dislike the book. He should be embarrassed about this worst than amateur and rushed ending and re-write it. You are supposed to show the reader what is going on, which he did successfully for a good portion of the book.....but then ended up telling the reader what was going on which is something you are NEVER SUPPOSED TO DO! He needed an easy way out of this book, he was either on a deadline or was super tired of writing it and it is evident while reading it. "she went into the phone booth and pulled out a quarter from her jacket that she had gotten from the Laundromat"----we followed her every second up to this point but never saw her going to the laundromat----it was like he realized that it made no sense for her to havea quarter in her pocket and tried to add a quick explanation of the quarter but it was VERY UNSUCCESSFUL! If you decide to read this, quit reading before the end and write your own ending in your head! Mr. Koontz you should really consider giving more time to the ending, it is insulting to have people spend time with your book only to provide such a terrible ill thought ending. I would absolutely re-read the ending if you did make it more detailed, because I enjoyed the book up until that point.

amazing
wow the ending will leave you breathless...i read this entire book in one sitting. i couldn't put it down. i loved it.

The House of Thunder
This book was awesome, I enjoyed it and was caught in a trance from beginnig to end. I couldn't put it down. I recommened this book to any suspense, thriller, or mystery book lover.

REVIEW of The House Of Thunder!
The House of Thunder by Dean Koontz would have to be one of the best books written by him. He takes this book is packed with a lot of different genre: suspense, thriller, drama, a little romance and some sort of science fiction. If you are thinking about purchasing this book I guarantee its worth a read so defiantly purchase. And the ending like all Koontz's book that I have read so far end with a twist that leaves you sort of shocked.

Second Best Koontz Book
This is the second best Koontz book I have read (Watchers being the best).I could not put it down.I wanted so badly to find out if things turned out ok, I wanted to cheat and look at the end; but I did not want to ruin the read for myself, so I didn't.The ending was a surprise. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Forgotten Gem From Koontz's Early Career
Dean Koontz is currently one of the most popular writers in the English language today, with over 300 million books in print.Given this fact, it's hard to believe he spent the first 20 years of his writing career in virtual obscurity. Indeed, most of the novels he wrote before 1975, including all of his science fiction work, is out of print and almost impossible to find at a reasonable price.

In 1973, Koontz wrote HANGING ON, a military comedy in the spirit of books like M*A*S*H and Catch-22.The book flopped, and has been out of print for the last thirty or so years.There is little evidence that Koontz or his publisher will ever re-issue the title.This is unfortunate, because it's a very fine book.

HANGING ON is about a US military unit stationed behind enemy lines in France, during World War II.Essentially, the unit's job is pointless: to keep a bridge open that serves little practical utility.The Germans keep bombing the bridge, and the unit keeps on rebuilding it.In the meantime, the unit tries its best to avoid being discovered by German patrols.

The major point of this book is the humor.All the members of the unit are eccentric, mainly as a way of "hanging on" to their sanity in the face of violence.This leads to a lot of joking, chicanery and casual sex -- with a particular emphasis on the sex.This is easily the raunchiest book that Koontz has written, which may surprise some of his long-term fans.Think of the original movie version of M*A*S*H, and that's the type of graphic humor you will often find in this book.

Overall, HANGING ON is a fine effort and perhaps the best of Koontz's 1970s novels.However, it is nothing like his more famous work -- it is not structured as a thriller or horror story (although suspenseful things do happen).Still, it's a fun read for people interested in a screwball story with a lot of off-color humor.I really enjoyed it.

A Hilarious Comic Novel
When I finally found a copy of this book, I was not disappointed.Different from other Koontz tomes, this novel, set in World War II, has a great cast of characters, and is full of laughs, sex, and zany insights into something (war) that is normally not funny. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

creepy and poetic
Not quite the contemporary Koontz, but close; well written, attractive verse, plenty of suspense and strong endings, especially the first tale.

Dean Koontz novel purchased from UK.
My novel is just fine and has very little wear.The only concern that I had was it did not arrive until Jan.30th, one month after it was ordered.I realize that it was overseas though and am completely satisfied.

Unrealistic and disappointing
The first pages of this book had me anticipating a really good story.I assumed that Chase's encounter with a serial killer would ultimately change him, a vietnam veteran, wanting little to do with life, especially his own, content to drink and do little else.

What is a great premise for a book, faultered quickly.Every book, in order to sustain the reader must employ the suspension of disbelief.This book failed, unless I was willing to accept that the homicide detectives were complete and total morons, that they couldn't record a phone call with the latest tapping devices (in this book the cop had to be present to overhear the phone call apparently recording the line without a cop there is impossible), as well as Chase being able to track down the killer just by interviewing a few people, apparently the cops couldn't do that either and then there was the killer himself.He stabs a boy in the beginning and then all we see of him after ....phone calls with silly empty threats, he tries to kill chase a few times and can't do it!What an intimidating serial killer this is, a bad shot, can't run down someone with a car effectively.Ugh..it just got worse.The ending is absolutely horrible!I couldn't believe it.

And now for the writing stinkers (and there were plenty):

"He didn't hear her coming as much as he felt the serenity she brought with her."ACK!!!

"The silence was homemade."HUh???

"The house was drab, as drab as the woman."Is that a description or was he just tired??

"His heart beat rabbit fast"cliche you learn not to do that in creative writing 101

"the night was humid, the sky was bottomless."Bottomless?Are you serious?

I could overlook the writing if the story was compelling, the characters exciting, and ATLEAST just a tiny bit plausible.But, unfortunately it fell quite short on all accounts.

I would skip this, if you want a better suspense novel try these:

Peter Blauner's "Slipping Into Darkness
Jeffrey Deavers's "Bone Collector"
Jeffrey Archer's "False Impression"

Two excellent stories, the first being the best.
War leaves scars on soldiers, but training still counts for good.This first story was really quite excellent and no spookiness about it...an evil person committing untold crimes, but the weaving of the story is superb.You'll enjoy these two!

Efficient, suspenseful page turner. If a little strange at times.
Dean Koontz is a prolific writer of thriller novels having written over 50 novels in the past 35 years under various names. Up until "Chase", I had never read any of his work, so I thought I'd start with his earliest stuff with the intention of reading all of his Headline published releases. "Chase" was originally released under the K W Dwyer name, written in the early 70s, but not released until the mid 80s.

Ben Chase is a war hero that is haunted by his horrifying experience in Vietnam. The guilt that he feels affects his everyday life and he has become reliant upon alcohol to simply get by. His existence is a cheerless routine that will lead to an inevitably sad and lonely end. Yet after witnessing a murder and saving the life of a would-be victim, Ben becomes the serial killers next intended kill. Or is he just imagining this plot due to his unstable condition? What follows is a thriller in the most literal sense and one which involves action, clues, sex and suspense.

I ripped through this book in 2 days, mainly due to its relatively short length (240 pages), but also due to the fact I couldn't put it down. It gets straight into the action from the first paragraph and really doesn't muck around with heavy descriptions or background information. Koontz tells this story very efficiently and the reader can't help but be pulled in, never hesitating to turn the page to find out what happens next.

But this is by no means a perfect novel. Koontz was only 25 when he wrote it and although the book is thoroughly gripping, the characters and the action seem somewhat amateurish at times. It's hard to be concerned for Ben when the serial killer that's after him is seemingly hopeless at what he does. Instead of the usual chilling, professional hitman from other stories, we have a bumbling, inaccurate, motiveless character that is much less a killer than our hero. Also, gorgeous sexpot Glenda's understanding reaction to Ben's completely insane (not to mention impotent) first date antics is a little far-fetched. I can't help but get the feeling that Koontz was going through a bit of a hormonal period himself when he wrote this as there are some rather off-putting and seemingly unnecessary sexually charged thought processes throughout. But there is simply not enough time to ponder these anomalies in what is a very enjoyable, based on infinite cliches, yet somehow original and enjoyable story. I'm looking forward to reading his next books. ... Read more

Product Description
Two creatures--one good, the other evil--the end result of experiments in genetic engineering and enhanced intelligence, escape from a government laboratory and bring either doom or a touching new kind of love to those they encounter. Reissue." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (482)

First Koontz, First Love
There is a certain type of reverence many of the reviewers have given this book and with good reason.It was our introduction to Dean Koontz.Just as you never forget your first love, you will never forget your first Koontz. In an "Afterword" Mr. Koontz says more fans comment on this book than any of his others and often ask him to write a sequel.

This book is a showcase of a terrific author's talent in all aspects of writing. Characterization, backstory, storyline, dialogue, suspense, pacing and love of all creatures (especially those who bark) written in vivid detail without bogging down the reader with unnecessary drivel just to fill the page.Polished, edited beautifully. It sparkles like a diamond esp. when compared to some of the overhyped, under talented authors published today. (Justin Cronin--The Passage--take note).

If you have forgotten just how wonderful a great read can be, pick this one up.Whether you check it out from the library, borrow it from a friend, or put it on your Christmas list you will not regret it.

Enjoy the read!

My first book from Koontz, the start of my Koontz addiction
Like some of the others comments also stated, this book can be highly addictive. After I red this one I just needed to read more from Koontz. I've probably red dozens after this one.

This book is on of the best fiction works I've ever had to pleasure to read. I really felt like was in the middle of the story and I could just feel the way Travis was experiencing this story. Also the ending was just great.

Highly recommended to those of you who want to read an exciting book by a master writer. I can't remember another book that gave me so much pleasure while reading it in my free time.

BLW 2010 Summer Book Club Review
Dang. Maybe my expectations were too high, because I'm already a DK fan (his Frankenstein was awesome) and I know that Watchers is one of his most acclaimed works. Regardless, I just couldn't get into this one. I kept expecting edge-of-your-seat suspense, but I found my mind wandering as I read descriptions of wooded areas and such. I finally couldn't bring myself to pick the book back up after 50 pages, so I decided to give up. I'm pretty sure the fault here is mine - I am so easily bored, and perhaps I didn't have the patience to wade through the details to get to the meat of the story. But I did give up nonetheless, so the best I can rate this book is two stars. Sorry Mr. Koontz - please don't send any monsters after me!

Awesome Book!
I never read books twice, but I think I may have read Watchers at least five times.I love this book.It is fiction, however, if you have ever loved golden retrievers, you will appreciate the dog, Einstein, that stars in this one.The story is easy to follow and keeps your suspense so that you do not want to put it down.I suggest this as a must read-it is one of Dean Koontz's best!

One again brilliant
This was the first book I ever read by Dean..it is a brilliant love story with a lot of action mixed in.I have Been a fan now for nearly 30 years. I wanted to listen oit the saotry again while I was on a long drive.

Meeting him was a great day for me. Very funny guy in person. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (126)

It'll make your skin crawl!!
Koontz definitely out did himself with this one. A little bit of creep to it. Enjoyable read.

Why I started reading Koontz
I read this book years and years ago...and loved it! It was so different from anything Id read prior. Then, I loaned it to someone (damn you Carolyn! I KNOW you have it!). I have looked at yard sales, etc. and never found another copy...recieveing this book was a deja vu for me..I have read most all of his books...some get a lil far out there..but always imaginative and page turners.SOoOO now, Ive got a new copy..and my sister asked to borrow it...LOL...I think Ill just buy her a copy too..NO! You cannot borrow my book :-P

Classic Koontz!
I have noticed that Koontz's last few novels have sort of fell apart at the end.While the characters and the story are first rate, at the end the stories almost ended to fast leaving the reader to feel cheated. I decided to go back to the beginning and see what he classic novels are like.

I must say this book started out as great as all of his novels.Great characters and a story that grips you from page one.The only negative thing that I could say about this novel is that the suspensful aspect of the story stops while the two main characters, Hillary and Tony fall in love.I think normally Koontz would have had them develop feeling for one another while the suspenseful stuff was happening around them.In this story, Bruno Frye who is the pyscho killer takes a break and so does the suspense while the Tony and Hillary fall in love.Once Tony and Hillary are a couple, Bruno reenters there life and then the nail biting suspense is back and the wave of excitement is there through the end of the novel.Safe to say this novel didn't fall apart at the end!In fact this end is certainly a strength of the novel

Overall, this book is another homerun by Koontz.If you are a fan of Koontz you will love this novel.This is the novel that put Koontz on the map and read it and you will know why.

Grade: A-

Great Read!
I just read Whispers, now reading The Bad Place in which THE SAME conversation of "we dont earn our daily bread by making love" with the two detectives is repeated in Whispers! Of course the characters names are different but the scene is similiar, the two detectives ending their talk with " youre worth a whole loaf, two croissants and a bran muffin". I know it doesnt take away from the story but since the two novels are years apart, and I am reading his novels in no particular order....just FOREVER ODD

Great book, slow shipping.
The book arrived just as described although the shipping was a little slower than usual. ... Read more