Horror Books > Dean Koontz Horror Books

Advantages: Intriguing Story, Easy Read.
Disadvantages: Not enough character motivation and rather simplistically told.

...a very clever and disturbing life ahead of him. Sadly I found the writing style a bit clunky and disappointing given the expectations I had of Dean Koontz as an author. Later it occurred to me that this style, which lacked much character development and a real feel for the locations and motivations in many parts, was due to the story's autobiographical protagonists telling it, rather than Koontz as a writer. Perhaps it wasn't representational of ...
...faith in the books momentum and to be sufficiently absorbed in this fictional world in order to really feel for the characters. As the story progressed I found this inexperienced writing style less cumbersome, but still found it a bit forced in places. Twice the storytelling protagonist(s) try to trick the reader and this I found a little patronising, and led to a removal from the fictional world's momentum. Although the first person narrative allowed ... Read review

Advantages: As good as Koontz gets- this is a real chiller
Disadvantages: Joint lead character Neil is woefully under-used and almost ignored.....

...my recent review of Koontz's THE HUSBAND, I decided to look over reviews of some of his previous novels as I have a tendency to do from time to time. Stumbling across a review of THE TAKING, I remembered that I had read this but had forgotten exactly what it had been about...knowing that his books are, almost without fail, light and easy reads, I decided to pick it up again and refresh my memory.... I am so glad I did!! Though it doesn't bode well ...
...Molly wakes up in the middle of the night to a bizarre rainstorm that glows luminesence, smells faintly of semen and generally feels unclean. Against their normal nature, a group (what is the collective term, one wonders) of coyote shelter on her front porch seeking shelter from the rain even when Molly goes out and walks amongst them. Something strange is going down and it soon becomes evident this is no ordinary rain storm!! Waking up her husband, ... Read review

Advantages: A satisfying read
Disadvantages: But not the most memorable

...from Koontz's best period. Watchers is a classic monster tale with an action packed thrill ride of a story and a deeper message running through it. Although not up there with Phantoms or Lightning it's still classic Koontz. I read this when I was about 15 and I feel that, although older people can enjoy it too, mid to late teens will espescially revel in this book. It conjures up images of late night horror movies at a drive through. Although there ... Read review

Advantages: A smooth read
Disadvantages: ADDICTIVE!

...deliberately vague as possible. Lightning is, quite simply, one of Koontz best books. The pace is just right, the action is used perfectly and written with skill and restraint. The charachters are brought to life extremely well. Similar stories have been written before but none quite like this. The twists and turns are well thought out and the plot is without any big holes. Then, to top it all off, is a stunning twist to rival The Sixth Sense. ... Read review

Advantages: Excellent idea for a novel, villain is a twisted character.
Disadvantages: Very violent, poorly characterised and roughly written

Paul Annendale is taking his annual vacation from the rat race to the town of Black River. Visiting this backwater town he begins to notice that many of the residents are suffering from horrific nightmares nicknamed "Night Chills". He begins to wonder why only he, his children and his friends Sam and Jenny are unaffected. His concerns are enhanced when. start acting very strangely following the visit of a Sociologist. What link does this Sociologist ...
...out of character? "Night Chills" uses the superb premise of subliminal advertising being used for mind control to draw the reader in. The reality of subliminal advertising is scary enough but the idea of them being as a form of total control is terrifying. Imagine having no control as someone tells you to drive a fork through your hand and smile while doing so! This very real fear of subliminal advertising does exist as Koontz explains in his foreword. ... Read review