Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
One of Koontz's best early novels (originally published in 1973 under Koontz’s early pseudonym K. R. Dwyer) and probably launched him as a top selling thriller author. The novel involves a pursuit across America involving Alex Doyle, and his new brother-in-law Colin being pursued by George Leland, a jilted ex-boyfriend of Alex's new wife Courtney, who is mentally "shattered". The character of Leland shows Koontz's ability to create a terrifying psychotic antagonist which his future novels are known for.
Easy, fast read with simplistic writing with plenty of thrills.
Easy, fast read with simplistic writing with plenty of thrills.
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
This is my third Koontz book. I was really impressed with this one. Set in the early 70's in the shadow of Vietnam, the JFK assassination and the counter-culture, it's a short but effective over-the-road thriller in the same tradition as Richard Matheson-Speilberg's Duel or 1986's The Hitcher. However, the main difference here is the story and characters are more realistic. The antagonist is fleshed out incredibly well and as the story unfolds you get a real sense of his motivation, which doesn't take away from the suspense in the least. His targets are a 30yo well-to-do hippie and his newly acquired 11yo step son. The title is representative of several themes in the story: the shattered mind of the psychopath, the shattered psyche of an idealistic but unsure father, and the shattered idea of the United States government. In fact, while this review might make this story sound dated, I found it incredibly timely. One of primary topics addressed is the relationship between law enforcement and the people they serve, and it's examined in an extremely similar fashion that's being discussed right now in 2015 USA.
fast-paced
A quick read which muses on paranoia, violence and passivity. A couple of less interesting narrative decisions let down what could be a rollercoaster of a story.
This being my first Koontz read, I was a tad disappointed. It was a very predictable tale and after chapter 2 I knew how the story would end. Not what I Expected! I was hoping for a Thriller-Mystery with a twist that would spin everything around and an ending that would leave me wanting more. After all the raves and compliments given to Koontz, I guess I picked the wrong story.
I did like Koontz’s writing style nevertheless and I will try some of his other work, just not very soon.
I did like Koontz’s writing style nevertheless and I will try some of his other work, just not very soon.
Utterly engaging. Dean Koontz knows how to deliver suspense in page-turning, terrifying doses. I read this book in three hours. The plot is nothing unique, but Koontz is a brilliant writer.
Alex Doyle and 11 year old Colin are on a road trip from Philadelphia to San Francisco, where Colin's sister Courtney (and Alex's wife) is waiting in their new home.
Along the way, they notice a van that is following them. What ensues is a cat and mouse game, featuring a psychopath and some real suspenseful and tense scenes.
A genius little gem that is a masterclass in pacing, and packs a lot of punch.
It was also originally published under the pseudonym K.R. Dwyer, and was first published in 1973.
Alex Doyle and 11 year old Colin are on a road trip from Philadelphia to San Francisco, where Colin's sister Courtney (and Alex's wife) is waiting in their new home.
Along the way, they notice a van that is following them. What ensues is a cat and mouse game, featuring a psychopath and some real suspenseful and tense scenes.
A genius little gem that is a masterclass in pacing, and packs a lot of punch.
It was also originally published under the pseudonym K.R. Dwyer, and was first published in 1973.
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated