The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz

Amy Redwing is dedicated to rescuing and taking care of Golden Retrievers. She even went so far as to found an organization to do just that. She is seen as rather reckless at times when it comes to getting the dogs out of homes. Especially her boyfriend Brian McCarthy, he really does not understand why she does it and honestly wishes she would stop. It won’t be until they meet a beautiful golden retriever named Nickie that things will begin to make sense for him. Though at the same time, Amy starts to feel like she is being followed and watched. Someone wants her to become fearful and hunted just like the animals she is always saving. But will anyone be able to save her this time?

Dean Koontz has done it again! This man just boggles my mind how he creates the stories that captivate you. I was enthralled from page one and then as Amy’s back-story is revealed and as I slowly put the picture together I was in awe! His characters run the gamut of cruelty and nice. Yet that is what makes them so real. This is one author who is completely become my favorite!

Amy has told no one of her past. She thinks it is safer that way. I can understand that sometimes it is just better to let the past be in the past. Yet when Brian experiences things of his own, Amy realizes she needs to tell him everything. He might be the one who can help her get through this mess. The dogs in this story were amazing what they had been through and how well they were healing. I also appreciated how realistic Mr. Koontz could be at times with some of the dogs in the story not making it.

I appreciated the fact at how discreet Mr. Koontz kept the details of the horrible lives of some of the dogs. This was one compelling story not only because of the dogs but also of Amy and Brian. The twists and turns in this book had me going for a loop. Not to mention the unexpected thing that kept happening from time to time. Nickie was a sweet dog and I can only imagine how sweet Trixie, Mr. Koontz’s dog was. This is one book I highly recommend!

Dean Koontz/Thriller/354 pages/4 out of 5/Dogs

Even though the copy I had from the library was rather smokey, I could not put this book down!

The Good Guy by Dean Koontz

Tim Carrier is at his favorite bar when a man comes up to him and gives him an envelope. Not only that it is full of cash, a payment for someone to be killed. Tim is most definitely mistaken for someone else. He tries to get the real guy to back off and not kill this woman but the guy just won’t go for it. So now Tim is on a mission to save this woman’s life. A woman he does not know and he must keep the killer at bay. But he must find the willingness to do this as well as find the courage within. So he can be the good guy.

Dean Koontz does it again! I was pulled into this from the beginning. His books only get better and better. He keeps you in suspense by only giving little information at a time. So you keep on reading. He gives just the amount of details that you enjoy them all and still feel like you are there. He doesn’t overload you with them.

I really liked Tim and Linda. Tim wants to save Linda’s life. He is willing to do anything that he can in his power. Some things I was not sure he could do but they worked out.The main killer character that went by the name of Krait, I was never sure of his name. Boy, I don’t ever want to cross paths with someone like him. I also appreciated Tim’s friend Peter. He was a nice guy and really put himself on a limb.

This was a great book so I give it a 5 out of 5. I have truly come to appreciate this author’s writing. While not always scary, it sure keeps you on the edge of your seat. I can’t wait to read more by him. This has become one of my favorite authors.
386 pages/Dean Koontz/Fiction