Book Review: The Neighbor by Dean Koontz

Author: Dean Koontz

Title: The Neighbor

Series: The City #0.5

Genre: Horror, Thriller, Short story, Paranormal, Fantasy, Mystery

Format: ebook

Pages: 33

Published: January 1, 2014

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

A prequel to The City

The year is 1967. Malcolm Pomerantz is twelve, geeky and socially awkward, while his seriously bright sister, Amalia, is spirited and beautiful. Each is the other’s best friend, united by a boundless interest in the world beyond their dysfunctional parents’ unhappy home. But even the troubled Pomerantz household will seem to be a haven compared to the house next door, after an enigmatic and very secretive new neighbor takes up residence in the darkest hours of the night.

Review:

Got a few little short stories from Amazon. Gotta love it! But I picked this one up because I have read a book by this author before and I have been interested in checking out 'The City' (book 1). So why not read the prequel? 

The year is 1967 and Malcolm is 12. He is awkward and geeky, while his sister is spirited and beautiful and talented. He swears she'll be famous someday. They are best friends and united by a boundless interest in the world outside of their dysfunctional home. However, there is something dark next door that makes them happy to be living in their home. 

This was short but filled to the brim with story. I was hooked to every single page. I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen or what was even going on. 

The ending was good. Now I'm extra excited for the first book. I believe Malcolm and his sister make appearances so that will be fun to see them in the aftermath of what they experienced. 

But yes, this was short, but good. A nice mini thriller and mystery with paranormal stuff attached. I'm so glad what happened happened to that house. A very good ending. 

Fun! Can't wait to read book 1. 

I'll give this 5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Mysterious

Book Review: Mr.Murder by Dean Koontz

Author: Dean Koontz

Title: Mr Murder

Genre: Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, SciFi

Format: ebook

Pages: 493

Published: January 1, 1993

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Martin Stillwater has a vivid imagination. It charms his loving wife, delights his two little daughters, and gives him all the inspiration he needs to write his highly successful mystery novels. But maybe Martin's imagination is a bit too vivid...

One rainy afternoon, a terrifying incident makes him question his grip on reality. A stranger breaks into his house, accusing Martin of stealing his wife, his children - and his life. Claiming to be the real Martin Stillwater, the intruder threatens to take what is rightfully his. The police think he's a figment of Martin's imagination. But Martin and his family have no choice but to believe the stranger's threat. And run for their lives.

But wherever they go - wherever they hide - he finds them...

Review:

Book for book club! I've read one by this author in the past....so I was curious to check out more so yayy for that. 

Here we follow the Stillwater family. Marty is a famous author. He has a great family. What more could a fella ask for? At one point a terrifying incident makes Marty question his grip on reality. A stranger who looks scarily like Marty breaks into his house and accuses Marty of stealing his family and his life. The police are of no help so Marty and his family run for their lives. However, this stranger keeps finding them.

This was creepy....super creepy. I questioned what was going on at every corner. Even when I thought I knew what was happening something else would happen and I would question everything all over again. I had zero idea how everything was going to be resolved. I still question things now. So yessss a nice thriller and mystery. 

I really enjoyed this but there was one part that made me really sad and I had to stop reading for a couple of days. Ugh. [TW and spoiler ]The bad guy killed all their pets and the author did go into details about. I wish he would've just said, "And the animals were murdered too."....leave it like that. Poor things. [End of spoiler]

All-in-all, this was intense to the 9th degree. I had no idea how everything was going to be resolved. The author is good for sure. One scene that was a bit much for me, but besides that I really liked it. Can't wait to discuss it at book club. I feel like there is a lot of stuff to talk about, but this review is hard because I don't to want to spoil a single thing. 4 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):

- Cloak and Dagger - #7

- Library Love #6

Book Review: Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

Author: Dean Koontz

Title: Odd Thomas

(Odd Thomas #1)

Genre: Mystery, UF, Thriller, Horror, Paranormal, Fantasy

Format: ebook

Published: 2003

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

The dead don't talk. I don't know why. But they do try to communicate, with a short-order cook in a small desert town serving as their reluctant confidant. Sometimes the silent souls who seek out Odd want justice. Occasionally their otherworldly tips help him prevent a crime. But this time it’s different.

A stranger comes to Pico Mundo, accompanied by a horde of hyena-like shades who herald an imminent catastrophe. Aided by his soul mate, Stormy Llewellyn, and an unlikely community of allies that includes the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, Odd will race against time to thwart the gathering evil. His account of these shattering hours, in which past and present, fate and destiny, converge, is a testament by which to live—an unforgettable fable for our time destined to rank among Dean Koontz’s most enduring works.

Review:

For October we did three books for book club (we each picked a book we read in the past and want the other two to read). I was excited to read this one because how different it looks and sounds. 

We follow Odd who is a short-order cook in a small desert town who has a big secret. He can see ghosts. The dead don't talk and he doesn't know why, but they looks to him to help seek out justice. Sometimes their tips can help him solve or prevent a crime, but this time...it's different A stranger comes to town accompanied by a horde of shades who herald an imminent catastrophe. Aided by his soul mate and an unlikely community of allies, Odd will race against time to figure out what is about to hit the town. 

I adored Odd and his gal Stormy. They were freakin' adorable. Awkward and weird and different, but omigosh did I love them. 

I also loved their friends. All unlikely and different and weird. 

His landlord's story broke my heart. Poor lady. I hope she can find peace. So sad.

The mystery and the fantasy elements blended together wonderfully. There is a touch of romance, but it is not at all the main focus. It blended nicely with the mystery, fantasy, supernatural elements. 

Okay - so the beginning had me hooked right. Now....there were a few lulls here and there that had me yawning and needing to return back later. Pushing through those lulls were totally worth it. I had to know how everything was going to end. 

OoooOOOoOOoOOOO that ending. TEARS. MY POOR LITTLE HEART. I can't spoil anything. I had a bad feeling....and I was hoping I was wrong...but then I was right and omg my heart when the reveal was...well...revealed 

In the end, there are some lulls, but overall I really enjoyed this. A great set of characters and a great mystery. Totally recommend it. I'll give this 4 stars.