Search - The Good Guy

I am a big fan of Dean Koontz. He is a terrific writer, but this is not his best book. The character development and dialogue is very good, the story is fast paced and suspenseful, but the book comes to a rather abrupt end after the denouement. I was left feeling unsatisfied. It would not surprise me to learn that this was a manuscript that Koontz dug out of a closet, updated, and sent to his publisher to meet a publication deadline. I can only give The Good Guy 3 stars.

The plot line is one that Konntz has used successfully many times before. An ordinary guy comes to the aid of an attractive woman who he must protect from unspeakable evil. The two of them become a good team, overcome their adversary, decide they like each other, etc. etc.

The book is sprinkled with fun Koontz prose: “Under a charcoal sky lay a soot-black sea. Like gray smoke, the froth on the low waves drifted ashore, dissipating on an ashen beach.” Unfortunately, the obligatory 4 legged (dog) character found in all of Koontz’s books only makes a cameo appearance in this one. Additionally, the villain in this piece failed to creep me out. The bad guy was definitely bad. I certainly didn’t like him, but he did not give me the chills that many of Koontz’s other antagonists have.

Buy this one is only if you already like Koontz. Don’t make it the first Koontz book you read... I recommend Watchers for your maiden voyage.