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The Darkest Evening of the Year
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The Darkest Evening of the Year
Author: Dean Koontz

Book Information
Publisher: Bantam
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Rating:

ISBN-13: 9780553589122 - ISBN-10: 0553589121
Publication Date: 10/28/2008
Pages: 496

Book Description:
With each of his #1 New York Times bestsellers, Dean Koontz has displayed an unparalleled ability to entertain and enlighten readers with novels that capture the essence of our times even as they bring us to the edge of our seats. Now he delivers a heart-gripping tour de force he’s been waiting years to write, at once a love story, a thrilling adventure, and a masterwork of suspense that redefines the boundaries of primal fear—and of enduring devotion.

Amy Redwing has dedicated her life to the southern California organization she founded to rescue abandoned and endangered golden retrievers. Among dog lovers, she’s a legend for the risks she’ll take to save an animal from abuse. Among her friends, Amy’s heedless devotion is often cause for concern. To widower Brian McCarthy, whose commitment she can’t allow herself to return, Amy’s behavior is far more puzzling and hides a shattering secret.

No one is surprised when Amy risks her life to save Nickie, nor when she takes the female golden into her home. The bond between Amy and Nickie is immediate and uncanny. Even her two other goldens, Fred and Ethel, recognize Nickie as special, a natural alpha. But the instant joy Nickie brings is shadowed by a series of eerie incidents. An ominous stranger. A mysterious home invasion.

And the unmistakable sense that someone is watching Amy’s every move and that, whoever it is, he’s not alone.

Someone has come back to turn Amy into the desperate, hunted creature she’s always been there to save. But now there’s no one to save Amy and those she loves. From its breathtaking opening scene to its shocking climax, The Darkest Evening of the Year is Dean Koontz at his finest, a transcendent thriller certain to have readers turning pages until dawn.


From the Hardcover edition.

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Top Member Book Reviews

Donna B. (AppyLover) wrote on 1/29/2009...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

I totally agree with AnitaC. I've been a big fan of Koontz for years now, but this one just didn't do it for me. I'll finish it, but only because it's the last book on my shelf right now; it certainly isn't because I'm enjoying it. Don't know how many times I've laid it down in frustration because of his penchant for paragraph after paragraph of rambling that goes no-where.

Anita C. (idahobookworm) wrote on 11/6/2008...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Maybe I'm just tired of Koontz, but I didn't like this book at all. The Golden Retriever rescue part was heartwarming, but the child abuse part was just too dark for me! Nice ending, but I was still left feeling that evil eclipsed good.

Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) wrote on 9/14/2009...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

I really loved this title, much more so than Mr. Koontz's last two releases, THE GOOD GUY and THE HUSBAND. Although this title follows in the same vein as regards to time (it only covers roughly 48-hours), it has characters who are easier to relate to and a chilling, supernatural-based storyline.

As the other reviewer mentions, it's a kind of memorial to Mr. Koontz's own Golden Retreiver, Trixie, who has passed away. In the book, a dog named Nickie is at the center of the story, along with the humans that she must protect.

This is an emotional thriller with some pretty messed-up bad guys, and if you like that type of story, you'll love this one, too!

Tracy S. (Bernelli) wrote on 4/18/2009...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Creepy, odd and suspenseful with lots of surprises. Koontz is so obviously a Golden Retriever fan, and the idea of the dog-hero-angel was very cool. I found the child abuse and torture difficult, but didn't put the book down because, knowing Koontz, he'd find a positive way out of the darkness. And he did. Not one I'd lightly recommend, and not one of my favorite Koontz stories due to the child abuse.

Angie S. (aladdin) - AZ wrote on 3/18/2009...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

A courageous woman unravels old mysteries with the help of her psychic and brave golden lab. She rescues abused labs, and in the process, helps herself and others. Had me rooting for her the whole way.

Sarah R. (SarahRoy) wrote on 2/28/2009...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

I passed over this book a few times at the store and library. As an avid Stephen King reader I'm hard-put to even try anything else. But, my mother-in-law actually gave me a copy of this book, and I began to read it, just to have something new to read, trying to actually broaden my literary horizons. Well...once you start reading this book, you cannot put it down, even when your eye-lids won't stay open of their own accord. And, all of the tidbits of reviews included with the book, inside the covers, DO NOT DO IT ANY JUSTICE. It's far more captivating, unique, and entertaining than, apparently can be put into words. So...if you like a mystery that keeps you guessing until the end, and one with a plot you've never came across before, then try The Darkest Evening of the Year. You won't be disappointed.

Carol S. (Kansasreader) wrote on 2/23/2009...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

While not an avid Koontz fan, I have read some of his books that I've enjoyed - including this one. There are many levels to this story that are cleverly woven together and keep you reading until the terrifying ending. Koontz writes about how we humans treat and mistreat our furry dog companions and also how we treat and mistreat each other and how in the end miracles do happen and good does overcome evil.

Melanie A Wardlow Mel - Goose Creek, SC wrote on 1/7/2009...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

"Silence of the Lambs meets Marley and Me" is a great way to describe the book by Dean Koontz.

Shirley G. (bookworm9) wrote on 12/11/2008...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Mr. Koontz is one of my favorites. i look forward to his books. however, this one was a disappointmnt to me. i'm sure if you enjoy stories with a supernatural twist, you'll find this one interesting. just not my cup of tea. doesn't deminish my looking forward to the next Dean Koontz story.

Heather M. (celticscrapper27) wrote on 12/7/2008...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

The best Koontz yet! If you hate dogs, this one's not for you. Otherwise it is a gripping story with typical Koontz suspense, but the addition of extra sentiment, a tribute to the canine companions who share our lives.


Please Rate these Book Reviews

Carol S. wrote on 10/16/2009...


Dean Koontz is a master of suspense. In this outing he combines his loss and obvious affection for his late pet Golden Retriever with the cruelties of man. Well drawn characters and bitter sweet relationships combine to make a good read. Be warned soft hearted animal lovers.

Elizabeth C. (lizz283) wrote on 8/9/2009...


I Loved this book!!


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