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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.