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The Funhouse
The Funhouse
Author: Dean Koontz
Ellen ran away and joined a traveling carnival, married a man she grew to hate and had a child she could never love. Now Ellen has a new life, husband, and two normal children. This time when the carnival comes back, she's going to have to pay for her sins...with her two children.
ISBN-13: 9780606064002
ISBN-10: 0606064001
Publication Date: 5/1994
Pages: 333
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 7

3.8 stars, based on 7 ratings
Publisher: Demco Media
Book Type: Turtleback
Other Versions: Paperback, Hardcover, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

DeadHawkG avatar reviewed The Funhouse on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Very good & swift read. A great Koontz book. This was probably one of the fastest reads I've had. I totally forgot I had seen the movie that this book was based on until most of the way through the book. Yes, I said the movie that the book was based on. Koontz wrote this adaption from the screenplay of the same title. I don't remember a lot from the movie (it was an 80's horror film) but after reading the book I've got to go back & watch it again now. Definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who enjoys Koontz or a good horror read.
reviewed The Funhouse on + 165 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Spooky, creepy and scary. Do not read at night alone!
Bettyjean avatar reviewed The Funhouse on
Helpful Score: 1
Read this one years ago when Koontz called himself Owen West. I am not an avid Koontz reader but this was one that I really enjoyed and have read more than once. The story is about a teenage girl & her friends who decide to sneak into a funhouse and end up being fighting for their lives against a freakish monster.
reviewed The Funhouse on
Helpful Score: 1
A bit darker and more "twisted" than his usual fare, but still rates as probably my 2nd favorite Koontz novel.
reviewed The Funhouse on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
One of Koontz early books, it was good, I enjoyed it.
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reviewed The Funhouse on
This is a very exciting book and easy to read. Flows well from one chapter to the next. My first by this author, but I plan to read more.
reviewed The Funhouse on + 204 more book reviews
The developement and interaction of the characters was done so well it kept me glued to my chair. The ending of the book left a lot to be desired on my part. It felt like there were things that were still unresolved and I hate that in an ending.
reviewed The Funhouse on + 3 more book reviews
This book sounded like it had potential from the blurb. I was sorely disappointed. The characters were underdeveloped and incredibly one dimensional. There was a lot of potential to build on certain plot points, but each route Koontz took the easy way out with his conviniently written characters. The ending...well I won't spoil it for you, but let me assure you there is NOTHING to spoil. That's right. The book ends with absolutely no closure. The protagonist (of the chapter, it jumps to so many different characters) doesn't figure out what the hell happened, the mother doesn't find out about a revenge plot and NOTHING was resolved. I read the afterword hoping there was a secret page somewhere that went "psych! Here's the real ending! Thanks for playing along!" I was really upset I wasted my time on this book.

The only positive thing I can say about this book is that at least it was a quick read. I had problems forcing myself to read it simply for its absurdity, but once you are reading, the pages turn quickly.

So yes. Koontz has written some good books. This is not one of them. I recommend reading something like Life Expectancy or The Servants of Twilight if you want to read something silly and unlikely, but at least well written and thought out.

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People/Characters
Ellen Harper (Primary Character)

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