The Vision Review

The Vision

Published: 1977

Author: Dean Koontz

Genre: American, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Murder, Psychic, Serial Killer, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

The Vision Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's novel The Vision is a horror mystery. Suspense, anticipation, intrigue, and mystique are all synonyms for suspense. Dean Koontz is at his most creative. His works are usually simple to read and keep you turning the pages, and this one is no exception. It was rather nice for such an early effort. You can see where later efforts that were far more sophisticated came from. I hope Mr. Koontz will return to the early subjects that drew me in as a reader. It appealed to me. What I enjoyed best was that I thought I knew how it would end and that it was predictable but nice... only to discover that it wasn't that predictable and was better than expected... and wonderfully written. 

I just find Koontz to be an entertaining read in general. The Vision is still a lot of fun and distinctly Dean Koontz. It begins slowly and builds to a thrilling finale in the second half.

Koontz's writing keeps you on the edge of your seat, and he always ties up the ends without leaving you with a million questions.

Even while there is an epic surprise in the novel that will make you think about life in a different manner, it was one you could see coming from miles away and I genuinely felt it nearly from the start. There were just too many red herrings in the book to mention. They were there the moment you read them. The only reason I'm not labeling this as a major blunder is because of this amazing twist, which some readers may miss, making it an epic twist for them.

Except for the obviousness of who the killer is, the plot is how it should be and is the greatest portion of the book here. I'm not going to give too much away because of the surprise, but just know that this is the finest tale he's written so far. The storytelling of Dean Koontz's writing career was already strong at the time, but it improved over the years.

You can tell this is one of Koontz's earlier works since it's a little predictable, bordering on clichéd at moments. Despite this, I absolutely loved the book. It's short for a Koontz novel and pretty fast-paced, making it a quick read. 

I was very confident I figured out whodunit inside the first 100 pages, but the (why) was considerably more difficult. Overall, I believe this novel has enough twists and turns to keep most readers entertained.

I am a fan of almost anything written, even murder mysteries with class that are well written, and this one, in my view, is a fantastic mystery that includes both class and writing.

For the most part, I adore Koontz's novels. For me, this one was a touch too predictable. But it had me guessing on the evil guy a number of times. If you were unfamiliar with Koontz's writings, I believe you would have enjoyed it more and it would not have been as predictable. 

Also, the thing I generally adore about his novels, which is his amazing ability to develop his characters, was mildly absent in this one and the reason for this is that I read a lot and sometimes forget that I am trying to keep my standards very high, which is not good for a new author. 

When readers start to keep very high standards and very high hopes, we forget we need to give chance and keep our expectations at a level so we can actually enjoy the books and help the authors by encouraging them.

However, I believe it is more true of his older novels. The Vision was an easy read. And a generally nice plot. It just doesn't have the same depth as his latest work, which is my fave. But still it's well worth reading.

The problem with this book is that it gradually reveals to the reader who the primary villain is, but in cryptic ways, and if you read a lot of books, you will discover who it is. In murder stories, there are basically two styles: one in which the reader knows who the culprit is from the start, and one in which it is completely hidden until the last few pages...but this book is neither of the two because it never tells us who it is and instead gives us hints and we can guess who it is, which is why many readers disliked it.

Yes, it appears that a new author wrote this novel and it worked out well, but when you learn that the author is Dean Koontz, you may be disappointed, but keep in mind that it was one of his early works and it is not as horrible as you believe or hear about it. 

I truly loved this novel in both the book and audio version, and if you give it a chance, I am confident you will appreciate it as well. Aside from that, it's a fantastic mystery and thriller novel! It's also a short and simple read.

Final Thoughts

You turn the pages, anticipating the conclusion, which is once again concealed in a different chapter. Koontz is a true master. He understands how to interact with his readers. It's not his finest novel, but when it comes to best books, everyone has an opinion. 

The Vision kept me engaged for a long time. A necessity for Dean Koontz's admirers - a method for strangers to see what this man is capable of doing to your evenings.

With her tremendous ESP talents and fearless nature, I fell in love with Mary immediately. Max is the ideal match for her, with his powerful arms and even deeper feelings for her. 

The narrative unfolds quickly and provides a terrific trip. It was nearly difficult to put it down to sleep. This is a must-read for every mystery/thriller aficionado. Congratulations, Mr. Koontz for writing this amazing story.

When the storyline slowed down, the characters maintained my attention. I enjoyed the concepts offered and loved the talks that brought the heroine's problems forward.

The Vision is a typical Koontz novel, and that is what I appreciate most about his work. He keeps the reader guessing until the very end when he discloses the true perpetrator, who is not at all who the reader (not myself) suspects. 

The Vision, like many of his stories, has a happy conclusion. I would strongly suggest this book to anyone who likes Dean Koontz's work.

Synopsis

"In this terrifying novel, #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz reveals the darkness in a woman's mind—and the killer lurking there...

Mary Bergen aids the police in solving crimes, those that have happened and those that are about to. Now this gifted clairvoyant is using her psychic gift to help track a serial killer. But something terrible from Mary's past has been invading her dreams and she is haunted by the sound of leathery wings. The killer knows secrets even she has locked away. Knows about the torture she was administered at the hands of a psycho when she was a little girl. And he is coming for her next."

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Bad Guy, Edge Of Your Seat, Even Though, Good Read, Koontz At His Best, Koontz Books, Koontz Earlier, Love Dean, Mary Bergen, Serial Killer, Twists And Turns

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

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https://rebrand.ly/The-Vision-Kindle

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The Key To Midnight Review

The Key to Midnight

Published: 1979

Author: Dean Koontz (Written as Leigh Nichols)

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Psychological, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

The Key to Midnight Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's suspense-horror thriller The Key to Midnight was published under the pen name Leigh Nichols. It is regarded as Koontz's first commercial triumph. This is one of Koontz's early works; however, he has lately significantly updated it. And that was a lot of fun. I loved the characters, enjoyed the twists, and finished the book.

I read this book in three days! So many twists. Never a disappointment from this author. Dean Koontz at his finest. The Key to Midnight is one of those works that was published a long time ago yet has been rewritten multiple times. I believe I read both the most recent and the earlier versions. However, I don't believe it altered my thinking about anything.

Koontz's imaginative writing evokes vivid imagery and keeps you on the edge of your seat. He never fails to astonish me. This narrative grabs your interest from the first page and doesn't let go until the very last.

While this was unusual for Mr. Koontz, which makes sense given that it is one of his earliest works, it is certainly worth reading. It has it all: suspense, intrigue, romance, yeasts, and turns. 

If you're searching for the supernatural, look elsewhere; he didn't need it. This novel pulls you from the first page and keeps you wondering throughout.

I adore Dean Koontz's works, and The Key to Midnight is no exception! The government, the conspiracy, and spies, and how readily they may penetrate our lives. The city descriptions make you want to visit Kyoto, and I truly wish I could try the food!!

The Japanese setting is fantastic, the tempo and pitch are ideal, and the afterword informs us that this is an upgraded/edited edition. I've read practically all of this author's books at least twice, and now I'll be reading them three times since I'm reviewing them all. 

Many of the Forewords in the volumes describe his early struggles with genre mixing and convincing publishing houses to let him trust his instincts and allow his writing style to emerge naturally without a lot of rule-following. I enjoy this author since his novels cover a wide range of topics. Congratulations, Mr. Koontz for another great novel!

There were various instances in the novel where Dean Koontz just went off on a tangent on cuisine, settings, and so on. Yes, the description is good, but leave some room for the imagination. For some readers, all he actually did was detract from the primary tale, but I believe that done right, this is not a terrible thing. 

One notable novelist who writes in this style is Stephen King. Clive Cussler uses this a lot, and it makes me angry at times while I'm reading his works, but I can't stop reading even if I don't like the usage of phrases like; what was served or what was on the table, and what was the recipe for that soup. Some of these authors get away with it because the main book and tale are excellent, and we, the readers, read without stopping.

Mr. Koontz didn't create any supporting characters, except from the distractions in the descriptions. They were more present, but they had little bearing on the overall tale. The plot revolved entirely around Alex and Joanna. This work suffers from a severe absence of supporting characters. Again, I must remind readers that I have read numerous books with only a few characters that were excellent, therefore it does not matter if a plot lacks supporting characters.

There was a point in the narrative where it became clear that there was a massive conspiracy at work. As I already stated, I believe I read one of the later editions of the book and an older version as well. That, I feel, aided the overall tale. I'm not sure how this conspiracy worked in the first edition. The twists and turns were quite beneficial.

I enjoyed the characters, how they grew and became genuine, how the present Russian situation gives credibility to the narrative, and how the storyline always surprised me along the way. I'll recommend it to my book group and encourage others to read it.

Final Thoughts

I've stated it several times in this review, and it's true: you'll read it straight through and won't put it down until the conclusion, so make sure you have enough time to complete it. 

I usually read ten or so books at a time to avoid boredom and to be able to read a lot of books in a short period of time, but every now and then a book comes along that I can't put down and I just keep reading it until it's finished, and during that time I ignore all other books that I'm reading, and this is truly one of those nonstop read books.

Sometimes it felt like he made it up as he went along rather than having a storyline before he started, but this is due to the spontaneity of the action and the fast-paced incidents. 

I like this method and use it while writing my own works; I have a concept and a plot outline in mind, but everything happens on the spot and in the flow. I occasionally have to rewrite a few lines or a portion of the narrative, but I enjoy the overall result. I wish I could disclose my pen names so that readers may get a sense of what I write, but I can't because it is a copywrite concern and a private issue that I do not want to modify because I am a very private person. Maybe eventually I'll open up about who I really am, but for now, I'm content with my solitude.

Dean Koontz normally works in a distinct genre. Things that go bump in the night will turn into monsters, and the golden retriever will be an intelligent ally in addressing the matter. Where was that dog in this book? 

In this fantastic work, the main characters face actual peril and relentless action. They live by using their wits and inherent intellect. The finale came as a complete surprise. Do not read this late at night, as you should with all of his works!

This novel kept me up and later engaged, believing I knew where the author was leading me only to be taken aback by another fantastic story twist. An intriguing and enjoyable book! He is the master at setting the scene, making you feel as though you are part of the action, and leaving you wanting more.

Synopsis

“Joanna Rand left the U.S. ten years ago to sing in a Japanese nightclub. Ever since, she’s been haunted by the same horrifying nightmare. Each time she awakens, she feels violated, used, and scared. The only man who can help her is Alex Hunter. Ten years ago, he saw her picture in the papers as a senator’s daughter who’d disappeared. Now he has to bring her memories back to her—memories of a past more terrifying than they dreamed possible…”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Alex Hunter, Bad Guys, Edge Of Your Seat, Great Read, Joanna Rand, Koontz Books, Leigh Nichols, Odd Thomas, Page Turner, Twists And Turns, Years Ago

Rating: 85/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/THE-KEY-TO-MIDNIGHT-Kindle

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The Face of Fear Review

The Face of Fear

Published: 1977

Author: Dean Koontz (Written as Brian Coffey)

Genre: American, Contemporary, Fiction, Horror, Literature, Murder, Psychic, Serial Killer, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller

Check the summary of this book here:

The Face of Fear Summary

The Review

Dean Koontz's The Face of Fear is a suspense horror book. It was first released under the alias Brian Coffey. As a fan, I expected horror, but this narrative shocked me. It appeals to me and I would recommend it to others as well. I think his writing style is fantastic, and if you've never read Dean Koontz, you should start now. I'm not sure when he started including moral beliefs in his writings, but I like it.

If the primary characters in Koontz's recent works are a couple, they are appealing and smart, and the banter between them is enjoyable. The couple in this novel is like that—perhaps this is when Koontz began writing his characters in this manner. The novel moves quickly since there is a lot of action.

The title of this novel tells you exactly what to expect: terror, suspense, raging emotions, and surprising storyline twists and turns. Add to that the fact that the novel was written by Dean Koontz, a well-known thriller author, and you will not be disappointed from the first page.

In any event, the narrative is as credible as it can be in this genre, conveyed with compelling clarity of detail.

In this novel, Koontz outlines the novel's psychological and philosophical notion, around which the plot evolves: the mistaken sense of superiority, which motivates some to commit the most heinous crime - murder, resorting to physical and psychological punishment.

Narcissism and an overinflated ego are well-known psychological phenomena. Many people, far more than the ordinary mind would guess, endure the weight for the rest of their lives. 

However, the vast majority of them are not criminals. Only when paired with an insatiable need for illusory fame and a deeply buried inferiority mentality does this tendency turn them into monsters. 

To mention a few, consider the assassinations of Martin Luther King, John Lennon, and John F. Kennedy, as well as the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan. 

However, many people have been killed indiscriminately for no other purpose than to make a statement. Torture and humiliation of their victims serve as more evidence of their power and superiority. This is a thriller about them.

I really like this book, and I'm bringing it out there right now. But there was one component of the novel that really bothered me. It got going quickly, and the tempo was fantastic. Then, when the action did take up and the killer was hunting Graham, the novel just turned sluggish. 

Fair warning, it slowed down a lot, but it was on purpose by the author, in my view, to generate tension and dread, but others may not feel the same way as me, and when I said it impacted me, it was for the same reason; otherwise, I enjoyed that slow portion. 

There is one aspect of the book's slowness that isn't as unpleasant because it aids in figuring out the ending. What appeared to be a side character turned out to be the one who figured out what was going on. 

In the vein of Ducky from NCIS, he worked as a medical examiner. The goal of the scene is to start the audience wondering about what may be going on for the rest of the book. 

Everything Koontz did in terms of explanation. He went into great detail, which regrettably delayed everything down. Now, sure, that is the book's ugliness, but it is also its finest feature. Because not everyone is a mountain climber, it was only natural for him to explain everything that was going on. Nobody would have known what he was saying if he hadn't explained it. That is why it was significant and seemed a little sluggish.

All this book did was make me want to go mountain climbing someday. I like this book a lot, possibly more than most people would.

As usual, it drew me in from the first page. It went off as a nice narrative. On the stairs, there are far too many cat and mouse situations as well as climbing. Sometimes I had to go back a page or two to make sure I was on the appropriate page, but this was due to my own lack of attention.

Graham and Connie's plight deepens with each page. We follow them through a vast, gloomy office building, where we discover them rappelling down vertical walls from the forty-first story and solving seemingly insurmountable problems.

A blend of sophisticated psychological analysis, philosophical themes, and nail-biting suspense distinguishes this work and places it among the finest modern thrillers. I wish I could give it full marks, but I know some readers may object due to the sluggish speed, even if it was necessary and had to be employed for various explanatory purposes.

The narrative was turned into a two-hour television film of the same name, which was broadcast on CBS on September 30, 1990. Lee Horsley played Graham Harris, Pam Dawber played Connie Weaver, Kevin Conroy (voice of Batman) played the Butcher, Bob Balaban and William Sadler. Farhad Mann directed it, while Dean Koontz and Alan Jay Glueckman wrote the teleplay. I was unable to locate a safe and reliable source for this film; if I do, I will post it on this page.

Final Thoughts

Even decades later, this is a fantastic story. Our hero must confront this sick individual with his wits and conquer his anxiety as he and his girlfriend are trailed in a desolate office building. There was no electricity, no phone, just his climbing abilities and luck, and one pretty cruel madman with a pistol who refused to give up. 

I just had to stay up late to see what happened. Interesting climbing method explanation and a good feeling of location, New York City in a snowstorm. 

Some of the characterizations were lackluster, but the ending twist gives some spice. You'll be flicking through the pages, hanging on the same imaginary ledge as the hero, hoping for a happy conclusion.

This is one of Dean Koontz's early works, and it's startlingly clean, clear, and plain for him. While it is true that it lacks the twists and turns and tremendous depth of his imagination shown in his recent works, I believe he is being too harsh on it. 

This was far superior to 99 percent of the generic garbage written nowadays. It just falls far short of his more recent masterpieces. I genuinely loved it, but not to the extent that his new material would have you up all night reading page after page.

To be fair, I appreciate the frequent paranormal/mystical elements. This book is light on paranormal elements but heavy on heart-pounding suspense. It is wonderfully written, and I would enthusiastically suggest it to others.

Synopsis

“For one man, facing his own murder is not as terrifying as surviving it in this blistering novel of suspense from #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz.

A brutal killer known as “The Butcher” is stalking women in New York City. When the police enlist the help of clairvoyant Graham Harris, the horrifying images of the Butcher’s crimes replay in Harris’s mind—sometimes even at the moment they are happening. Then he sees the most terrifying vision of all—that of his own murder.

Harris and his girlfriend soon find themselves trapped on the fortieth floor of a deserted office building. The guards have been killed, the elevators shut down, and the stairways blocked. The only way out is to climb down the sheer face of the building. Otherwise they'll become the Butcher’s next victims.”

Useful Search Related Words & Keywords

Alan Jay Glueckman, Bob Balaban, CBS, Connie Weaver, Edge Of My Seat, High Rise, Lee Horsley, Main Characters, Mountain Climber, New York, Office Building, Pam Dawber, Serial Killer, The Butcher, Twists And Turns, William Sadler, Years Ago, York City

Rating: 90/100

Recommended: 100/100 Yes.

Buy the Kindle Version Here

https://rebrand.ly/The-Face-of-Fear-Kindle

Free With Free Audible Trial

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