by Lisa M.
Member since:
July 26, 2006

Kill Me Instead

November 25, 2007 02:15 PM EST (Updated: November 25, 2007 02:25 PM EST)
views: 182 | comments: 33

"The Good Guy" by Dean Koontz

Publisher: Bantam

ISBN: 978-0-553-80481-2

 

As a writer, Koontz is improving.  I found that this novel had very little rambling about his characters and scenes.  His development of characters was amazing.  I found that even though I despised the evil character, Krait, I was just as attached to him as I was the main characters, Tim and Linda.

 

This novel had a very interesting and scary plot.  What made this Novel so intensely frightening was that it was a plausible situation.  It is a plot that could very well be happening or could happen to anyone that unknowingly was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 

Krait had received payment by his "people" numerous times previously to kill.  This time, the payment was for Linda.  In a strange mix-up, Tim was given the money to perform the hit on Linda and refused to give it to the killer, Krait.  Instead, Tim took it upon himself to save Linda from the determined killer.  A cat-mouse chase ensues where Tim and Linda are unable to escape Krait and eventually they must face him.

 

I do not think the reader is totally surprised by the ending, but what is surprising is what we learn about the characters and why the mission to kill Linda took place.  Anyone that enjoys crime novels, mystery, and suspense will find this a very entertaining read.
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Comments: 33 ( 1 removed by Lisa M. )

Shaunee C. Nov 25, 2007, 2:17pm EST
Great book I read this one also. Of course I read a lot by Dean Koontz. Great review
Midnite Writer -- Kim Nov 25, 2007, 2:22pm EST
My husband likes him, says he's intense. Now my son has taken somewhat of an interest, but I think middle school is too young. Thanks for the review.
Denise B. Nov 25, 2007, 2:31pm EST
thanks for the review
Carol Lloyd Nov 25, 2007, 2:33pm EST
havent read it yet thanks
Sharon K. Nov 25, 2007, 2:36pm EST
I've read this book and didn't find it as good as some of his others. He's a great writer but sometimes he tends to ramble about the sky, and kids, and nature, and this happens in the middle of an exciting scene. Sometimes I don't want to hear about a kite in the sky when the bad guy is just around the bend.

I'm in the middle of his newest book now called THE DARKEST EVENING OF THE YEAR. I didn't finish it yet but this is more along his supernatural books that he wrote in his earlier career. There are also some mean, nasty people in it who do some man, nasty things to others. This is also a throwback to his earlier novels.

He writes a great deal about Golden Retrievers but the book is kind of about one. I think Koontz owns a Golden Retriever.

So far I like THE DARKEST EVENING OF THE YEAR much better than THE GOOD GUY. But no matter, I'm still a Koontz fan.
Great review, I don't think I've read this one yet. I'm going now to see if the Library system has a copy yet.
Leslie "Missy" T. Nov 25, 2007, 2:45pm EST
I'll have to check it out. I just read one of his books for the first time and was enthralled with it.
Patti W. Nov 25, 2007, 2:53pm EST
I liked this one also,not as good as Odd Thomas though.I have read all of Deans Books over the years.His characters are usually easy to be attached to,even if they are bad.
Bhawana 'Gather Proud Mom' Nov 25, 2007, 3:25pm EST
Title is very interesting and your review too..
Jim D. Nov 25, 2007, 3:39pm EST
I have never found anything he writes boring or uninteresting. Some have been changed drastically when made into movies (Watchers and Hideaway, to name two), but even the movie version is interesting. He can get inside the mind of the characters he writes about, even when the character is an animal. Check out his web site (http://www.deankoontz.com) for further information about him. He is one of the very few authors I will buy in hard-back, because I know I'll read it several times.
Nana to Seven Cutiepies Nov 25, 2007, 3:58pm EST
I love everything Dean Koontz writes and this book was no exception.
Marsha F. Nov 25, 2007, 4:18pm EST
I have loved Dean and his books since Watchers. I think his descriptions are wonderful, and they make me feel that I'm with the characters as they experience whatever is happening.

I didn't think "The Darkest Evening of the Year" was being released until November 27. I'm really looking forward to it.

Dean and his wife had a beautiful Golden Retriever that passed away this past summer. He is really into assistance dogs. Much of his book sale proceeds go to training dogs to help people with disabilities.
Sedickah Abderoef Nov 25, 2007, 4:26pm EST
I USED TO READ HIS BOOKS AS SOON AS THEY APPEARED AT OUR LOCAL LIBRARY. I THINK I'VE OUTGROWN HIM THOUGH, I NO LONGER LIKE SUPERNATURAL STORIES.
CHEERS
Robert H. Nov 25, 2007, 6:09pm EST
Thanks for the review
Kathryn E. Nov 25, 2007, 6:15pm EST
I will take a look - generally not my genre, but I find him interesting. He had an extremely cruel and abusive father.
Lisa M. Nov 25, 2007, 6:43pm EST
Thank you everyone for visiting my review. This novel is very different from his past work as there is no paranormal element to this novel. It is strictly a suspense/thriller/mystery type novel.
Ann B. Nov 25, 2007, 9:38pm EST
Thanks, Lisa -- I like a lot of his work so it was nice to get your take on this.
Beverly M. Nov 25, 2007, 10:29pm EST
Dean Koontz is one of my favorite authors. I'm looking forward to reading his latest.
Sharon K. Nov 25, 2007, 10:51pm EST
Marsha, I'm not sure when DARKEST EVENING OF THE YEAR is being released or if it has been released already. I review books and many times I get copies of books before their release date, sometimes as much as 4 or 5 months before they're released.
Jennifer- Very lucky mommy S. Nov 26, 2007, 1:08pm EST
great article
Marsha F. Nov 28, 2007, 11:29am EST
Wow, Sharon, you're lucky! How do I sign up to do this??
DARKEST actually was released on Nov. 27th.
Nancy O. Nov 30, 2007, 1:59am EST
I like Dean Koontz
Nancy O. Nov 30, 2007, 2:00am EST
his books make you think about wierd stuff you don't think about everyday !!
Dee - Nature Babe! Dec 7, 2007, 1:22pm EST
Sounds like something to read!
Heather H. Dec 11, 2007, 1:29pm EST
Nice review- may have to check this one out- Thanks
Rosie M. Dec 11, 2007, 9:16pm EST
I enjoyed this book too. Something a little different from Koontz.
Leslie T. Dec 12, 2007, 2:43am EST
Thanks for the review!
I haven't gotten this one yet, but I'm a huge Koontz fan. Thanks.
I am about 1/2 through this book, so far I've not been able to sit down and really sink my teeth in to it. I'll let you know what I thought of it once I've read it all.
Sophiya S. Dec 27, 2007, 8:27pm EST
and another great review!
Sharon A. Dec 28, 2007, 11:43am EST
Dean Koontz is one of my favorite authors. I find him an interesting author to study. I have not read this book yet, but I will pick up a copy and come back A "kite" was mentioned. This might have a symbolic meaning in the book.
Kimber L. Jan 1, 2008, 3:19pm EST
I liked this one a lot. I like a lot of his books! I am currently reading his newest one "the darkest evening of the year"

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