Finished 1-9-09, rating 3.5/5, fiction, pub. 2006
The kidnapper said, “Just so you’ll know we’re serious…”
After a silence, Mitch asked. “What?”
“See that guy across the street?”
Mitch turned and saw a single pedestrian, the man walking the slow dog. They had progressed half a block.
The sunny day had a porcelain glaze. Rifle fire shattered the stillness, and the dogwalker went down, shot in the head.
Chapter 1
Mitch is a landscaper with his own small business and a wife he loves. He is a content man until he receives a phone call that his wife has been kidnapped and he must come up with a $2 million ransom in three days or she’s dead. Mitch is at a loss and as the hours tick by it becomes clear that the kidnappers have set him up in case anything goes wrong. When Mitch approaches his older brother, Anson, things begin to get complicated and Mitch is scared for more than Holly’s life, he’s terrified for his own. Mitch’s life becomes clear as the nightmare continues and he finds himself turning into a person he scarcely knows. How far will he go to rescue the love of his life and will it be enough?
Mitch has some of the strangest parents I’ve read about and they were fascinating. As was his brother Anson. They may have been my favorite parts of the book. The story moved along at breakneck speed and I was interested, but not involved. Mitch as the modest every man was compelling, but I guess the story felt like it’s been told before and I was expecting more from Koontz. It was good, but not great. Thriller lovers will be happy.
This was from my personal library and I want to thank Debbie, Marce, and Jason for choosing it for me. Here’s what Debbie had to say… “I’ve heard really good things about it and love his books.”
Stacy's Books 
OK, now I have to read it too! I found this for $1.00 on the Used Book Sale shelves at my library over a year ago. It’s still sitting waiting for me along with soooo many other books I have. I really enjoyed your review and always appreciate hearing what works for you and what doesn’t. 🙂
I have never read a Dean Koontz novel.. I would probably love them.. I do need to eventually check them out.. I did decide the other day I need to stay away from the library after I finish my last trip of books or I will NEVER get through my TBR pile which has grown by 5 books in the last week.
I love your line: “The story moved along at breakneck speed and I was interested, but not involved.” That describes so many “airplane books” so well! But they serve their purpose. Sometimes it’s just what you want. Nice review!
Well I know, I have been interested in some books but they never got me involved in them! Sad but true.. this one also sounds interesting, but I am not sure I want to read this now 🙂
I read this a while ago at the recommendation of a friend and I felt the same way – I enjoyed it, but didn’t love it.
I haven’t read a Koontz book in like 20 years!!! But I have to feel involved….great review!
Dean Koontz is one of those authors I binge on from time to time. Thanks for the review!
I don’t think I’ve read a Koontz book either but actually this one sounds good to me. I do love thrillers. Very good review. If I read it, I’ll know what I’m getting.
That’s certainly a gripping excerpt you’ve posted. I’ve only read one Koontz book – one of my rare forays into horror. But my dad loves him!
Great review, i’m actually reading Lightning right now by DK and loving it.
I’m sorry this one wasn’t better for you, Stacy. I’ve read a couple of books by Koontz and enjoyed them, but not every book can be a winner, I suppose. I am glad at least you enjoyed it even if you didn’t love it. 🙂
I haven’t read a Dean Koontz book in a while. I loved his older books though.
I’m not a big fan of Koontz, really. So many of his books seem to have promise, but never quite pull through for me.
I’m not sure I like Dean Koontz. I certainly didn’t enjoy THE FACE…
I like the phrase “interested but not involved.” That is how I think about so many books in this genre.