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37th out of 396 books
—
947 voters
The Darkest Evening of the Year
by
Dean Koontz
With each of his #1 New York Times bestsellers, Dean Koontz has displayed an unparalleled ability to entertain and enlighten readers with novels that capture the essence of our times even as they bring us to the edge of our seats. Now he delivers a heart-gripping tour de force he’s been waiting years to write, at once a love story, a thrilling adventure, and a masterwork o...more
Paperback, 368 pages
Published
November 27th 2007
by Bantam
(first published January 1st 2007)
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Opening Line: " Behind the wheel of the Ford Expedition, Amy Redwing drove as if she were immortal and therefore safe at any speed."
I read THE DARKEST EVENING OF THE YEAR for a book club challenge although admittedly it had been sitting on my TBR shelf for a couple of years. I was happy to finally find a reason to stop passing it over (in favour of vampire romance and testosterone filled Navy Seals) and get into a good horror novel. Unfortunately I now wished I’d left it sitting on the shelf bec...more
I read THE DARKEST EVENING OF THE YEAR for a book club challenge although admittedly it had been sitting on my TBR shelf for a couple of years. I was happy to finally find a reason to stop passing it over (in favour of vampire romance and testosterone filled Navy Seals) and get into a good horror novel. Unfortunately I now wished I’d left it sitting on the shelf bec...more
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2007 Thoughts:Enjoyed the book very much. This book was very personal for Koontz as his Golden Retriever, Trixie passed away and the novel features a Golden Retriever hero named Nickie. Koontz had his usual disability representative - this time a little girl called Hope who has Downs Syndrome. A great story in Koontz's trademark style of good vs. evil and profound thoughts on life. Better than The Good Guy - great ending, beginning and everything in between. 4 stars.
2012 Thoughts: The Darkest Ev...more
2012 Thoughts: The Darkest Ev...more
5 likes · like · see review
This is only the second Dean Koontz book that I have read, and I gave it three stars only because it was compelling, despite its flaws.
I believe it is often the case that the flaws with a book are as much a result of my own expectations being overinflated as it is flaws with the actual book itself. I think this book is one of those types of books. Based on the reviews, I thought the book had both a compelling title and premise--a brave woman rescues Golden retrievers for her life's work, and one...more
I believe it is often the case that the flaws with a book are as much a result of my own expectations being overinflated as it is flaws with the actual book itself. I think this book is one of those types of books. Based on the reviews, I thought the book had both a compelling title and premise--a brave woman rescues Golden retrievers for her life's work, and one...more
7 likes · like · see review
So far, I love this book. The writing is so lyrical, so tight. It's exactly how I want my writing to sound.
Well, I finished the book, and I feel cheated by several things.
First, I read sometime ago that Dean Koontz doesn't consider himself to be a horror writer. I've read some of his other stuff, and it's sci-fi creepy, but not horror. This book contains some of the most gruesome things I've ever read. (Okay, I don't read lots of horror, so maybe I don't even know what gruesome is. The descript...more
Well, I finished the book, and I feel cheated by several things.
First, I read sometime ago that Dean Koontz doesn't consider himself to be a horror writer. I've read some of his other stuff, and it's sci-fi creepy, but not horror. This book contains some of the most gruesome things I've ever read. (Okay, I don't read lots of horror, so maybe I don't even know what gruesome is. The descript...more
9 likes · like · see review
This book made me wonder why Dean Koontz is a bestselling author. The language is elementary and his overuse of metaphors (I am talking about 1-2 in a paragraph) made me feel insulted that I was reading a book that a 10 year old could understand. It just shows the general intelligence of the American people isn't at an all-time high.
I bought this book because the subject of dogs and animal shelters played a big role in the plot. This subject interests me intensly, but even with that it was diff...more
I bought this book because the subject of dogs and animal shelters played a big role in the plot. This subject interests me intensly, but even with that it was diff...more
7 likes · like · see review
I like Koontz's style, but I wouldn't call him a horror writer. Not any more. The only links to horror are his allusions and similes. Like when he writes about the lighthouse cutting through the fog like the scythe of death.
The title of the book doesn't lend anything to the story that I could see. The story seems well conceived and thought out until the last chapter, which felt thrown together for the sake of a deadline. Perhaps after this novel, he can get past putting a Golden Retriever in e...more
The title of the book doesn't lend anything to the story that I could see. The story seems well conceived and thought out until the last chapter, which felt thrown together for the sake of a deadline. Perhaps after this novel, he can get past putting a Golden Retriever in e...more
This was a quick read. The author extols the virtues of golden retrievers and a dog's ability to help heal broken people. He also tries to raise awareness of the cruelty of puppy mills. Amy, the main character of the story, has a secret past and spends her days rescuing golden retrievers from unfit homes. Add a love interest, some eeriness, and a few really evil people out to get them and that pretty much sums up the story.
Apr 02, 2008
Sherrie
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Animal Rescuers
Shelves:
2008-book-list
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
This is not a good book. It has all of the elements that D. Koontz is famous for: creepy villains, supernatural events, metaphorical sentences, and of course dogs. However, it never really found its groove with me. I think he spends too much time describing the lives surrounding several intertwining hitmen who ultimately bring very little to the story. Not to mention that each of them has several different names and aliases - which adds to the confusion. I think he intended to write a story that...more
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I love all of Dean Koontz's books. But I especially love the ones with dogs in them. "Watchers" remains my favorite of all his books, and Einstein is the reason we got a golden retriever.
"The Darkest Evening of the Year" involves a woman who rescues goldens and rehabilitates them, then finds new homes for them. She has a dark secret in her past that she doesn't want to let into the light of day, not even to her closest friend and lover. He has secrets of his own to protect.
When they discover the...more
"The Darkest Evening of the Year" involves a woman who rescues goldens and rehabilitates them, then finds new homes for them. She has a dark secret in her past that she doesn't want to let into the light of day, not even to her closest friend and lover. He has secrets of his own to protect.
When they discover the...more
1 like · like · see review
I love Dean Koontz because you can read a book of his in a day or two. His elements of fantasy and the supernatural are always intriguing. As much as I was down on the good vs. evil theme in 'Cosmic Christmas' I love it in Dean Koontz's books because good inevitably wins. (I've only read one other Dean Koontz book so I might be totally generalizing but maybe not!) In this story, there is some small reference to why the evil people are the way they are but the characters are broadly painted--eith...more
A fast-paced and emotionally devastating suspense novel from the master storyteller. Amy Redwing's risk-taking on behalf of desperate dogs is legendary. With money she inherited from a source she will never discuss, she founded and runs a group that rescues abandoned or abused golden retrievers. Is it this reckless devotion to her work that prevents her making a commitment to the love of her life, Brian McCarthy? It seems so when a particularly thrilling and bizarre rescue brings Nickie into her...more
I've read every Dean Koontz book published (which is a LOT). I love Dean Koontz. He's certainly "easy reading," and his main characters always sort of seem to be the same character, just with different names. But his stories are imaginative, and he always includes very, very moral and conservative (but not in-your-face) themes.
I also usually end up finishing his books with a new appreciation of my dog. Dean Koontz books often have a dog that plays a key role. I won't review every Dean Koontz bo...more
I also usually end up finishing his books with a new appreciation of my dog. Dean Koontz books often have a dog that plays a key role. I won't review every Dean Koontz bo...more
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 hu...more
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 hu...more
Two unlikely couples share a past secret that brings them together with disastrous results. Amy Redwing and her boyfriend Brian rescue golden retrievers, while Vanessa and Harrow lead a dark existence that includes the abuse of Vanessa's mentally challenged daughter. When Amy rescues a golden named Nickie, the same name as her dead child, strange events propell the two couples to meet. Is it just a coincidence that dog is god spelled backwards? This story is not your usual Koontz horror story, b...more
This is a great book from Koontz, with the usual uber-crazy villains. And just like in his novel, Watchers, Koontz' love for golden retrievers really shows thru. The plot flows quickly enough, but you do have to wait until near the end to find out the "traumatic event" of one of the main characters. I'm glad Koontz got out of his cynical, what's the point in living phase, because I find his stories much more enjoyable now. His villains are, of course, chillingly cold & remorseless, just like...more
I enjoyed this Book, but let's be realistic this novel is an ode to Mr. Koontz's love for his Golden retriever. I have found myself lately a little too aware of Mr. Koontz's well written witty reparte. It's so well written that it's like he's waving a flag in our faces "Look how great I am at witty conversations that seem to go nowhere" I think The mark of great book is that I forget it's a book and get lost in the story. The last couple of Koontz books I have felt this. Also he ties up everythi...more
As a long-time Dean Koontz fan, I was very eager to read this book. Combine that with the fact that it was also about dogs (one of my favorite subjects), and I was pretty sure it would be a no-brainer favorite.
The story is, ultimately, a thriller. Full of the suspense you'd expect, and with a good back-story that makes you empathize with the good characters (and equally despise the bad ones). It is also a story about faith... not necessarily the religious kind, but faith in general. This was an...more
The story is, ultimately, a thriller. Full of the suspense you'd expect, and with a good back-story that makes you empathize with the good characters (and equally despise the bad ones). It is also a story about faith... not necessarily the religious kind, but faith in general. This was an...more
Loved it!! Wow! I skimmed a bunch of reviews for this book before writing this, just to see how others felt about this book and I was surprised! Many people gave it only 1 or 2 stars. Shocking! I can't think of anything I didn't like about this book! Typical Koontz style. Just the right amount of details, some humor, some mystery, some suspense, a touch of supernatural... I just loved it!
Dean Koontz is by far my favourite author on the planet and with this book he did NOT disappoint me.
Dean Koontz is by far my favourite author on the planet and with this book he did NOT disappoint me.
With each of his #1New York Timesbestsellers, Dean Koontz has displayed an unparalleled ability to entertain and enlighten readers with novels that capture the essence of our times even as they bring us to the edge of our seats. Now he delivers a heart-gripping tour de force he's been waiting years to write, at once a love story, a thrilling adventure, and a masterwork of suspense that redefines the boundaries of primal fearand of enduring devotion. Amy Redwing has dedicated her life to the sout...more
Aug 06, 2011
Quintin Merwe
added it
This does not even come close to being in his repertoire of best works, but still worth a read.
The story is interesting and the reader anticipates the next step the characters are going to take throughout the book. Maybe the fact that I'm a huge dog lover made me slightly bias in my rating of this book; however, I feel that this is still a true Dean Koontz style reading experience and is pulled off very well considering that this clichéd concept done by anyone else would most probably have spoi...more
The story is interesting and the reader anticipates the next step the characters are going to take throughout the book. Maybe the fact that I'm a huge dog lover made me slightly bias in my rating of this book; however, I feel that this is still a true Dean Koontz style reading experience and is pulled off very well considering that this clichéd concept done by anyone else would most probably have spoi...more
Dean Koontz has put a Golden retriever as his canine heroine at the center of this novel. Nickie is a rescued dog with seemingly supernatural abilities to save children from harms way.
The basic premise of the story involves Amy Redwing a professional dog rescuer and her architect boyfriend Brian McCarthy. Both are troubled by past demons, Brian has "visions" that come out through drawings and Amy focuses on saving dogs in danger. Nickie seems to be the reincarnated spirit of Amy's long departed...more
The basic premise of the story involves Amy Redwing a professional dog rescuer and her architect boyfriend Brian McCarthy. Both are troubled by past demons, Brian has "visions" that come out through drawings and Amy focuses on saving dogs in danger. Nickie seems to be the reincarnated spirit of Amy's long departed...more
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Nov 19, 2008
Cameron
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anyone who loves dogs, anyone who loves Dean Koontz
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Ok, so I really like Dean Koontz. Last month, I decided to try out some of Dean's writing, and I am hooked!
This book is alot different from his normal books in that it is more of a 'feel good' book than the others.
By the end of the book, I found myself wanting to get a Golden Retriever when I am home and able to take care of a pet! This book took you through all the emotions that a GOOD book should. I was infuriated, sad, and at times tickled by the story line. I give it a thumbs UP!
This book is alot different from his normal books in that it is more of a 'feel good' book than the others.
By the end of the book, I found myself wanting to get a Golden Retriever when I am home and able to take care of a pet! This book took you through all the emotions that a GOOD book should. I was infuriated, sad, and at times tickled by the story line. I give it a thumbs UP!
Reading the synopsis of this book, I felt it had such promise: mystery, suspense, a hint of the supernatural, and hero dogs. What a letdown! The only reason I finished this book is to try to recoup the $8 I paid for it.
Here are the problems I had with it: Even though I work for an animal rescue group, this book at times seemed too preachy in parts; the writing style seemed to go from fictional prose to Public Service Announcement at the drop of a hat. (Example: "[He] will see [her] after she has...more
Here are the problems I had with it: Even though I work for an animal rescue group, this book at times seemed too preachy in parts; the writing style seemed to go from fictional prose to Public Service Announcement at the drop of a hat. (Example: "[He] will see [her] after she has...more
Quick! Gut reaction: Seriously, really gotta stop reading any Koontz that doesn’t have Odd in it.
Short Summation
Amy Redwing is a dog rescuer. Specifically, she rescues and relocates Golden Retrievers. She rescues one that shares a name with a childhood pet, and soon after gets entangled in a Koontz plot. Or, rather, her boyfriend, Brian, gets her entangled in a Koontz plot. Or maybe she throws Brian in a Koontz plot. Maybe they throw each other into it.
I think Koontz just threw them the dog so...more
Short Summation
Amy Redwing is a dog rescuer. Specifically, she rescues and relocates Golden Retrievers. She rescues one that shares a name with a childhood pet, and soon after gets entangled in a Koontz plot. Or, rather, her boyfriend, Brian, gets her entangled in a Koontz plot. Or maybe she throws Brian in a Koontz plot. Maybe they throw each other into it.
I think Koontz just threw them the dog so...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I have read numerous books from Dean Koontz himself and I gotta say I loved all of them. This book is no excuse either. I loved it alot, because I am generally a fan of reading books that has mysterious forces at play like the special golden retriever in the book named Nickie who most likely was the spirit of Amy's now deceased daughter. However I did kinda expected some vital person must have died in Amy's life so I wasn't surprised when Amy reveals that her daughter was violently murdered but...more
I thought I had read the worst Dean Koontz novel already -- Your Heart Belongs To Me -- but I didn't, not until this one. I read half of it and then decided that I didn't care anymore--and after checking reviews on Amazon.com, found that the ending is a huge Deus ex machina, isn't quite worth reading the next hundred pages or so to get to--it didn't intrigue me enough and quit. I love Dean Koontz but something is happening to him lately; not sure what it is. His prose has not improved for the be...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koontzland - Dean...: The Darkest Evening of the Year (Group Read - November 2012) | 32 | 63 | Mar 11, 2013 07:43pm | |
| Dogs are special creatures. | 7 | 53 | Feb 20, 2012 11:51am |
Acknowledged as "America's most popular suspense novelist" (Rolling Stone) and as one of today's most celebrated and successful writers, Dean Ray Koontz has earned the devotion of millions of readers around the world and the praise of critics everywhere for tales of character, mystery, and adventure that strike to the core of what it means to be human.
Dean R. Koontz has also published under the na...more
More about Dean Koontz...
Dean R. Koontz has also published under the na...more
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“Because God is never cruel, there is a reason for all things. We must know the pain of loss; because if we never knew it, we would have no compassion for others, and we would become monsters of self-regard, creatures of unalloyed self-interest. The terrible pain of loss teaches humility to our prideful kind, has the power to soften uncaring hearts, to make a better person of a good one.”
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422 people liked it
“Dogs, lives are short, too short, but you know that going in. You know the pain is coming, you're going to lose a dog, and there's going to be great anguish, so you live fully in the moment with her, never fail to share her joy or delight in her innocence, because you can't support the illusion that a dog can be your lifelong companion. There's such beauty in the hard honesty of that, in accepting and giving love while always aware that it comes with an unbearable price. Maybe loving dogs is a way we do penance for all the other illusions we allow ourselves and the mistakes we make because of those illusions.”
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88 people liked it
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