Most Bought Author – Spotlight on Dean Koontz

(the guy taking up the most space on my shelves)

Pictured: Just some of the titles I own – there’s still another boxful somewhere waiting to be unpacked since the move…

I was wondering the other day who was the most popular author – the one who novels I’ve collected the most of. A die-hard true fan. I was a little surprised at the result, but given that I’ve been reading his books since junior high, Dean Koontz topped the list, currently owning over 40 titles. And how appropriate for the Halloween season!

I started reading Koontz when I was 14 years old, (grade 10) not only because of a love of horror and suspense, but it helped while away the time spent on public transport and weekends. Being an unpopular kid, Koontz provided an escape from reality, sleuthing out the paranormal, tripping in science fiction, or conquering demons. He also let you face-off with psycho killers and many of his stories had a canine companion. Being a huge dog-lover, Koontz wrote novels that I related to, and that not only thrilled and scared me, but resolved everything with a happy ending. Can I also say I loved his sense of humour? A mix of sarcasm and Dad jokes that tickled my chicken.

So not only does Koontz occupy the largest area of my bookshelves, he also can boast the oldest novels decorating the horror section of my personal library. The very first novel I bought of his was back in *cough* 1987! This author has been a part of my life longer than most friends and family members. Amazing to think how an author can touch your life and they never know you existed.

Most notable series have to be the Odd Thomas collection, the Frankenstein anthology and sleuth extraordinaire Jane Hawk and her adventures. There are a couple of duologies, and a number of novellas as companions to other releases.

I still get a thrill from reading his novels, but there is also that feeling of nostalgia. His definitive writing style also reminds me of my childhood when life was simple: big hair, scrunchies and high-top sneakers were in. When I lived in acid-wash jeans and thought rollerskating was the coolest thing ever… and half of those things I just listed I may still think are cool…

We’ve seen numerous film adaptations of his novels, my favourites being ‘Watchers,’ (populated a four movie anthology) ‘Odd Thomas,’ ‘Phantoms,’ ‘Intensity,’ ‘Demon Seed,’ ‘Hideaway,’ Sole Survivor,’ and ‘Whispers.’ It’s great to see how his literature has crossed boundaries and gives me inspiration to not only write, but use the possibility of a film adaptation of my own work someday in the future. It’s fuel for the imagination and an example that you can make a comfortable living from writing books.

But out of all of the Koontz novels I have read, I have to say my absolute favourite was ‘Ticktock.’ A Chinese-American protagonist stalked by a demon, aided by sassy service worker and her weirdly astute dog. It’s scary, hilarious and full of action. Reminds me of the tone of ‘Buffy’ with its dark comedy and loveable characters. This is one book I’d love to see brought to the big screen!

I can’t wait to see what Koontz releases next and how his reach extends into film and television. A man worthy of the title of ‘idol.’

Who is your author inspiration?

Do you have a favourite Dean Koontz novel?

Which author have you collected the most number of novels from?

Comment below – I love discovering new authors and books to devour.

Happy reading everyone 🙂

© Casey Carlisle 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Casey Carlisle with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Book Review – Ticktock

One of my all time favourite reads – and I have re-read this title five times since its purchase back in 1998! It has a lighter tone to Dean Koontz’s regular novels, but don’t get me wrong, there’s still lots of horror, suspense and action – Ticktock is full of satire and dry wit. I got caught many times laughing out loud on the tram, hanging off the lounge, and giggling in my darkened bedroom when I really should be asleep. This is a page turner! Expect to be lifting your feet from the ground in expectation that some creepy crawly is about to reach out of the shadows from under your chair (or bed) to hook claws into your heels.

Our reluctant hero, a Vietnamese American called Tommy Phan becomes the unwitting victim in a supernatural chase. He is emasculated, not to mention infatuated, by a waitress-come-gun toting action star Deliverance (Del) Payne that Tommy crosses paths with. Del doesn’t trample all over her co-star, letting him shine and bumble along, supporting him as best she can. It is a lot like the Get Smart duo of Max and 99… if they were thrown in a horror movie. I especially loved the appearance of Scootie, Del’s dog and his contributions to the conversations by pfft’ing his rubber hotdog. Each of the cast is given opportunity to shine: each to use a unique and surprising survival skill as well as add to witty banter. They are alive, colourful and leap from the page in expertly crafted words.

Together these three manage to destroy Tommy’s house, a corvette, a van several houses and backyards on their path trough the city, packed to the armpits with pistols and shotguns (maybe I exaggerate, but that’s what this book does to you… it is all types of awesome).

Don’t expect this book to make a lot of sense – think ‘Big Trouble in Little China.’ It’s just a fun romp through the streets with a murderous demon thing on your tail! The end result is a thoroughly entertaining story with an unexpected twist that will have you smiling too. Yet another title from Dean Koontz that I can not stop raving about.

 

© Casey Carlisle 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Casey Carlisle with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.