Thanks to NetGalley and Bantam for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: Available Now
464 Pages
Synopsis: “I very much need to be dead.”
These are the chilling words left behind by a man who had everything to live for but took his own life. In the aftermath, his widow, Jane Hawk, does what all her grief, fear, and fury demands: find the truth, no matter what. People of talent and accomplishment, people admired and happy and sound of mind, have been committing suicide in surprising numbers. When Jane seeks to learn why, she becomes the most-wanted fugitive in America. Her powerful enemies are protecting a secret so terrifying that they will exterminate anyone in their way.
But all their power and viciousness may not me enough to stop a woman as clever as they are cold-blooded, as relentless as they are ruthless and who is driven by a righteous rage they can never understand. Because it is born of love.
I’ve been reading Dean Koontz since I was a teen, and while it’s been a rocky road at times–loved the Odd Thomas series and standalones like Watchers but had a difficult time with ones like The Darkest Evening Of the Year and Funhouse–he has still remained one of my favorite horror writers. The Silent Corner, the first novel in the Jane Hawk trilogy is less like Stephen King, and more like Michael Crichton. It’s a thrilling and pulse-pounding ride from start to finish and despite it being just under 500 pages, I read it over the course of two days because I literally could not put it down! Jane Hawk is a kick-ass heroine who ripped out my heart and stomped all over it. There’s no doubt she’s a tough cookie, but her heartbreak and anger over the loss of her husband resonates off the page. Her anguish is further compounded, when because of threats by this faceless sinister conspiracy, she is forced to send her sweet son into hiding while she embarks on a cross-country odyssey to uncover what’s behind the burgeoning epidemic of suicides by well-adjusted people, with no previous signs of depression. Jane is of course the star of the story, but there are a few quirky allies she meets along the way which make this story even more enjoyable. The villains are a little more two-dimensional, but they weren’t bad enough to spoil the book for me. The pacing is just insane and this, coupled with short chapters, makes it difficult to tear yourself away. The Silent Corner is a fantastic beginning to this new trilogy and thankfully the second book, The Whispering Room is due out in January, because I don’t think I could wait any longer. Longtime Koontz fans won’t be disappointed by this, and if you haven’t read any books by him, this is an excellent book to start with.
Carrie said:
I tried Dean Koontz years and years ago and just couldn’t get into the story I’d picked up so I’ve shied away from his books ever since then. I see so many good reviews though and so many seem to be fans that I think maybe I should try to go back and give him another chance sometime.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You definitely should Carrie! When he’s on his game, he’s right up there with King, and Crichton. I think you’d enjoy this.😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Carrie said:
I can’t remember at this point which I’d even tried, we’re talking years ago so maybe those were just not his best. I do like King and Crichton though so it was always a mystery as to why I just couldn’t connect to Koontz when everyone else seemed to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I know many readers find him to wordy and descriptive, so you’re not the only one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carrie said:
King can be the same way though and I always liked his books so who knows what it was.
LikeLiked by 1 person
beetleypete said:
Someone I actually know! I was an avid reader of Dean Koontz ‘back in the day’, but gave up when he became too formulaic. From your review, it looks like he is back on form.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
By the end I honestly felt like pumping my fist in the air and screaming “Yes! He’s back!” I think you might really enjoy this Pete, and it’s practically begging to be adapted into a movie or tv series.😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
beetleypete said:
Sounds good, Kim!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
You had me at thrilling and pulse pounding.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is definitely a book you should try Vinnie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I really love the sound of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Renee (Itsbooktalk) said:
Excellent review! I’ve really enjoyed Koontz in the past, especially Velocity and The Husband but I had no idea he had a new book out. I loved what you had to say about the pace and Jane’s character so I’ll definitely be giving this a try!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Renee! Those two are definitely on my love list as well! l think you’ll really enjoy this.😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Renee (Itsbooktalk) said:
Heading to Amazon now:) I’d love to chat with you about it if I can squeeze it in soon, not many people I know seem to still read Koontz…hopefully this book changes that for him
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Awesome! I’ll be here whenever you want to discuss!🙋
LikeLiked by 1 person
BrizzleLass said:
I could never get into Koontz but I’m not a big horror reader. Your review is tempting me though. I may buy for Hubs who will love it and then sneak a peak! 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is definitely not one of his more typical horror/supernatural books. I’d love to know what you think if you try it.☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
delphinespublications said:
Wow what a wonderful review! I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately, despite all the books I have in my TBR pile. This sounds like just the book I need: filled with mystery and suspense!
Thanks for sharing!
Happy Reading 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you! I really can’t recommend it enough!🙋
LikeLiked by 1 person
Meghan Tregellis said:
I’ve always found Dean Koontz hit or miss. I love some of his books and have stopped reading in the midst of some others. Actually it’s been a while since I read anything by him. This story sounds great, though! Thanks for the good review and recommendation!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I know exactly what you mean Meghan. There have been some of his books that I’ve read the entire way through only to find myself asking “Why did I just put myself through that?” But when he’s on his game I think he’s brilliant! IMHO The Silent Corner is one of his best in years!😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Meghan Tregellis said:
I will definitely give it a go! Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
KrystiYAandWine said:
Ooh, sounds captivating! I’ve actually never read any Dean Koontz, but this sounds great! Wonderful review, lady!
LikeLike
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you so much Krysti! You’ve never tried Dean Koontz?! If you’re intrigued, I highly recommend this one and the Odd Thomas series.
And I’m sorry I’m late in replying but both your comments on this and my review of Don’t Close Your Eyes went to my spam folder. What is going on with WP?😕😒😤
LikeLiked by 1 person
KrystiYAandWine said:
I haven’t! At least, I don’t think so. There was a time when I read a lot more widely than I do now, so it’s possible that I just don’t remember. LOL. And no worries! That’s happening to everyone lately! Come on WP!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Zoë said:
SOLD! I just requested this, will see if I get granted access. Great review, and it looks like you had a fantastic time with this. Glad to see that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! I hope you get approved Zoe.😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
This is a fantastic review! I have two shelves full of Koontz and was not aware of this series! It does sound a bit different from some of his other titles, but I am always willing to explore his work. I loved Odd Thomas, but I haven’t completed them. Did you happen to read Tick Tock ever?
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Danielle! I did read Tick Tock years ago and enjoyed it. Who knew Koontz could do horror and comedy at the same time?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
I know! Talent 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
theorangutanlibrarian said:
Sounds really awesome- even if the villains were two-dimensional, it’s sounds like the heroine more than made up for that. Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks! It was just that they were all way too easy to hate, if that makes sense? I’d love to have an evil-doer that’s a little more complex, instead of just being obsessed with money, power, etc. But honestly, Jane, and her team totally make up for that minor deficiency.
LikeLiked by 1 person
theorangutanlibrarian said:
You’re welcome!! Ah I get that and I agree!! Ah that’s brilliant!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lelia T said:
I love Koontz too—especially Watchers—but I’ve never quite forgiven him for not finishing the Snowman trilogy 😉 I think I’ll toddle on over to iTunes and pick up the audiobook of this one, thanks to your seriously good review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Than know s Lelia! I love Watchers! I saw an interview with him right before Ashley Bell was released last year, and he said there will be a third Christopher Snow book. The problem is, by the time he gets around to it, we’ll all have to re-read the first two books again. I’ve always been disappointed that he and Odd Thomas didn’t meet up. What a team they would have been!
LikeLike
shivashishspeaks said:
Nice one
Wonderful post
Visit mine
http://shivashishspeaks.wordress.com/
LikeLike
Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
I have both Odd Thomas and Lightning on my TBR. What would be your personal recommendation for a newcomer? 😛 I like the sound of The Silent Corner too, it sounds like she just made her fans super happy with this one. Great review, Kim! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I like Lightening, but LOVE Odd Thomas! I think you’d like Silent Corner too.😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jen said:
Back when I was a younger and braver versions of myself lol, I use to love his books! Whenever I find that side of myself, I’ll definitely remember this book😆. But till then, I’m so, so, so glad you found yourself loving yet another one of his books!🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You might like knowing e this Jen. It’s not one of his supernatural/horror novels. More suspense/thriller.😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jen said:
I’ll keep that in mind thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I apologize for the typos Jen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jen said:
I knew what you were trying to say 😉.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank God one of us does!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jen said:
You should see my texts. I will write something with a typo and send, then send another one trying to correct it with yet another typo and again and again. I had one five times to my mom until I got it correct. I type too fast sometimes 😂🙌😂.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m blaming the darn little letters!😒
LikeLiked by 1 person
Michelle Morrison said:
I have read several (older) books by Dean Koontz and Stephen King. They are both great writers with wonderful imaginations, but they scare me-Which I guess is kind of the point. LOL. Horror isn’t my preferred genre, but there is something to be said for checking out genres you don’t normally read. I’ll read this one when I get a chance,
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is definitely more in the thriller genre Michelle. Nothing supernatural at least not yet!
LikeLike
theOwl30 said:
I like reading Dean Koontz books. But haven’t read him in quite some time. Some of his books have much too rushed and undeveloped endings and are quite disappointing. On the other hand, when he’s good, he’s fantastic! I think his much earlier books are quite good: Lightning, The Vision, Midnight. I couldn’t finish “the Bad Place”, that was likely his worst. But this one, The Silent Corner, moves along fast, with short chapters. I haven
t read it all, but started it one day when I was in a bookstore. I’d like to buy this later. I think he has a winner with this one.
#Books #DeanKoontz #Suspense #Thrillers
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I agree. His earlier books were the strongest. With this he seems to have returned to form. I’m planning on starting the sequel, The Whispering Room, in the next week and I’m keeping my fingers crossed it’s as good.😊
LikeLike
Pingback: The Captain’s Log – the silent corner (Dean Koontz) – Captain's Quarters