To read Dean Koontz or not to read Dean Koontz, that is the question

Ahhh, the tease that is Dean Koontz.  A new book comes out every year, and after serious consideration about whether or not I think I will enjoy it based on the description, I almost always buy it.  It may take years, but I always get it.   But why the hesitation? 

Because of huge, relatively recent disappointments.  Like The Good Guy and the Husband and My Heart Belongs to You.  And Relentless.  I wish I could scrub that book from my memory.  They all started with such promise.  And they all fizzled.  Bad.  Some worse than others.  One in particular crash and burned.

Now, I know that he, like King, will never reach his pinnacle again.  I doubt we will see such masterpieces as Midnight and Whispers and Phantoms again.  I don't know if it is a lack of interest in writing such epic stories, or his simple enjoyment in writing shorter works.  Whatever the reason, it doesn't mean that Koontz can not still write fun, engaging books.  And that is why I comes always come back.  Because for every crappy The Good Guy, there is a fun romp like Life Expectancy.  For every dull The Husband, there is a truly frightful The Taking.

Flesh Gothic by Edward Lee review

I have started to write quick reviews for EVERYTHING I read, whether it be a 600 page book by a traditionally published author or a 5 page short story I downloaded for free from Amazon.  I will start with the book I just finished  20 minutes ago:  Flesh Gothic by Edward Lee.

The Box by Brian Harmon- A Review

Any time I read a book about a box, or where there is a mystery box involved, I hope that the author is not tyring to recreate or ripoff Clive Barker's Hellraiser mythology.  Thankfully, that is not the case here.  Also, whenever I read a book about a box, I hope that Gwenyth Paltrow's head is not inside.  On second though, I hope it is inside, because that means she will never make another movie again.  (If you do not understand this reference, go see the move Seven.  Now.)  Alas, her head was not inside the box.

But I digress...

I will start off by saying, so there is no confusion, that I enjoyed this book and fully intend on reading the rest of the series.  It is an easy 4 out of 5 stars, and would be 4.5 if that was an option

Quick Review of Duma Key by Stephen King

 I just finished reading one of Stephen King's latest novel, Duma Key.  Ever since Bag of Bones, I have been less enthusiastic about King's new novels, and often wait several years to read them.  Don't get me wrong, I go out and buy them as soon as they are released, but I let them fester on my bookshelf while I attend to shorter paperbacks.  I did the same thing with Cell and with From a Buick  8.

The Scavenger's Daughter review

I picked up Mike McIntyre's The Scavenger's Daughter based on several good reviews I read.  And I'll admit, I enjoyed it.

I tend to not read too many books in the thriller/mystery/suspense genres simply because I am overwhelmed with fantasy and horror books.  But, I am a fan of Deaver's Lincoln Rhyme books and Preston/Child's Pendergast books, I needed something to read on my Droid X, and it was only $.99 so I decided to give this book a try.

20th Century Ghosts: A Quick Review

It's not fair.  I know.  Being the son of the man who lifted Horror back into the mainstream world of books.

I like Joe Hill.  I loved Heart-Shaped Box.  And I liked Horns a lot.  And I'll buy his next novel.

But 20th Century Ghosts... well, I was expecting more.