All Things Dog Blog

Dandy Dog Books: The Darkest Evening of the Year

Posted: 29 Nov 2010 03:00 AM PST

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Dean Koontz is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. After reading Breathless, and finding it left me that way, I've been watching for his books. I just finished The Darkest Evening of the Year.

Of course, the image of a Golden Retriever on the cover drew me to it immediately. I didn't even read the back cover. Sold, to the lady who carries her Golden Retriever on her shoulders.

This book was most certainly a wild ride. Koontz draws dog lovers in with an amazing first scene about an avid dog rescuer, Amy Redwing. You'll fall in love with her, and for good reason. Even her boyfriend, an architect who shares her strange and complicated past life situations, becomes a hero, despite his less adventurous nature.

Twists and turns, as well as alternating settings and characters, have you wondering what's what, not having any clue as to where the book is going. Just when I was completely and totally baffled, Koontz began to drop hints and little tidbits--just enough for a Golden Retriever to sniff out of a corner and decide it was important.

This edgy, slightly sci-fi novel has you utterly sitting on the edge of your seat as you read, leaving you finally, as the climax unfolds, feeling unbelievably satisfied and captivated by his talent.

With this book review, I will begin to develop a page of books, where readers who enjoy a good dog book, can find selections that suit their fancy. Ads for these books, many of which will be available through Amazon, will accompany them in the reviews, allowing you to pick up your own copy, either new or used, quickly and cheaply. As my husband's favorite shirt says:

"So many books...

So little time."

If you are interested in offering your own book review of a dog book (fiction and non-fiction), you may submit it to me at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. Feel free to include a dedication for your book review. Your name will appear as the author. I look forward to hearing from you with your favorite dog stories. The comment button at the bottom of every post is always open for business!