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Koontz strikes again with another riveting novel that will not only keep your eyes glued to the pages, but also create a certain sense of emotional stress and strain that is very rare in modern suspense novels. Revolving around psych-student Chyna Shepeard, who is thrust into mayhem when the family she is staying with is brutally murdered by a psychopath, this novel's first 150 pages are absolutely fantastic. While trying to escape the evils of this horrific kiler, Chyna learns more about what motivates this beast and how she can actually save his future victims. The middle of the book is Koontz's only downfall because it tends to lag and some readers may loose some interest after an action-packed, gruesome first third of the novel. However, momentum builds to the climax in which Chyna fights not only her terrifying attacker, but her inner demons as well. A novel not for the squeamish...but then again...what Koontz novels are? Certainly one of his scariest of the 90s and a great read for any fans of Koontz or the genre.

He was born in Pennsylvania, a teacher before he became a writer, and his students attacked him. He soon later quit his job as a teacher and began writing full time. His wife supported him financially while he started his writing career, and a great one at that! Many of Dean Koontz's works, such as Icebound, From the Corner of His Eye, False Memory, Strangers, and Dragon Tears were very popular. Another popular five star book he wrote was Intensity. Intensity can lead a mind to wonder just what will happen next. In the story, a visit to Laura's home in Napa Valley to see her family turns deadly. Laura brings her best friend along for the ride. During this family reunion, a spider-eating killer, Edgler Vess, murders everybody in the house along with Laura. However, those who hide under beds shall always survive. After the slaughter, Chyna, Laura's friend sneaks through the house to find everyone murdered in cold blood. She tiptoes mysteriously and warily down the stairway and out the door. In fear of being found by Edgler Vess, she seeks to hide once again. With nowhere else to hide, she turns to the killer's motor home, where she finds old victims and a sewing kit. She has a few close calls in the duration of Edgler Vess' travel back home. Chyna lives to try to save the other potential victims and get justice for her friend, but does she get the justice she deserves? This is a really well written piece of literature. If you want chills to run up and down your spine then I recommend that you read this book.

The title of this novel says it all. This story is intense! It's because of novels like this that Dean Koontz is called the master of suspense. This whole story is basically like one endless unbroken chase scene. It's quite possibly the most suspenseful novel I can remember ever reading.

David Rehak
author of "A Young Girl's Crimes"