Customer Reviews:
 The Darkest Evening of the Year May 1, 2008
Picking up this book, written by Dean Koontz, I expected yet another delightful read. However, I soondiscovered that this story delved into the supernatural and I found it too unrealistic for easy reading. It was difficult to keep turning the pages to the very end. Charles A. Reap, Jr., author of Devil's Game and My Friend Sam.
 Entertaining April 24, 2008
This audio book had everything. It had suspense, drama, intrigue, I couldn't stop listening. I listened to it in my car when I was driving back and forth to work. I had to force myself to turn off the key so that I could make it on time to work. I was hesitant about buying it, although it was recommended by a friend. Koontz like many authors tend to use too many adjectives to describe things. But I was glad that I did. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
 Ehh April 21, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I am a huge fan of Watchers, so when I saw Dean had a new book about a golden, well let's just say it was the only book on my Christmas list! I have to agree with a lot of the reviews i've just read. The charecter points of the goldens were hilarious, as being that i've owned four beautiful ones over the last 31 years. He was dead on with their funny little ways. But I never really felt we got to know the human charecters. The villians were stupid and cartoonish. At the end I felt he could have gone another short chapter and his wife called him to dinner, so he just ended it! It was rather abrupt. It was an easy read, I think I finished it in a day and a half, but I don't think i'll read it again. (Unlike Watchers. I really need to invest in another copy, it's rather beat up!)
 A real treat for paranormal thriller fans April 14, 2008
Who would come up with the idea of writing a horror novel with a sweet golden retriever as one of its main protagonists? Dean Koontz does it, and marvelously well, too.
Amy Redwing lives for her goldens, those she owns and those she rescues from abusive homes. Her life, especially her past, is shrouded in mystery, a fact that makes her even more appealing to her boyfriend, architect Brian McCarthy. Brian has something in common with Amy, and it isn't only a kind heart-he's also haunted by a troubled past.
On one of her rescue missions, Amy boldly risks her life to save a female golden from a violent, alcoholic owner. That there's something very odd and peculiar about this particular golden soon becomes evident. Amy instantly bonds with the creature and decides to adopt her.
Soon after Amy adopts the golden, Brian experiences a series of uncanny, paranormal incidents. At the same time, Amy realizes someone is after her, watching her every move-and this someone means her and her golden harm.
How are Amy and Brian's past connected to the golden? Who is watching them and why does the person--or persons--mean them harm?
This is one of those books that not only entertain, but that strikes the reader at a deeper, more basic human level. Not easily forgotten, the story exemplifies Koontz's most powerful skill as a horror writer: to remind us the reality of good and evil--not only the presence of evil in the world, but also of the redeeming power of goodness. Koontz's writing style is beautiful and evocative. His author omniscient's observations are a delight more than an intrusion.
For lovers of golden retrievers, this will be a particularly rewarding read.
Armchair Interviews says: The Darkest Evening of the Year will be relished by fans of paranormal thrillers.
very well read audiobook April 13, 2008
Maybe I enjoyed this very much because it was a very well read audiobook. Kirsten Kairos did an excellent job with the voices. I loved this story. Yeah, a bit corny in spots, but well worth listening to.
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