In the late summer of a long-ago year, a killer arrived in a small city. His name was Alton Turner Blackwood, and in the space of a few months he brutally murdered four families. His savage spree ended only when he himself was killed by the last survivor of the last family, a 14-year-old boy.
Half a continent away and two decades later, someone is murdering families again, re-creating in detail Blackwood’s crimes. Homicide detective John Calvino is certain that his own family — his wife and three children — will be targets in the fourth crime, just as his parents and sisters were victims on that distant night when he was 14 and killed their slayer.
As a detective, John is a man of reason who deals in cold facts. But an extraordinary experience convinces him that sometimes death is not a one-way journey, that sometimes the dead return.
Here is a ghost story like no other you have read. In the Calvinos, Dean Koontz brings to life a family that might be your own, in a war for their survival against an adversary more malevolent than any he has yet created, with their own home the battleground. Of all his acclaimed novels, none exceeds What the Night Knows in power, in chilling suspense, and in sheer mesmerizing storytelling.
©2010 Dean Koontz (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.
“Dean Koontz... has the power to scare the daylights out of us.” (People)
“Koontz seems to know us, our deepest foibles and fears.” (USA Today)
“Koontz writes first-rate suspense, scary and stylish.” (Los Angeles Times)
"Koontz is back!"
I have read all of the Koontz books,new and old, and was disappointed in the last few but "What the night knows" brought back the Koontz I love to read or listen to. Very enjoyable.
dannyzlady
"One of the better Koontz books"
Yes, he's wordy and overly descriptive. It's his style. If you don't like it, don't read a Koontz book. But if you do like his style and his books, you will love this book. I didn't find it predictable at all. The narrator was perfect and drew me into the story and kept me totally entertained. I'm ready to start listening to it all over again.
I believe a reviewer should finish a book before submitting a review. What do you think?
"Koontz fan... but...."
I really love this author, he has written some of my all time favorite mysteries. This time however, I must agree with some of the other disappointed reviewers. Although the plot was fairly interesting on it's own, I agree that this story has some of the same aspects of the more recent novels, perfect marriage, perfect kids, rich rich family, fancy house with extra security, etc, etc. The novel lacked depth and intrigue for me, sorry. I too found it all too predictable and would be happy to welcome back Odd Thomas or something new that would remind us all of why we love this author so much. This novel pales in comparison to From the Corner of his Eye in my opinion. Still, I'm glad to have listened.
"What the Night Knows - predictable"
Dean Koontz's novel, "What the Night Knows" although entertaining is somewhat predictable. Mr. Murder and Darkfall, both about families with children in danger. Father and partner (Wife or girlfriend) work to gether to save children. All contain a phsycopath out to kill the family for something the father has done or is preceived to have done.
Enjoyable read? Yes
Filled with the unexpected - Absolutely not.
It's simple really, I am just a guy looking to enjoy the writing and reading talents of others while raising my family the best I can, just Like most everyone else!!!
"I LOVED it!"
This was a very good book. If you have read a lot of Dean Koontz books then you are used to the super-natural aspect that they sometimes have. I would suggest not reading them if you can not free up your mind a little because some on them, like this one, require an open mind for a part or two! If you can do that just a little then this book won't disapoint, but if you have to understand the science behind every aspect of a book then you will have a moment or 3 that will have you unhappy. Again, I loved this book and I look forward to the next one.
"One of his best."
I love Dean Koontz books and some I like better than others. This one is one his best books. Get it!
"Where has Dean Koontz gone?"
I read approx. 50 books/year and can count on 1 hand the number of books that I have not completed. Add this one though. Poor effort in every respect other than the narrator does a good job, with what he has to work with.
"He's back"
What a disturbing book. I wonder how he thinks up story lines like this. The old Dean Koontz is definitely back. It is well written and narrated. If you want to be terrorized, this book is for you.
I am a very busy graphic designer. I love to listen to audiobooks as I work. To relax, I take an audiobook with me on a long walk.
"Another disappointed Koontz fan"
Awful. Definitely the worst book he's ever written. I love the good vs evil theme that is prevalent in all his books. I like that family and love are always such positive themes in all his stories. This book fails on so many levels. I buy all his books without reading any reviews or story synopses because I am a big fan. Usually, it's a good ride from page one. This book is actually boring, as well as, awful. Your money is wasted on this one.
"Avid" doesn't quite describe my reading style . . .
"Dean Koontz is Back!"
After a couple of disappointing offerings, Mr. Koontz has once again produced a story that is fresh, has a plot we all can follow and carries it through to the end. I give it four stars here because, in my opinion, he is generally (when on his game) a four star writer - with the notable exception of Watchers, the 5-star book that made me a lifelong Koontz fan - and that is Okay! His work is interesting, uncomplicated and fun to read. Thanks Dean!