The Other Emily

By: Dean Koontz

Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

An Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestseller.

Number one New York Times bestselling master of suspense Dean Koontz takes listeners on a twisting journey of lost love, impossible second chances, and terrifying promises.

A decade ago, Emily Carlino vanished after her car broke down on a California highway. She was presumed to be one of serial killer Ronny Lee Jessup’s victims whose remains were never found.

Writer David Thorne still hasn’t recovered from losing the love of his life, or from the guilt of not being there to save her. Since then, he’s sought closure any way he can. He even visits regularly with Jessup in prison, desperate for answers about Emily’s final hours so he may finally lay her body to rest. Then David meets Maddison Sutton, beguiling, playful, and keenly aware of all David has lost. But what really takes his breath away is that everything about Maddison, down to her kisses, is just like Emily. As the fantastic becomes credible, David’s obsession grows, Maddison’s mysterious past deepens - and terror escalates.

Is she Emily? Or an irresistible dead ringer? Either way, the ultimate question is the same: What game is she playing? Whatever the risk in finding out, David’s willing to take it for this precious second chance. It’s been ten years since he’s felt this inspired, this hopeful, this much in love...and he’s afraid.

©2021 by The Koontz Living Trust. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Narrator MacLeod Andrews does an outstanding depiction of David Thorne, who is desperate to find out the truth about the disappearance of Emily Carlino, the love of his life.... Andrews channels David's confusion and heartache with palpable emotion and credibility, taking listeners through an exhilarating and perplexing story.” (AudioFile Magazine)

"[MacLeod] Andrews narrates this thriller in a slightly gravelly, straightforward tone that reflects the everyman protagonist who has been ensnared in a Hitchcockian conspiracy laced with romance and light science fiction." (Booklist)

“A gripping and downright frightening book...genuinely captivating. Koontz remains a masterful storyteller in multiple genres, and this is one of his best.” (Booklist, starred review)

loud inhalation of narrator

I'm really having trouble listening to this story because of the narrators loud inhalation. I lose all focus with his every breath. Not sure I will be able to get through the first few chapters let alone the whole story.

On the fence on this one

I have been somewhat disappointed with the last couple of books of Dean’s. This one was so creepy at times I almost stopped listening to it. I did finish it and I’m glad I did. I do hope he returns to writing about golden retrievers again.

Entertaining

David was too much of a drama queen for me and the metaphoric rambling could have been cut down quite a bit. But the story was imaginative and entertaining.

Surprise ending

Fluid and steady
Really enjoyed the storyline and the narration. His voice was perfect ! Just perfect

Good but rushed

I loved the story. The twist at the end surprised me. It just seemed like a rushed ending. Would still recommend.