The Other Emily

By: Dean Koontz

Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's Summary

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) 

Worst koontz ever! Don’t waste a credit.

I thought I bought the abridged version-nope. It just ended abruptly, with no explanation of events. I have read every book Dean Koontz has published, I’m a huge fan,and was dismayed by this book. The ending was abrupt , I can only guess he is setting up for a sequel that i will never buy. I’m very disappointed . I have over 1,500 books in my audible library, and this is my first review. Do not waste your credit.

I can't believe I'm still listening....

Can we say awful, terrible, waste of a credit? Those are the first things that come to mind.

This was not worth the wait

This is not Dean Koontz best novels it was too weird and I can’t believe that I actually waited so long for the story I kept putting it down it was not one of his best

Snooze

I hate to give only one star to one of my all-time favorite authors. But I found this story to be a total snooze-fest. I liked the idea behind the plot, but the execution of said plot was boring and too drawn out. Too much “filler”.

Suspenseful but the ending was weird

The story was pretty good but the ending was a little too weird for me. By weird I mean it’s really really unbelievable in any stretch of the imagination. Regardless, I enjoyed the suspense and the somewhat happy ending.

MacLeod Andrews’s narration was wonderful. Especially his performance of the main character, David Thorne. I can feel every emotions that David was going through and I was really rooting for him to find what he was looking for.

New to Koontz

I honestly really enjoyed this book. The ending is very different if you're not into opening up your imagination to things that aren't realistic. if you're a realistic type, the book isn't for you. I like things of that sort so I didn't mind the twist, but many people in these reviews seem disappointed by it since it was "unbelievable" to them.
Put simply, if you can get with witches, vampires, or time travel it really isn't a bad book. Not saying those things are necessarily in the book, but using it as a reference of sorts to what some refer to as "unbelievable".

Don’t waste your time (review without synopsis)

I don’t know what happened. This is almost bizarre.. I listened to the entire thing because of the author and his history. This was not only disjointed but completely beyond the realm of “suspension of disbelief”. Not even sure what this was but it was terrible. Sorry but just don’t waste your time

Disappointed

There is no substance to this book and the characters are not that likable.
I have been a long time fan of Dean Koontz but this is one of the worst books I’ve listened to, and in truth could not even finish.

Ridiculous on so many levels!

I have no idea how I tolerated this book. Absolutely stupid storylines, exaggerated writing. What a painful and wasted investment of time.

The new Dean Koontz

Not one of his best but fairly good. Lots and lots of characters who are not consistent, everything was too convenient and it was so unbelievable. The early Koontz you could maybe believe this or that may actually occur somewhere, not this book. It was entertaining and the narrator was good. I just waited so long for this new book to come out and I was a bit disappointed although recommend the book.

poor narration

had to return so I have no idea if the story is any good , I couldn't get past the narrator constantly breathing in very loudly at the end of every sentence.

Loved it!

Mr Andrews has done a brilliant job reading this novel. I have heard some really skilful narrators but he really seemed to live this book.

I found the story gripping and (when everything unravels) thought provoking.
I love that Mr Koontz can write a scary story filled with a barrage of human feelings.

I definitely recommend as I couldn’t stop listening. Thank you.

Gripping and well told

I enjoyed this intriguing story, well narrated and creepy at times. Plenty of 'edge of your seat' moments.

classic Koontz

When a woman turns up that looks exactly like his supposed murdered wife Emily, it seems too good to be true, mmm, can David Thorn get to the crux of a horrific truth.

A RIDDLE INSIDE A CONNUNDRUM???

amazing story and performance by McLeod Andrews with more twists and turns than a road

another gem

if you love Koontz you will love the twists and turns of this gem. Brilliantly narrated edge of seat. Love it

Another great Dean Koontz!!

Love this book!! So many twists and turns and keeps you guessing all the way - just as I always expect from my favourite author of this genre! I was a little put off with the narration at first, due to something highlighted by a previous review I had read, but honestly after a while I totally stopped noticing and found McLeod Andrews a great narrator!

Could these ever happen for real?

This tale made me think just how far we had come, and whether the truth of this story could happen for real. is it good to keep pushing the boundaries of science, or should we stop before this kind of thing could happen?

disappointing

typical of many Dean Koontz books, a very week ending coming completely out of leftfield.

Emily is a poor character

She's so unbelievable, Dean and narrator both make a good job of making it obvious she's made up by men. I love Dean Kootz books but this one I couldn't stand