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Hideaway
Strange visions plague a man after he survives a near-death experience in this chilling thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz.
Surviving a car accident on a snowy mountain road is miraculous for Lindsey Harrison, but even more so for her husband, Hatch, who was clinically dead for eighty minutes.
After experimental procedures bring Hatch back to life, he awakens with the terrifying feeling that something is it out there . But it soon becomes apparent that the evil stalking Hatch is within him—a dark force of murderous rage that hides within us all...
Surviving a car accident on a snowy mountain road is miraculous for Lindsey Harrison, but even more so for her husband, Hatch, who was clinically dead for eighty minutes.
After experimental procedures bring Hatch back to life, he awakens with the terrifying feeling that something is it out there . But it soon becomes apparent that the evil stalking Hatch is within him—a dark force of murderous rage that hides within us all...
413 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
About the author
Dean Koontz
947 books35.1k followersAcknowledged as "America's most popular suspense novelist" (Rolling Stone) and as one of today's most celebrated and successful writers, Dean Ray Koontz has earned the devotion of millions of readers around the world and the praise of critics everywhere for tales of character, mystery, and adventure that strike to the core of what it means to be human.
Dean, the author of many #1 New York Times bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirit of their goldens, Trixie and Anna.
Facebook: Facebook.com/DeanKoontzOfficial
Twitter: @DeanKoontz
Website: DeanKoontz.com
Dean, the author of many #1 New York Times bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirit of their goldens, Trixie and Anna.
Facebook: Facebook.com/DeanKoontzOfficial
Twitter: @DeanKoontz
Website: DeanKoontz.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 759 reviews
March 25, 2023
Take an average middle-class couple that has gone through a horrific situation (like the loss of a child), flesh them out with unique characteristics and then put them in a life-threatening situation (like getting caught driving in a snowstorm). This is the beginning to one of Dean Koontz most mesmerizing books. Hatch and Lindsey Harrison are a nice, normal couple put in a life-threatening situation and wind up experiencing evil of the darkest kind. Bad enough that they are headed to a destiny they must confront, but worse is the fact that they have just adopted a daughter who may be drawn into a confrontation that could cause them to witness the death of a second child. Chilling, masterfully drawn characters with depth, a plot rife with resonant believability, and you have a book that is deliciously good and worthy of rereads. Super book!
July 28, 2021
An excellent, yet simple story by one of the masters of horror and the supernatural.
Well-written in the usual Koontz style.
Well-written in the usual Koontz style.
July 10, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and the movie was pretty creepy too!
October 24, 2019
Koontz Group Read August 2017 - my second read
My April 2015 read
IMDb - credit to Koontz book used for movie
YouTube - Hideaway (1995) HQ Trailer
In the beginning, 2 California residents, Hatch (antique dealer) & Lindsey Harrison (artist) reminiscence the lose of their son, James(5), to cancer.
They go on a trip to forget their lost. In a snowy truck accident, they crash thru a guard rail & go into a frigid river. Sheriff Redman jumps into the river & pulls them out. Lindsey is saved. But it appears Hatch drowned then saved in a hospital by obsessive Dr. Nyebern to prevent Hatch's brain damage. In grief, they adopt Regina with hard acceptance by her & many to accept.
Enter "Vassago", the book's monster character performing as expected - attacking & killing people, to get back his "Satan" spirit so he can go back to hell. He places nightmares on Hatch to hurt others. He takes other victims to his "Hideaway" Funhouse park. Then he takes Regina to his collection. What could Hatch do?
Typical Koontz horror book, it's a good read.
My April 2015 read
Hatch Harrison & Lindsey (wife) avoid a truck (Bill Cooper) going into a river killing Hatch. Dr. Jonas Nyebem resuscitates him with the "Vassago" spirit killing others. Vassago did take their adopted child Regina to his "hideaway", a deserted amusement park. Dr. Nyebem other spirit was Jeremy, he stop bringing people from the dead, creating psychotic killers?..... I did have some problems following the book, this synopsis looks better by others.
IMDb - credit to Koontz book used for movie
YouTube - Hideaway (1995) HQ Trailer
🍿Movie Poster🍿
April 11, 2011
Classic, suspense-filled Dean Koontz. As always, Mr. Koontz introduces at least one character that the reader simply falls for, and this is no exception with the funky, spirited young Regina completing a circle that has been open too long with the book's main characters, a couple that had been merely existing for many years. A brush with death revitalizes the relationship, but also initiates a creepy, spine-tingling connection with evil. I could not read this fast enough. One indication that this is an earlier novel by Mr. Koontz is the too-pat wrapping up of the intrical supporting character--the esteemed doctor, who esentially, albeit unknowingly, created the chaos.
May 28, 2022
Hideaway is one of Koontz's most overtly religious books, with two of his most memorable characters, the delightful Regina and the evil Vassago. It's very well paced and written, and it's a really suspenseful page-turner. It does tend to be a little heavy-handed in message in places, but the ending is worth the ride. It's been thirty years since I finished it, and I still remember thinking, "Not too shabby, indeed!"
July 21, 2023
Another month and another Koontz book read. Hideaway is a good supernatural thriller that is kinda predictable once we understand the plot and it has a rushed conclusion which was anticlimatic.
In saying that the characters are great and his detailed descriptions and how he sets a scene is perfect as always. Koontz makes you love his characters and hate the villains and this book is no different.
The basic premise is Hatch and his wife, Lindsay are involved in a car crash where Hatch is pronounced dead. He is seen by a specialist doctor who uses a new form of resuscitation to bring him back from the dead. Strange occurrences start to occur and he is getting visions of a young man and horrific murders taking place. When the bodies of people who Hatch and Lindsay know turn up mutilated and that they have disliked they realise these visions are more than bad nightmares or thoughts. Hatch has a connection with this man and he is coming after his family.
I'm glad I read it and was quite enjoyable but definitely not in his top books. If the ending hadn't felt as rushed I'm sure I would of enjoyed it a bit more. 3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
In saying that the characters are great and his detailed descriptions and how he sets a scene is perfect as always. Koontz makes you love his characters and hate the villains and this book is no different.
The basic premise is Hatch and his wife, Lindsay are involved in a car crash where Hatch is pronounced dead. He is seen by a specialist doctor who uses a new form of resuscitation to bring him back from the dead. Strange occurrences start to occur and he is getting visions of a young man and horrific murders taking place. When the bodies of people who Hatch and Lindsay know turn up mutilated and that they have disliked they realise these visions are more than bad nightmares or thoughts. Hatch has a connection with this man and he is coming after his family.
I'm glad I read it and was quite enjoyable but definitely not in his top books. If the ending hadn't felt as rushed I'm sure I would of enjoyed it a bit more. 3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
October 9, 2017
I allowed my many library books to jump ahead of finishing Hideaway, which I own. However it's a superb book! A great mix of everyday horror with very real, average characters. As Koontz addressed at the end of the book, the good vs evil theme struck a cord in a lot of readers. I found this storyline definitely added to the reality, especially as shown through the eyes of Regina, a 12 year old orphaned girl. I recommend this book as a great thriller!
March 9, 2021
This was my first book by Dean Koontz. I was a third year high school student then. Unexpectedly, I read it, but I did not expect how dark the story was. It was a strong 'good vs. evil' story narrated in vivid prose.
December 11, 2017
Having been trying to finish the Odd Thomas series, I tried very hard to push through #6, but I just couldn't do it, the series started out good but now it just feels like it's lost it's magic. So for the longest time I kind of lost interest in Dean Koontz. But I went through my whole collection of books, and I remember how much I loved a lot of his older books or even his stand-alone ones, some of my favorites being Watchers, Lightning, and Intensity! So I decided to give Hideaway a shot, and I didn't come back disappointed!
Hideaway introduces us to ordinary couple Hatch and Lindsey Harrison, who one day during a storm are out driving on a highway, when they are swerved off the road by a drunk driver, resulting in their car to crash. Lindsey survived but Hatch was clinically dead, but is miraculously revived by Doctors after dead for 80 minutes. Now Hatch and Lindsey go on with their lives, adopting a young girl named Regina, and everything seems to be looking up for them, until Hatch realizes that following his resurrection, he has developed telepathic powers linking with a serial killer know only as Vassago, who is going around killing everyone that Hatch's mind becomes connected with. Now to protect his family, Hatch realizes he may be the only capable of putting Vassago down.
A great storyline, great plot, great characters, and a big twist at the end which I never saw coming! A great book!
Hideaway introduces us to ordinary couple Hatch and Lindsey Harrison, who one day during a storm are out driving on a highway, when they are swerved off the road by a drunk driver, resulting in their car to crash. Lindsey survived but Hatch was clinically dead, but is miraculously revived by Doctors after dead for 80 minutes. Now Hatch and Lindsey go on with their lives, adopting a young girl named Regina, and everything seems to be looking up for them, until Hatch realizes that following his resurrection, he has developed telepathic powers linking with a serial killer know only as Vassago, who is going around killing everyone that Hatch's mind becomes connected with. Now to protect his family, Hatch realizes he may be the only capable of putting Vassago down.
A great storyline, great plot, great characters, and a big twist at the end which I never saw coming! A great book!
June 20, 2008
Koontz blows.
December 6, 2018
4 stars
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August 7, 2017
Dean Koontz is my favorite author and this book is my favorite one by him. In this one, Hatch is in a car accident that results in his death. Doctors revive him even though he was clinically dead for over an hour. Now he has a psychic link with an evil man who murders humans so he can portray them in a scene that he thinks is befitting.
One central theme in a Dean Koontz novel is good versus evil. This holds true for this book. This is a supernatural thriller with a spiritual message and it mixes in a little pseudo science. Within the opening pages I was captivated by this novel. The opening scene of the car crash is well done and the reader knows he/she is in for a thrilling ride. Actually, throughout the imagery is fantastic whether it is the antagonist's lair or the link between the two main characters. The only flaw in this book is that characters outshine the main character. Vassago, the antagonist, is super creepy and Regina, the adopted crippled child, is a pure delight and endearing. This book tackles religious questions, should medicine be used on evil, dealing with loss, and love.
There is never a moment in this book that I lost interest. But I absolutely love the ending and is one of my favorites of all time. It came as a surprise during my first reading. During rereads one can catch the hints and foreshadowing throughout. There is so many parallels between the characters and I enjoy how everything goes full circle. This is an uplifting book that explores both good and evil of the supernatural world.
One central theme in a Dean Koontz novel is good versus evil. This holds true for this book. This is a supernatural thriller with a spiritual message and it mixes in a little pseudo science. Within the opening pages I was captivated by this novel. The opening scene of the car crash is well done and the reader knows he/she is in for a thrilling ride. Actually, throughout the imagery is fantastic whether it is the antagonist's lair or the link between the two main characters. The only flaw in this book is that characters outshine the main character. Vassago, the antagonist, is super creepy and Regina, the adopted crippled child, is a pure delight and endearing. This book tackles religious questions, should medicine be used on evil, dealing with loss, and love.
There is never a moment in this book that I lost interest. But I absolutely love the ending and is one of my favorites of all time. It came as a surprise during my first reading. During rereads one can catch the hints and foreshadowing throughout. There is so many parallels between the characters and I enjoy how everything goes full circle. This is an uplifting book that explores both good and evil of the supernatural world.
December 17, 2010
Koontz's novels range anywhere from awful to brilliant. After reading a couple of his more mediocre ones in high school, I had pretty much written him off as a poor man's Stephen King and moved on to other horror writers like Clive Barker and H.P. Lovecraft. Hideaway, though, showcases Koontz at the height of his talent, and it's a surprisingly powerful, intensely gruesome read. I decided to give it a chance--partly because I found it at a thrift shop for less than a dollar, and partly because I had seen the movie version and thought it to be the best of Koontz's film adaptations. Talk about getting my money's worth... Although these days Koontz has adopted a faster paced, more modern writing style, Hideaway was written back in the day when Koontz wrote in a style similar to Stephen King (causing endless comparisons to each other): namely, highly-detailed descriptions of middle-class American life combined with loads of pop culture references and highly developed, fully-realized characters that any average Joe could easily relate to. For the most part, King did it consistently better--thus my reason for abandoning Koontz for pretty much the entire last decade--but Hideaway shows that that wasn't always the case. Though it's not as good as King at his best (i.e. The Stand, It, etc.), it's definitely as good as King at his better-than-average. Hideaway sticks in my mind as having the best literary rendering of a car crash that I have ever read, and also one of the most believably twisted villains I have ever come across. It's a little too drawn-out, and some things work out a little too conveniently, but those are minor complaints. The movie version is also worth a look, as it improves on the plot somewhat...but it totally ruins the best character of the novel by changing her from a disabled orphan girl to a very ordinary one played uninterestingly by Alicia Silverstone.
September 4, 2017
I have read Hideaway three times. I used an audiobook by Brilliance Audio to help me through this the second and third time - at the end of that program is a fun, insightful interview with Dean Koontz. I love the character of Regina. I love the setting of an abandoned amusement park. This story tells of interconnections and Koontz is not afraid to explore very dark territory. Storytellers such as Dean Koontz are a gift to the world.
Some Passages:
. . . she was nine years old, playing fetch with her dog, Boo, but when the frisky Labrador brought the red rubber ball back to her and dropped it at her feet, it was not a ball any longer. It was a throbbing heart, trailing torn arteries and veins. It was pulsing not because it was alive but because a mass of worms and sarcophagus beetles churned within its rotting chambers . . .
______
As he turned the corner, a lone silvery moth darted through his headlight beams, refracting them and briefly glowing like an ember from a great fire. He remembered the bat that had swooped into the service station lights to snatch the hapless moth out of the air, eating it alive.
______
Dear Daddy: For a proper burial, they'll need to know where to find his nose. Look up his back end. He stuck it in my business, so I stuck it in his. If he'd had any manners, I would have treated him better. I'm sorry, sir, if this behavior distresses you.
______
So it is with any experience that human beings share. Each participant perceives it in a different way and takes from it a different lesson than do his or her compatriots.
Some Passages:
. . . she was nine years old, playing fetch with her dog, Boo, but when the frisky Labrador brought the red rubber ball back to her and dropped it at her feet, it was not a ball any longer. It was a throbbing heart, trailing torn arteries and veins. It was pulsing not because it was alive but because a mass of worms and sarcophagus beetles churned within its rotting chambers . . .
______
As he turned the corner, a lone silvery moth darted through his headlight beams, refracting them and briefly glowing like an ember from a great fire. He remembered the bat that had swooped into the service station lights to snatch the hapless moth out of the air, eating it alive.
______
Dear Daddy: For a proper burial, they'll need to know where to find his nose. Look up his back end. He stuck it in my business, so I stuck it in his. If he'd had any manners, I would have treated him better. I'm sorry, sir, if this behavior distresses you.
______
So it is with any experience that human beings share. Each participant perceives it in a different way and takes from it a different lesson than do his or her compatriots.
July 23, 2017
This is my first dean koontz novel and i can say that I'm pretty impressed by the overall result! It's a fast read and it has some moments of intensity (another novel by him 😆) it's completely different from the writing style of the King wich is a good thing, i though it was going to be a ripoff like some of the king novels. Some negatives are that his writing style it has something that makes the story drag on at some parts and especially at the first 50 pages or so.. and i kind of expected more from the ending!
3,5/5 ⭐️
3,5/5 ⭐️
October 22, 2020
3.5 rounded up to 4
This is my first novel read by Koontz and for the most part I enjoyed it. Hatch died and within 2 hours he has been given back the gift of life, and an extra gift too.
The writing is so well and submerges you right into the story of good and evil. For most part of this story I wasn't sure what Vassago was, it became clear towards the end of the story, and I was a tad disappointed, I think I was expecting it to be more mysterious than it was. I think because of the mystery surrounding Vassago as to his actual status within the world, and then the violent and gruesome scenes, he comes across as something not quite part of this world, and unbeatable. The explanation was a bit flat for me.
The build up started of really good, but towards the end of the story, it was almost like the build up had gone too far, and I lost the excitement of it all. There was a part where Hatch guessed that Vassago was going after the people he didn't like. I personally felt this was too far fetched for him to guess something like that, and it bought the story down a notch for me.
This story definitely would have been given 5 star if not for the ending. Most of this book was just so good to read. You got a healthy amount of back story from different characters, which really built it up to the modern day. The build up just flopped, and the ending was too quick and again, not really believable. Vassago took Regina, and there just wasn't enough fear coming from Regina. If I was an 8 year old and a mad man took me, I would be screaming and crying and shaking with fear. To me she seemed to calm, I needed more from her character towards the end. Kidnapping a child cannot be easy, especially as Vassago had not down this before. I felt it was also too easy for the parents to kill him and have a happy ending. I wanted more of a struggle, more a fight, considering Vassago has killed so many people.
It sounds like I am having a moan, which, too a point I am. I honestly did enjoy most part of this book. Koontz's writing just instantly engaged me and writes so well. I almost didn't want it to end. I did really enjoy this, just not so much the end. I will be definitely reading more from this author.
This is my first novel read by Koontz and for the most part I enjoyed it. Hatch died and within 2 hours he has been given back the gift of life, and an extra gift too.
The writing is so well and submerges you right into the story of good and evil. For most part of this story I wasn't sure what Vassago was, it became clear towards the end of the story, and I was a tad disappointed, I think I was expecting it to be more mysterious than it was. I think because of the mystery surrounding Vassago as to his actual status within the world, and then the violent and gruesome scenes, he comes across as something not quite part of this world, and unbeatable. The explanation was a bit flat for me.
The build up started of really good, but towards the end of the story, it was almost like the build up had gone too far, and I lost the excitement of it all. There was a part where Hatch guessed that Vassago was going after the people he didn't like. I personally felt this was too far fetched for him to guess something like that, and it bought the story down a notch for me.
This story definitely would have been given 5 star if not for the ending. Most of this book was just so good to read. You got a healthy amount of back story from different characters, which really built it up to the modern day. The build up just flopped, and the ending was too quick and again, not really believable. Vassago took Regina, and there just wasn't enough fear coming from Regina. If I was an 8 year old and a mad man took me, I would be screaming and crying and shaking with fear. To me she seemed to calm, I needed more from her character towards the end. Kidnapping a child cannot be easy, especially as Vassago had not down this before. I felt it was also too easy for the parents to kill him and have a happy ending. I wanted more of a struggle, more a fight, considering Vassago has killed so many people.
It sounds like I am having a moan, which, too a point I am. I honestly did enjoy most part of this book. Koontz's writing just instantly engaged me and writes so well. I almost didn't want it to end. I did really enjoy this, just not so much the end. I will be definitely reading more from this author.
August 5, 2017
Update: August 2017 read:
I just really want to add to my previous review; This time around I really enjoyed this book and what made it different for me was that I paid more attention to the ending and there were several things I liked about it.
I just really want to add to my previous review; This time around I really enjoyed this book and what made it different for me was that I paid more attention to the ending and there were several things I liked about it.
July 17, 2018
Ήταν η πρώτη μου επαφή με τον Dean Koontz. Το κρησφύγετο , ήταν ένα πολύ ευχάριστο ανάγνωσμα εαν είσαι φαν του συγκεκριμένου είδους. Επ'ουδενί δεν το αποκαλείς αριστούργημα. Ήταν αρκετά προβλέψιμο. Κάτι σαν χολιγουντιανό θριλεράκι , που με το που βλέπεις το κάστ και το σέτινγκ μαντεύεις με την πρώτη τι μέλλει γενέσθαι. Παρ'όλα αυτά είναι άξιο ανάγνωσης. Κύλούσε σα νεράκι, και θα ήμουν ψεύτρα εάν έλεγα οτι το βαρέθηκα. Μόνο έχω ανάκατα συναισθήματα για το τέλος. Δεν με ικανοποίησε ιδιαίτερα. Έχω την αίσθηση οτι κάτι μου έλειπε. Λίγο αλατοπίπερο παραπάνω βρε αδερφέ. Το τέλος του ήταν λιγουλάκι άνοστο. Σε γενικές γραμμές, με ενδιαφέρει πολύ να ξαναπιάσω βιβλίο του συγκεκριμένου συγγραφέα και το κρησφύγετο το προτείνω σε μη δυστροπους και περίεργους αναγνώστες. Καλή ανάγνωση!
July 21, 2016
Oh my. Another Dean Koontz novel. Everytime I pick one of his books up I know four or five things are going to happen.
1º There's always a puppy (in this one there wasn't - which surprised me)
2º The main characters are always perfect. They are always knights in shinning armour. They have no faults whatsoever. (In this book it was true)
3º The Evil doer is always Chaotic Evil. If this was Dungeons and Dragons the guy was that one guy that chaotic evil characters are afraid of. He is that evil.
4º Everything ends perfectly well. There are no loose ends. Every character realizes something and it's a better person (if it's possible).
5º Of course the last four point's make one point stand out. Lack of Characterization.
So, Hatch has an accident and a doctor reanimates him after 80 minutes. After returning to life he thinks he is crazy because he "dreams" another man dreams (or life for that matter). That evil guy I told you about starts dreaming as well. They share-bonding dreams.
Meanwhile, the main characters, which had lost a child five years before are currently adopting one (as perfect as her adopt parents).
The main narrative its about this I've told you. In the end there is a confrontation and If you read any other of his books you know how it ends. That's another reason I don't enjoy the books... So why read it?
Well, I think he can be a good writer and envelops us with the tale. But I really hope he could do better than he has done. Be more Stephen King in the style of tales. Not every book ends well in his books. The characters are made with strong and weaker aspects that are relevant to the tale. And you fear for your character. In Koontz tales I don't fear for any of my characters. Sorry. I remove the horror tag because of that aspect...
In the plus side, Vassago - the evil guy is the only one that I really enjoy reading about. Even if he is evil than evil.
1º There's always a puppy (in this one there wasn't - which surprised me)
2º The main characters are always perfect. They are always knights in shinning armour. They have no faults whatsoever. (In this book it was true)
3º The Evil doer is always Chaotic Evil. If this was Dungeons and Dragons the guy was that one guy that chaotic evil characters are afraid of. He is that evil.
4º Everything ends perfectly well. There are no loose ends. Every character realizes something and it's a better person (if it's possible).
5º Of course the last four point's make one point stand out. Lack of Characterization.
So, Hatch has an accident and a doctor reanimates him after 80 minutes. After returning to life he thinks he is crazy because he "dreams" another man dreams (or life for that matter). That evil guy I told you about starts dreaming as well. They share-bonding dreams.
Meanwhile, the main characters, which had lost a child five years before are currently adopting one (as perfect as her adopt parents).
The main narrative its about this I've told you. In the end there is a confrontation and If you read any other of his books you know how it ends. That's another reason I don't enjoy the books... So why read it?
Well, I think he can be a good writer and envelops us with the tale. But I really hope he could do better than he has done. Be more Stephen King in the style of tales. Not every book ends well in his books. The characters are made with strong and weaker aspects that are relevant to the tale. And you fear for your character. In Koontz tales I don't fear for any of my characters. Sorry. I remove the horror tag because of that aspect...
In the plus side, Vassago - the evil guy is the only one that I really enjoy reading about. Even if he is evil than evil.
October 2, 2022
This was my first ever Dean Koontz read and I really enjoyed it! I thought the writing style made it easy to read. Koontz uses a lot of similes and metaphors in his descriptions which at times can be a bit much.
I liked the characters and I felt like they were well developed for this being a shorter book. My favorite of course was Regina! I loved her attitude! She was such a tough little girl as a result of all that she'd gone through. Hatch and Lindsey were okay too although I liked them way more towards the end.
There are some religious aspects to this book which I'm not always a fan of. It was okay here though as I felt like they were fairly minimal.
This book has a good amount of supernatural and horror elements. I had fun with those throughout the book. Some parts were pretty graphic and I enjoy those as well.
Overall I think this was a great book for my very first Koontz experience and I will definitely be reading more Dean Koontz in the future!
I liked the characters and I felt like they were well developed for this being a shorter book. My favorite of course was Regina! I loved her attitude! She was such a tough little girl as a result of all that she'd gone through. Hatch and Lindsey were okay too although I liked them way more towards the end.
There are some religious aspects to this book which I'm not always a fan of. It was okay here though as I felt like they were fairly minimal.
This book has a good amount of supernatural and horror elements. I had fun with those throughout the book. Some parts were pretty graphic and I enjoy those as well.
Overall I think this was a great book for my very first Koontz experience and I will definitely be reading more Dean Koontz in the future!
September 20, 2023
মাস্টারপিস সুপারন্যাচারাল থ্রিলার। শুরু থেকে শেষ পর্যন্ত টানটান উত্তেজনা, কোনোরকম অযথা প্যাঁচাপ্যাঁচি নাই। মৃত্যুর ওপার থেকে ফিরে আসা দুইজন - এক মধ্যবয়সী এন্টিক ব্যবসায়ী, আরেক সিরিয়াল কিলার আর তাদের দ্বৈরথের মধ্যে ফুটে ওঠা চিরায়ত শুভ ও অশুভর লড়াই। প্রতিটা চরিত্রই দুর্দান্ত তবে সেরা চরিত্র দশ বছরের অসাধারণ বাচ্চা রেজিনা।
March 19, 2011
Hideaway continues the ongoing theme of Koontz's fiction: Good vs Evil. And if you've read some Koontz before, you know his stance.
To give the man some credit, the novel does open with a bang: a car accident that's vividly written and riveting, and almost justifies all the praise this work has received. But after the first 100 or so pages Hideaway looses it's appeal; even the excessive gore cannot overshadow Koontz's usual clumsy characterization and terrible dialogue. Koontz excessively draws out the scenes to give the book some substance, but all it does is to blow the flickering candle of suspense that was so strong in the beginning. And then the climatic conslusion comes which is one of the worst in his career, and the man has penned some of the most awful endings in the history of fiction.
There are some good elements in Hideaway; Some of Koontz's descriptive pasages are eye pleasing and the beginning is riveting, but as a whole the novel is drawn out to the extreme and forgettable. Not one of his better works.
To give the man some credit, the novel does open with a bang: a car accident that's vividly written and riveting, and almost justifies all the praise this work has received. But after the first 100 or so pages Hideaway looses it's appeal; even the excessive gore cannot overshadow Koontz's usual clumsy characterization and terrible dialogue. Koontz excessively draws out the scenes to give the book some substance, but all it does is to blow the flickering candle of suspense that was so strong in the beginning. And then the climatic conslusion comes which is one of the worst in his career, and the man has penned some of the most awful endings in the history of fiction.
There are some good elements in Hideaway; Some of Koontz's descriptive pasages are eye pleasing and the beginning is riveting, but as a whole the novel is drawn out to the extreme and forgettable. Not one of his better works.
June 13, 2016
3.5/5 Stars
I haven't dived into the horror or thriller genre much recently so I was hoping for something that would shock and amaze. I absolutely enjoyed the writing but the ending was just a bit far fetched in my mind so I didn't love it. I really wanted to spend more time in Jeremy's head, it was just so scary and fascinating when he spoke so politely with his victims. I'm sure I'll read another Koontz book in the future, might just be a while.
I haven't dived into the horror or thriller genre much recently so I was hoping for something that would shock and amaze. I absolutely enjoyed the writing but the ending was just a bit far fetched in my mind so I didn't love it. I really wanted to spend more time in Jeremy's head, it was just so scary and fascinating when he spoke so politely with his victims. I'm sure I'll read another Koontz book in the future, might just be a while.
October 22, 2015
Was a very interesting and well thought out book. Had me hooked and wanting to find out what was happening with ever page I turned. Had I had more reading time, this is one of those books I would have polished off in a couple days. A solid read.
November 14, 2019
One heck of a scary book. I really love how Koontz adds weird fact's in his books. They always come in handy.
January 27, 2016
The plot for this one is sort of akin to another serial killer running amok, which is a type of thriller Koontz seems to lean toward. However, this one has a supernatural edge of sorts and explores another type of subject not often discussed: resuscitative medicine.
Koontz does an admirable job with the research for this type of thing, as well as raising some interesting questions on the side effects of something such as this is successful. Also explored is good versus evil and gaining second chances on life in general. Through the use of good characterization and people you genuinely care about (as well as a villain that’s interesting but also creepy), this plot works on multiple levels and kept me enthralled.
The atmosphere isn’t as dark as some of Koontz’s other works but there’s a lot of depressing things going on, anger is expressed vividly, fear is touched upon, and the whole thing is tightly woven together. Hatch is a great guy who obviously had the blunt end of the stick in life, but because of this strives to be the best he can. The link he shares with the “other” is intriguing and his actions are overall acceptable. Lindsey was another worthy character to sit inside of…how she dealt with past issues proved fascinating and it’s apparent she’s a strong individual.
Vassago is one creepy guy and enough mystery is enshrouded around him to leave the reader from becoming bored. His truth isn’t revealed until the end, and I was a bit surprised by the findings, although I had already figured out most of them. Regina is an adorable little fighter, and being inside her head was both humorous and fun. All characters were well fleshed out and three dimensional.
The pace is slow yet fast at the same time. Nothing that leaves your palms constantly sweating, but fast enough to hold attention and make an enjoyable treat.
Koontz’s style can differ depending on the novel. Here he comes off strong, not hampered down by unneeded prose, devoted to plot and the execution of character. His words are all beautifully phrased, straight forward, and complement what he set out to do – make a good story. I especially enjoyed how he brought disturbing points across with Vassago while not just spelling everything out. More effective that way.
Hideway is a great read. One of Koontz’s better serial killer works, it touches upon the supernatural and leaves the readers clues so they don’t become confused, but doesn’t reveal all until the final segments. The emotional stakes are strong and caused me to feel a sense of kinship with whom I was reading about.
Intriguing issues and moral points are brought up – from bringing back the dead, genetics, orphans and disabilities, the deaths of small children, bringing families closer together, and, of course, religion. This wasn’t a simple cat-and-mouse thriller, and Koontz added enough ‘different’ plot points to make this original in its own right.
If you’re a serial killer lover, a thriller chaser, a supernatural addict, or just another Koontz fan, Hideway is definitely worth your time.
Koontz does an admirable job with the research for this type of thing, as well as raising some interesting questions on the side effects of something such as this is successful. Also explored is good versus evil and gaining second chances on life in general. Through the use of good characterization and people you genuinely care about (as well as a villain that’s interesting but also creepy), this plot works on multiple levels and kept me enthralled.
The atmosphere isn’t as dark as some of Koontz’s other works but there’s a lot of depressing things going on, anger is expressed vividly, fear is touched upon, and the whole thing is tightly woven together. Hatch is a great guy who obviously had the blunt end of the stick in life, but because of this strives to be the best he can. The link he shares with the “other” is intriguing and his actions are overall acceptable. Lindsey was another worthy character to sit inside of…how she dealt with past issues proved fascinating and it’s apparent she’s a strong individual.
Vassago is one creepy guy and enough mystery is enshrouded around him to leave the reader from becoming bored. His truth isn’t revealed until the end, and I was a bit surprised by the findings, although I had already figured out most of them. Regina is an adorable little fighter, and being inside her head was both humorous and fun. All characters were well fleshed out and three dimensional.
The pace is slow yet fast at the same time. Nothing that leaves your palms constantly sweating, but fast enough to hold attention and make an enjoyable treat.
Koontz’s style can differ depending on the novel. Here he comes off strong, not hampered down by unneeded prose, devoted to plot and the execution of character. His words are all beautifully phrased, straight forward, and complement what he set out to do – make a good story. I especially enjoyed how he brought disturbing points across with Vassago while not just spelling everything out. More effective that way.
Hideway is a great read. One of Koontz’s better serial killer works, it touches upon the supernatural and leaves the readers clues so they don’t become confused, but doesn’t reveal all until the final segments. The emotional stakes are strong and caused me to feel a sense of kinship with whom I was reading about.
Intriguing issues and moral points are brought up – from bringing back the dead, genetics, orphans and disabilities, the deaths of small children, bringing families closer together, and, of course, religion. This wasn’t a simple cat-and-mouse thriller, and Koontz added enough ‘different’ plot points to make this original in its own right.
If you’re a serial killer lover, a thriller chaser, a supernatural addict, or just another Koontz fan, Hideway is definitely worth your time.
November 13, 2008
I loved the characterization in this book. I have found that on the surface, Dean Koontz may appear to be a shallow, mass producer of books, but as I read more of them I realize how well-developed many of his characters are. He has a strong theme of the battle between good and evil in many of his books that I find I really enjoy. I particularly liked the big reveal at the end of this book that explained why the mian character Hatch was able to channel the demon Vassago. There was a movie made of this book which I have never seen and do not plan to after reading Dean Koontz's thoughts about it. The movie chnaged the book too much and took away the innocence of one of the key characters. I would reccomend this book to those who like religious undertones in telling a good vs. eveil story and who can handle the macabre nature of the story.
March 23, 2013
I read this in high school, I guess Dean Koontz is a good author if you haven't read the likes of John Steinbeck, Don Delillo, Thomas Pynchon, Douglas Coupland,Cormac McCrathy, Ken Kesey,or Martin Amis, to name a few. If you only get your books at airport gift shops, and you read mostly the likes of Janet Evanovich, John Grisham and Harlan Coban, what I would like to call the blockbuster writers, the Jason Bays and John Carpenters of the literature world. Writers that write for the big players, that write to a certine number of rules, so that the reader is only entertained, never awestruck or enlightened. There is something familiar and safe with authors such as Dean Koontz, which is why they are so popular.
July 1, 2013
-Fantasía urbana oscura cruzada con el thriller de asesino en serie.-
Género. Narrativa fantástica.
Lo que nos cuenta. Una pareja sufre un accidente y su coche termina incrustado en el lecho de un arroyo de agua helada. Ella sobrevive prácticamente ilesa pero él, Hatch Harrison, muere. Pero al llegar a un hospital con un pionero en técnicas avanzadas de reanimación, Hatch es traído de vuelta al mundo de los vivos. Pasado el tiempo, nota algo ha cambiado y experimenta visiones perturbadoras.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Género. Narrativa fantástica.
Lo que nos cuenta. Una pareja sufre un accidente y su coche termina incrustado en el lecho de un arroyo de agua helada. Ella sobrevive prácticamente ilesa pero él, Hatch Harrison, muere. Pero al llegar a un hospital con un pionero en técnicas avanzadas de reanimación, Hatch es traído de vuelta al mundo de los vivos. Pasado el tiempo, nota algo ha cambiado y experimenta visiones perturbadoras.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
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