Long before the film there was the written word. Long before we settled down in
front of video or now DVD players for our fright-fests, we would read tales of 
terror by candlelight.
For most, this has been lost, however there are still those that prefer the pages
to celluloid or even both and why not?
This section then is for you. To help you to search through the rubbish and find
stories worth your time to read. If you're an avid reader of horror novels then
why not join 'Castle Dracula' as an official 'staff member' reviewing them.
To do so, just click on the 'Join My Staff' link in the menu to the left for details
of this and other vacancies.

- Hideaway -
- Dean Koontz -

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. Intrigued yet?
Koontz tends to dabble on the supernatural side of things with this one more than 
others, and it definitely works. Take away the killing and stalking and you have 
something a bit unique. Besides all this, though, there are many subplot factors 
explored. The possible consequence about bringing people back from death, disabled 
children in orphanages, the loss of a child, finding peace through abuse and death, 
what lays beyond the grave, genetic inheritances, and finally, religion. Obviously 
a book Koontz writes could never be called fluffy and light; however, in this book 
he takes things a bit easier and doesn’t go for the overkill. 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.
Many of the killings are more hinted at than shown; it’s obvious to the reader 
what’s about to happen but no details are really given. This isn’t a cop out though, 
it was pretty damn effective - more effective than spelling it out anyway. Not to 
mention that reading some of ‘these’ details may be a bit too troubling to finish.
On the character side of the rainbow, '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.
His wife, 'Lindsey,' is a tough type of gal with a large heart.
'Regina' is adorable and her thoughts are always peppered with large doses of humor, 
vulnerability, and appealing adolescent traits.
'Vassago,' as the villain, is chilling as hell and certainly someone you would hate 
to run into in a dark alley somewhere off in Koontz-ville.
"Hideaway’s" atmosphere isn’t as bleak and starched out as some of his work, but 
the mood chosen here worked the best for what it was.
In short, 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 suspense 
of horror buff, swipe this one up fast – you won’t know what you’ve been missing 
until you’ve read it. 

Reviewed By Erin Williams.

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