The Darkest Evening Of The Year Book Review

In Dean Koontz' novel, "The Darkest Evening of the Year," Amy Redwing hides her past by dedicating her time and her life to an organization that she founded. Golden Heart saves the lives of golden retrievers, from shelters and abusive owners by placing them in "forever homes" and sometimes in Amy's own home. Her latest rescue, Nickie, is different than the other dogs she has rescued. Through this new friend, Amy will face her past along with Brian McCarthy, her "boyfriend" to whom she can't quite commit. Both must face the lives they left behind in order to continue their lives together.Fans of thrillers or Koontz novels and for dog-lovers everywhere will enjoy this book. Not only does it provide a suspenseful thriller, it also presents a unique view of dogs, particularly the golden retriever, and their importance and impact on human lives.I particularly liked the message of this novel. What I've come to love about Koontz' later novels is the spiritual messages - a theme of c
onnectivity and purpose in the lives of his characters. Not only do the human lives have purpose in "Darkest," but the canine lives do, as well.The only negative aspect of the novel, though, was the ending. For me, it was a little bit of a letdown. The entire novel built up with suspense right until the end, and for me, it was a tad disappointing. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the book, though, just that I felt a little disappointed at the end.After finishing "Darkest," I was left feeling the way that most Koontz novels make me feel - that all our lives are important and that the connections we have with the people we know are important on a level that maybe someday I'll understand. Koontz' novels make me feel that there is a purpose to life, a plan for us all. Just as I finish one of his novels, it leaves me wanting to read more Koontz novels.Dean Koontz has had published thrillers regularly since the 1970s, and his writing has only improved over the years. What began as
fairly simple horror/thriller novels have become masterpieces - a blending of thriller and spiritual/philosophical themes.For me, this novel attempts a similar message as another Koontz novel, "One Door Away from Heaven," and in my opinion, it doesn't do quite as good a job of conveying that message. For me, "One Door" was more entertaining, more suspenseful, and overall a more successful novel. Again, it's not that I didn't like "Darkest," but that for me, it just wasn't as successful. It is a good read, though, and I do recommend it.

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