Dean R. Koontz

Dean Ray Koontz was born on July 9, 1945 in Everett, Pennsylvania. He grew up in desperate poverty under the tyranny of a violent alcoholic father. Despite his childhood, he put himself through university and in 1967 he worked as an English Teacher at Mechanicsburg High School where in his spare time he wrote his first novel, Star Quest, that was published in 1968. From there he went on to author more than two dozen horror/suspense novels. Several of his books have reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list.

He is renowned for his skill at writing suspense. His strengths also include memorable characters, original ideas, and ability to mix horror, fantasy and humour. His weaknesses include a tendency to include too many similes and therefore to drag out descriptions, frequent use of similar plot structures, and a tendency to moralize heavily.

Koontz also has a very interesting way of adding his own little quirks...such as adding simple quotes from a book by the name of The Book of Counted Sorrows After serious events.... The Book of Counted Sorrows" of course, being a book of poetry that he wrote himself, and has yet to publish.

Koontz currently resides in Southern California with his wife Gerda, where, most of his stories take place.

Partial bibliography:

• The Face (2003)
• By the Light of the Moon (2002)
• One Door Away from Heaven (2002)
• Fear Nothing (1998)
• Seize the Night (1998)
• Intensity (1996)
• Dark Rivers of the Heart (1994)
• Dragon Tears (1993)
• Cold Fire (1991)
• The Bad Place (1990)
• Strangers (1987)
• Darkfall (1984)
• Phantoms (1983)
• The House of Thunder (1982)
• Whispers (1980)
• Face of Fear (1977)
• Demon Seed (1973)
• Chase (1972)
• Dance With The Devil (1972)
• Star Quest (1968)