Helpful Score: 6
This was another book in a string of books by Koontz that tends to follow the same path. Reminiscent of 'The Husband' this book is about a man, who is unknowingly dragged into a circumstance that he would rahter have no part of but handles brilliantly. Tim Carrier is just another guy having a drink in a friend's bar when he is approached by a man and mistakenly identified as a hit-man. Then a few moments later as he is trying to digest what is has just happened to him, he is mistakenly identified by the real hit-man as the person who has contacted him about a job. This sets Tim on a path of intrigue and danger that a normal mason would be ill equipped to handle. But then Tim is so much more than he appears to be at first glance.
I like how Koontz introduced us to the main characters with very little information about them, and throughout the book adds a few more details at a time, until finally we see who Tim and Linda really are. I enjoyed the book and really liked the way that everything was tied together in the end.
An enjoyable read, by one of my favorite authors, even if he does seem to have mellowed a bit with age. I enjoyed his earlier books that had elements of supernatural, but these books recently, that are basically thrillers, are okay.
I like how Koontz introduced us to the main characters with very little information about them, and throughout the book adds a few more details at a time, until finally we see who Tim and Linda really are. I enjoyed the book and really liked the way that everything was tied together in the end.
An enjoyable read, by one of my favorite authors, even if he does seem to have mellowed a bit with age. I enjoyed his earlier books that had elements of supernatural, but these books recently, that are basically thrillers, are okay.
Helpful Score: 6
While there has only been one Koontz book I couldn't force my way through, his stories tend to grab me and keep me reading ever spare second until I finish it or be enjoyaable, but put downable. This one definetly falls in the first category! From the first chapter, I was hooked. Full of loveable characters that you can't wait to learn more about and a plot that moves so fast you're on page 400 before you realize it!
Helpful Score: 6
I'm a Dean Koontz fan, have read most of his books, and believe this is one of his best. The pace is fast, and it's a scary story.
Helpful Score: 5
Once again I am amazed at this man's ability to write yet another pageturner and still not be listed as one of the "Seven Wonders of the World" LOL....I loved this book and unlike a box of chocolate was devoured guilt free.
A good friend of mine gave me this book. It was an great read. I think if you liked his last book The Husband. I think you'd like this book.
Helpful Score: 3
Dean Koontz always tells a good story. "The Good Guy" is a stay-up-late-to-finish-it type of book, starting with a likeable main character who is mistaken for a hit man. Suspense, romance, and talented writing combine to make this book a pleasure.
Helpful Score: 3
great book,couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
Helpful Score: 3
I am not a huge Dean Koontz fan (meaning that I have read only a handful of his books in recent years) but I did enjoy this one. The dialog is snappy and written in a style very similar to the Odd series. The plot unfolds at a pace that will keep you reading. My only complaint about this book is that most of the character development takes place in the final few chapters - until the characters' secrets are revealed I did not feel that I really knew them. Had the characters been better fleshed out during the earlier stages of the story I would have enjoyed it more. However, overall the book was an enjoyable beach read.
Helpful Score: 3
Sitting in a bar having a drink he is mistaken for an assasin and gets a contract to kill a lady he has never met. Now he has to save the lady and find out who the real assasin is. This is one of Koontz best and I really enjoyed it.
Helpful Score: 3
This was an enjoyable fast-paced novel about a psychotic hit man, a man mistaken for the psychotic hit man, and a woman marked for death, another thrilling and suspenseful page-turner with much the same feel as the last book by Dean Koontz, 'The Husband,' although I did enjoy this one a smidgen more. The characters were much more interesting! Koontz seems to have switched genres. I prefer his older works of horror over his latest mystery and thriller types, but I am still a big fan!
Helpful Score: 3
This was a fast moving book with a different twist than most of Dean Koontz's books. I liked it.
Helpful Score: 3
This was a great read-I enjoyed the flow of words & expression..one of his best.
Helpful Score: 2
I liked this book much better than "The Husband." I thought it had a good premise and kept my interest piqued throughout. I hope he continues to write more in this style.
Helpful Score: 2
This is the BEST Dean Koontz book I've ever read! The main character Tim is intriqing from the very first page. And the banter between him his friends and the leading lady are priceless and so much fun to read.
Another thing that really makes me love this book is how deep, close, & personal we get a look at the "bad guy". Most writers do not come anywhere near to bringing their characters to life like Mr. Koontz does with him. I felt like I really knew him, wanted to know more, to figure him out. Mr Koontz does a perfect job of pacing the story, never boring, just enough revealed right when it was needed.
I like Dean Koontz, but am not a big fan of his books that vear off into paranormal plots, this book does not do that. It stays real and believable till the very end.
I did not want it to end!!
Another thing that really makes me love this book is how deep, close, & personal we get a look at the "bad guy". Most writers do not come anywhere near to bringing their characters to life like Mr. Koontz does with him. I felt like I really knew him, wanted to know more, to figure him out. Mr Koontz does a perfect job of pacing the story, never boring, just enough revealed right when it was needed.
I like Dean Koontz, but am not a big fan of his books that vear off into paranormal plots, this book does not do that. It stays real and believable till the very end.
I did not want it to end!!
Helpful Score: 2
Another good Dean Koontz book. He has become very adept at giving his readers a suspense novel with a unique concept. The first chapter of "The Good Guy" sets up yet another intriguing concept. A man sitting in a bar is mistaken for a hired killer and given $10,000 and information on a woman he is to murder. Before he realizes what has happened, the man is gone. A few minutes later he's approached by the real killer. He passes the killer the money but tells him he has changed his mind and no longer wants the woman killed. It doesn't take the killer long to realize that a mistake was made and soon he is after both of them.
Koontz had a great concept for this novel and he comes close but doesn't quite deliver. Suspense is built effectively, however, there are very few twists and turns in the plot, and those that are provided are not satisfying. Not a bad novel if you can overlook the flawed premise and are willing to accept a highly improbable resolution.
Koontz had a great concept for this novel and he comes close but doesn't quite deliver. Suspense is built effectively, however, there are very few twists and turns in the plot, and those that are provided are not satisfying. Not a bad novel if you can overlook the flawed premise and are willing to accept a highly improbable resolution.
Helpful Score: 2
I couldn't wait to read this book and was a little disappointed. It's a good book but not as good as some of his I've read.
Helpful Score: 2
I have to say that I enjoyed THE GOOD GUY a whole lot more than THE HUSBAND, which I didn't even finish. Although there's no paranormal elements to this book, like my favorite Koontz books have, this is a pretty good thriller.
Tim Carrier is the quiet, stay-out-of-the-way-and-disappear-into-the-shadows type of guy. That seems to be working fine, until a customer walks into the bar where Tim's at and mistakes him for a hired killer. Before he can rectify the mistake, another man enters, and it doesn't take Tim long to figure out that THIS man is the REAL killer. It also becomes quite clear that offering the hit man money to not kill anyone isn't going to work.
What follows is Tim doing what Tim does best -- taking on the problems of others as if it were his mission. As the humble mason tracks down Linda, the woman the hit man was going to be hired to kill, the story turns into a book version of the TV show "24."
There's action-adventure here, and well-drawn characters (the villain, by far, is the most interesting character in the book), and a plausible story line. I really enjoyed THE GOOD GUY!
Tim Carrier is the quiet, stay-out-of-the-way-and-disappear-into-the-shadows type of guy. That seems to be working fine, until a customer walks into the bar where Tim's at and mistakes him for a hired killer. Before he can rectify the mistake, another man enters, and it doesn't take Tim long to figure out that THIS man is the REAL killer. It also becomes quite clear that offering the hit man money to not kill anyone isn't going to work.
What follows is Tim doing what Tim does best -- taking on the problems of others as if it were his mission. As the humble mason tracks down Linda, the woman the hit man was going to be hired to kill, the story turns into a book version of the TV show "24."
There's action-adventure here, and well-drawn characters (the villain, by far, is the most interesting character in the book), and a plausible story line. I really enjoyed THE GOOD GUY!
Helpful Score: 2
Very suspensful and entertaining. Interesting characters. I'm liking Dean Koontz's novels more of late...this is a good read.
Helpful Score: 1
As always, Koontz's books never fail. This was a very good book, though I thought the plot was sort of similar to "The Husband" and "Velocity". While there might not have been as many shocking plot twists and revelations as some of Koontz's material, this book includes a lot of dialogue between the characters, which I love, because Koontz makes them so witty and likeable.
Helpful Score: 1
I am a big fan of Dean Koontz. He is a terrific writer, but this is not his best book. The character development and dialogue is very good, the story is fast paced and suspenseful, but the book comes to a rather abrupt end after the denouement. I was left feeling unsatisfied. It would not surprise me to learn that this was a manuscript that Koontz dug out of a closet, updated, and sent to his publisher to meet a publication deadline. I can only give The Good Guy 3 stars.
The plot line is one that Konntz has used successfully many times before. An ordinary guy comes to the aid of an attractive woman whom he must protect from unspeakable evil. The two of them become a good team, overcome their adversary, decide they like each other, etc. etc.
The book is sprinkled with fun Koontz prose: Under a charcoal sky lay a soot-black sea. Like gray smoke, the froth on the low waves drifted ashore, dissipating on an ashen beach. Unfortunately, the obligatory 4 legged (dog) character found in all of Koontzs books only makes a cameo appearance in this one. Additionally, the villain in this piece failed to creep me out. The bad guy was definitely bad. I certainly didnt like him, but he did not give me the chills that many of Koontzs other antagonists have.
Buy this one is only if you already like Koontz. Dont make it the first Koontz book you read... I recommend Watchers for your maiden voyage.
The plot line is one that Konntz has used successfully many times before. An ordinary guy comes to the aid of an attractive woman whom he must protect from unspeakable evil. The two of them become a good team, overcome their adversary, decide they like each other, etc. etc.
The book is sprinkled with fun Koontz prose: Under a charcoal sky lay a soot-black sea. Like gray smoke, the froth on the low waves drifted ashore, dissipating on an ashen beach. Unfortunately, the obligatory 4 legged (dog) character found in all of Koontzs books only makes a cameo appearance in this one. Additionally, the villain in this piece failed to creep me out. The bad guy was definitely bad. I certainly didnt like him, but he did not give me the chills that many of Koontzs other antagonists have.
Buy this one is only if you already like Koontz. Dont make it the first Koontz book you read... I recommend Watchers for your maiden voyage.
Helpful Score: 1
This was definitely a typical Dean Koontz book. Guy helps girl out of a problem she has no idea how she got into. It had some good parts but it was also predictable.
Helpful Score: 1
I was able to get into this book immediately from page 1. Great read, great story. I really enjoyed it. I haven't read Koontz for many years but will revisit more of his newer titles. Recommended!
Fast paced and full of suspense. I liked it, but like The Husband, it's not one of my favorite Koontz novels. It was scary though, so it kept me interested (unlike The Husband).
Helpful Score: 1
After listening to Dean Koontz's interview at books.thatdgirl.com , I just had to buy this book, and I'm glad I did. Mr. Koontz is the master at creating interesting and likeable characters in strange and compelling situations. As usual a page-turning novel that practically reads itself. I read it in one sitting, it was that much fun.
Helpful Score: 1
Wow! Another great book by Koontz......I couldnt put it down!
Helpful Score: 1
This felt more like a John Sandford book than one by Dean Koontz. A cat-and-mouse thriller where the relentless killer may have met his match in Tim Carrier. While I enjoyed the story, the buildup behind Tim's mysterious past and his mother's admonition to, "Just be you," felt cheesy and anticlimatic when the truth was finally known.
Helpful Score: 1
OHH I liked this book.. I usually like all koontz stories and this one really was different! I loved it.. how do theses guys think this stuff up? The problem is he has written so many I sometimes forget which ones i read.. but this one I wont forget! what a surprising story and it never got boring... this kept me up late wondering what the heck was going to happen yet.. and it makes you think.. what would you do if this happened to you??? Koontz writing is not getting stale as some writers who are very prolific can.. where you can pretty much know how its going to go in every book... but not Koontz! he keeps me interested and up late.. in fact I think he is getting even better and coming up with even better story lines.. this man must have an amazing imagination...
Helpful Score: 1
This is a great book! I loved the characters in this story. It was a very fast read for me. The plot was highly enjoyable.
Helpful Score: 1
This was my first Koontz read and I enjoyed it so much I read it in two days. I loved the plot and the characters. A great thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat till the end.
Helpful Score: 1
"Pulse-pounding" was a well chosen description. As every great Koontz book, 'The Good Guy' ropes you into the circumstances until you find yourself holding your breath when you turn a page! Great read!
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. The main characters were believable, and I felt connected to them. The bad guy was really, really bad. I enjoyed the whole book. It was a pretty quick read, I made it through in a couple of days, and I was interested the whole time.
Helpful Score: 1
My husband and I both really enjoyed this book. Neither of us was able to put it down. I didn't realize Dean Koontz wrote other than horro, and was pleasently surprised.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this story & once you discover the main character's background, you want to read it again.
Helpful Score: 1
Koontz always write scary novels - but this one was sooo creepy! It had me checking the windows and doors. Lots of fun to read in the daytime.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is fantastic, on the edge, & entertaining. I loved it.
Helpful Score: 1
I am a big fan of Dean Koontz. He is a terrific writer, but this is not his best book. The character development and dialogue is very good, the story is fast paced and suspenseful, but the book comes to a rather abrupt end after the denouement. I was left feeling unsatisfied. It would not surprise me to learn that this was a manuscript that Koontz dug out of a closet, updated, and sent to his publisher to meet a publication deadline. I can only give The Good Guy 3 stars.
The plot line is one that Konntz has used successfully many times before. An ordinary guy comes to the aid of an attractive woman who he must protect from unspeakable evil. The two of them become a good team, overcome their adversary, decide they like each other, etc. etc.
The book is sprinkled with fun Koontz prose: Under a charcoal sky lay a soot-black sea. Like gray smoke, the froth on the low waves drifted ashore, dissipating on an ashen beach. Unfortunately, the obligatory 4 legged (dog) character found in all of Koontzs books only makes a cameo appearance in this one. Additionally, the villain in this piece failed to creep me out. The bad guy was definitely bad. I certainly didnt like him, but he did not give me the chills that many of Koontzs other antagonists have.
Buy this one is only if you already like Koontz. Dont make it the first Koontz book you read... I recommend Watchers for your maiden voyage.
The plot line is one that Konntz has used successfully many times before. An ordinary guy comes to the aid of an attractive woman who he must protect from unspeakable evil. The two of them become a good team, overcome their adversary, decide they like each other, etc. etc.
The book is sprinkled with fun Koontz prose: Under a charcoal sky lay a soot-black sea. Like gray smoke, the froth on the low waves drifted ashore, dissipating on an ashen beach. Unfortunately, the obligatory 4 legged (dog) character found in all of Koontzs books only makes a cameo appearance in this one. Additionally, the villain in this piece failed to creep me out. The bad guy was definitely bad. I certainly didnt like him, but he did not give me the chills that many of Koontzs other antagonists have.
Buy this one is only if you already like Koontz. Dont make it the first Koontz book you read... I recommend Watchers for your maiden voyage.
Helpful Score: 1
Some unsuspecting guy gets caught up in trying to save a woman who is being hunted by a murderer. The hit man is a memorable character.
Helpful Score: 1
Classic Koontz...he NEVER disappoints!
An ordinary man having a drink in a bar is mistaken for a hit man and given half of the money to kill a woman, the rest to be delivered to him when the job is complete. What happens next is a very exciting roller-coaster ride. A very satisfying read.
Another beauty by koontz.
I am a big fan of Dean Koontz. He is a terrific writer, but this is not his best book. The character development and dialogue is very good, the story is fast paced and suspenseful, but the book comes to a rather abrupt end after the denouement. I was left feeling unsatisfied. It would not surprise me to learn that this was a manuscript that Koontz dug out of a closet, updated, and sent to his publisher to meet a publication deadline. I can only give The Good Guy 3 stars.
The plot line is one that Konntz has used successfully many times before. An ordinary guy comes to the aid of an attractive woman who he must protect from unspeakable evil. The two of them become a good team, overcome their adversary, decide they like each other, etc. etc.
The book is sprinkled with fun Koontz prose: Under a charcoal sky lay a soot-black sea. Like gray smoke, the froth on the low waves drifted ashore, dissipating on an ashen beach. Unfortunately, the obligatory 4 legged (dog) character found in all of Koontzs books only makes a cameo appearance in this one. Additionally, the villain in this piece failed to creep me out. The bad guy was definitely bad. I certainly didnt like him, but he did not give me the chills that many of Koontzs other antagonists have.
Buy this one is only if you already like Koontz. Dont make it the first Koontz book you read... I recommend Watchers for your maiden voyage.
The plot line is one that Konntz has used successfully many times before. An ordinary guy comes to the aid of an attractive woman who he must protect from unspeakable evil. The two of them become a good team, overcome their adversary, decide they like each other, etc. etc.
The book is sprinkled with fun Koontz prose: Under a charcoal sky lay a soot-black sea. Like gray smoke, the froth on the low waves drifted ashore, dissipating on an ashen beach. Unfortunately, the obligatory 4 legged (dog) character found in all of Koontzs books only makes a cameo appearance in this one. Additionally, the villain in this piece failed to creep me out. The bad guy was definitely bad. I certainly didnt like him, but he did not give me the chills that many of Koontzs other antagonists have.
Buy this one is only if you already like Koontz. Dont make it the first Koontz book you read... I recommend Watchers for your maiden voyage.
Awesome page turner. Very suspenseful. Great character development. If you liked "The Husband", you'll like this one.
A riveting read from one of my favorite writers! The story was fast paced and the characters rich. Loved it!
I am a big fan of Dean Koontz. He is a terrific writer, but this is not his best book. The character development and dialogue is very good, the story is fast paced and suspenseful, but the book comes to a rather abrupt end after the denouement. I was left feeling unsatisfied. It would not surprise me to learn that this was a manuscript that Koontz dug out of a closet, updated, and sent to his publisher to meet a publication deadline. I can only give The Good Guy 3 stars.
The plot line is one that Konntz has used successfully many times before. An ordinary guy comes to the aid of an attractive woman who he must protect from unspeakable evil. The two of them become a good team, overcome their adversary, decide they like each other, etc. etc.
The book is sprinkled with fun Koontz prose: Under a charcoal sky lay a soot-black sea. Like gray smoke, the froth on the low waves drifted ashore, dissipating on an ashen beach. Unfortunately, the obligatory 4 legged (dog) character found in all of Koontzs books only makes a cameo appearance in this one. Additionally, the villain in this piece failed to creep me out. The bad guy was definitely bad. I certainly didnt like him, but he did not give me the chills that many of Koontzs other antagonists have.
Buy this one is only if you already like Koontz. Dont make it the first Koontz book you read... I recommend Watchers for your maiden voyage.
The plot line is one that Konntz has used successfully many times before. An ordinary guy comes to the aid of an attractive woman who he must protect from unspeakable evil. The two of them become a good team, overcome their adversary, decide they like each other, etc. etc.
The book is sprinkled with fun Koontz prose: Under a charcoal sky lay a soot-black sea. Like gray smoke, the froth on the low waves drifted ashore, dissipating on an ashen beach. Unfortunately, the obligatory 4 legged (dog) character found in all of Koontzs books only makes a cameo appearance in this one. Additionally, the villain in this piece failed to creep me out. The bad guy was definitely bad. I certainly didnt like him, but he did not give me the chills that many of Koontzs other antagonists have.
Buy this one is only if you already like Koontz. Dont make it the first Koontz book you read... I recommend Watchers for your maiden voyage.
I do not read Dean Koontz novels often. Generally, my impression of the books I have read by him have been consistently above-average. This novel drew me in and held my interest all the way to the climatic point. I was not quite as sold on the "ah-ha" moment when the protagonist and antagonist meet up.
In the grand scheme of Koontz novels, this one only met the "Like It" rating.
In the grand scheme of Koontz novels, this one only met the "Like It" rating.
I am a big fan of Dean Koontz. He is a terrific writer, but this is not his best book. The character development and dialogue is very good, the story is fast paced and suspenseful, but the book comes to a rather abrupt end after the denouement. I was left feeling unsatisfied. It would not surprise me to learn that this was a manuscript that Koontz dug out of a closet, updated, and sent to his publisher to meet a publication deadline. I can only give The Good Guy 3 stars.
The plot line is one that Konntz has used successfully many times before. An ordinary guy comes to the aid of an attractive woman who he must protect from unspeakable evil. The two of them become a good team, overcome their adversary, decide they like each other, etc. etc.
The book is sprinkled with fun Koontz prose: Under a charcoal sky lay a soot-black sea. Like gray smoke, the froth on the low waves drifted ashore, dissipating on an ashen beach. Unfortunately, the obligatory 4 legged (dog) character found in all of Koontzs books only makes a cameo appearance in this one. Additionally, the villain in this piece failed to creep me out. The bad guy was definitely bad. I certainly didnt like him, but he did not give me the chills that many of Koontzs other antagonists have.
Buy this one is only if you already like Koontz. Dont make it the first Koontz book you read... I recommend Watchers for your maiden voyage.
The plot line is one that Konntz has used successfully many times before. An ordinary guy comes to the aid of an attractive woman who he must protect from unspeakable evil. The two of them become a good team, overcome their adversary, decide they like each other, etc. etc.
The book is sprinkled with fun Koontz prose: Under a charcoal sky lay a soot-black sea. Like gray smoke, the froth on the low waves drifted ashore, dissipating on an ashen beach. Unfortunately, the obligatory 4 legged (dog) character found in all of Koontzs books only makes a cameo appearance in this one. Additionally, the villain in this piece failed to creep me out. The bad guy was definitely bad. I certainly didnt like him, but he did not give me the chills that many of Koontzs other antagonists have.
Buy this one is only if you already like Koontz. Dont make it the first Koontz book you read... I recommend Watchers for your maiden voyage.
This was another Koontz fast paced thriller that wraps up a little to nicely at the end, but overall worth reading especially if you need/want a good thriller that won't take long to read.
Another excellent thriller by a great author. It keeps you on the edge of your seat from cover to cover.
not as good as the husband but still pretty good
This is a fun book. A lot of action and suspense!
Another great Koontz, loved the reluctant hero. Hard to put down.
This is one of those books that you can't put down. Lots of twists.
Another good Koontz book.
This pulse-pounding thriller starts with a terrifying decision: Help - or run. Timothy Carrier is an ordinary guy who enjoys a beer after work. But tonight is no ordinary night. The jittery man sitting beside him has mistaken Tim for someone else - and passes him an envelope stuffed with cash and the photo of a pretty woman. "Ten thousand now. You get the rest when she's gone." Now everything he thought he knew - even about himself - will be challenged. For Tim Carrier is the one man who can save an innocent life and stop a killer as relentless as evil incarnate. But first he must discover resources within himself that will transform his idea of who he is and what it takes to be...The Good Guy.
Holy sheep dip! I hope this never happens to me.
Amazing tension, suspense, romance, deceit and action.
Multi layered characters that unfold slowly and perfectly.
Great pace. Grabs your attention quickly.
Amazing tension, suspense, romance, deceit and action.
Multi layered characters that unfold slowly and perfectly.
Great pace. Grabs your attention quickly.
Rather a good thriller. Easy to read and very fast moving.
While this book is undoubtedly a page turner from the action, once the action is done, I was left with a feeling of let down and supreme dissatisfaction with the plot. Plainly put, this is not Koontz's best work. The villain is scary but one-dimensional, and well, just plain weird. It's a little tricky to explain without giving any spoilers, but the plot did not hang together for me. The threads that are supposed to tie it all together at the end come off as more of an afterthought, as if the author suddenly smacks his head and says, "DOH! I forgot to explain who hired the creepy guy and why! I'd better throw in something fast so I can end this and go have a beer." Pity -- the premise of this one was intriguing, which is why I perservered to the end. My husband stopped after chapter 8.
I was a little skeptical about this book at first but the long drawn out descriptions that usually get to me with Dean Koontz's writing were not as bad in this book and I breezed right through it. I enjoyed the thrill ride each chapter presented and the villain was much more intriguing.
Great book. I loved the story.
Timothy Carrier is an ordinary guy who enjoys a beer after work. But tonight is no ordinary night. The jittery man sitting beside him has mistaken Tim for someone else-and passes him an envelope stuffed with cash and the photo of a pretty woman. Now everything he thought he knew-even about himself-will be challenged. For Tim Carrier is the one man who can save an innocent life and stop a killer as relentless as evil incarnate. But first he must discover resources within himself that will transform his idea of who he is and what is takes to be........THE GOOD GUY
