What do you think?
Rate this book
Going Home in the Dark
When hometown horrors come back to haunt, friendship is salvation in a novel about childhood fears and buried secrets by #1 New York Times bestselling master of suspense Dean Koontz.
As kids, outcasts Rebecca, Bobby, Spencer, and Ernie were inseparable friends in the idyllic town of Maple Grove. Three left to pursue lofty dreams―and achieved them. Only Ernie never left. When he falls into a coma, his three amigos feel an urgent need to return home. Don’t they remember people lapsing into comas back then? And those people always awoke…didn’t they?
After two decades, not a lot has changed in Maple Grove, especially Ernie’s obnoxious, scary mother. But Rebecca, Bobby, and Spencer begin to remember a hulking, murderous figure and weirdness piled on mystery that they were made to forget. As Ernie sinks deeper into darkness, something strange awaits any friend who tries to save him.
For Rebecca, Bobby, and Spencer, time is running out to remember the terrors of the past in a perfect town where nothing is what it seems. For Maple Grove, it’s a chance to have the “four amigos,” as they once called themselves, back in its grasp.
As kids, outcasts Rebecca, Bobby, Spencer, and Ernie were inseparable friends in the idyllic town of Maple Grove. Three left to pursue lofty dreams―and achieved them. Only Ernie never left. When he falls into a coma, his three amigos feel an urgent need to return home. Don’t they remember people lapsing into comas back then? And those people always awoke…didn’t they?
After two decades, not a lot has changed in Maple Grove, especially Ernie’s obnoxious, scary mother. But Rebecca, Bobby, and Spencer begin to remember a hulking, murderous figure and weirdness piled on mystery that they were made to forget. As Ernie sinks deeper into darkness, something strange awaits any friend who tries to save him.
For Rebecca, Bobby, and Spencer, time is running out to remember the terrors of the past in a perfect town where nothing is what it seems. For Maple Grove, it’s a chance to have the “four amigos,” as they once called themselves, back in its grasp.
395 pages, Hardcover
First published May 20, 2025
5653 people are currently reading
14268 people want to read
About the author
Dean Koontz
906 books39.6k 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 731 reviews
June 6, 2025
This book is about a close knit of friends that return to their childhood home town as one member of this group has fallen into a coma. There is more to this than just a regular coma.
I hate to say this but it might be time for me to breakup with Dean Koontz. It has been my longest relationship but what has happened to him? This book might be the final straw that breaks the camel's back. What was this? Nothing really worked. I will start with the characters. The group was alright individually but together they irked me. The reason for this was because they were the "amigos". I would be okay with this but I was reminded about it over and over and over. I shouted once is that "I get it". Then add to the characters Koontz himself. He would explain something to us about writing style or a meaning of a word as if he did not trust his readers. I bet he thought this was quirky. It was not. As for the mystery I was interested in it until the payoff. Just no. It was flown thru at the end and in a word nonsensical. The only thing I enjoyed in this book was a quick nod to his own book Watchers. Ah. The good old days with Koontz when I loved everything he wrote. I miss those days.
Obviously author's writing styles change over the years. I wish I could say for the better for Koontz. This book was trying to be things that it never accomplished. The way it was written too was annoying. I would have to go thru all of his novels but this might be his worst novel ever.
I hate to say this but it might be time for me to breakup with Dean Koontz. It has been my longest relationship but what has happened to him? This book might be the final straw that breaks the camel's back. What was this? Nothing really worked. I will start with the characters. The group was alright individually but together they irked me. The reason for this was because they were the "amigos". I would be okay with this but I was reminded about it over and over and over. I shouted once is that "I get it". Then add to the characters Koontz himself. He would explain something to us about writing style or a meaning of a word as if he did not trust his readers. I bet he thought this was quirky. It was not. As for the mystery I was interested in it until the payoff. Just no. It was flown thru at the end and in a word nonsensical. The only thing I enjoyed in this book was a quick nod to his own book Watchers. Ah. The good old days with Koontz when I loved everything he wrote. I miss those days.
Obviously author's writing styles change over the years. I wish I could say for the better for Koontz. This book was trying to be things that it never accomplished. The way it was written too was annoying. I would have to go thru all of his novels but this might be his worst novel ever.
Read
May 21, 2025When I tell you I've been a fan of Dean Koontz for a long time ... I mean for the last 34 freakin years I have adored this man and his books. Until this one. WTF did I just read? Everything about this was completely off. It was as if DK didn't even write this, but some kind of bot pretending and then utterly failing to be him, produced this bs. Is that the problem? Has our beloved author been replaced? I feel like such a traitor at this point for not liking the book but holy hell it was just awful. Fingers, toes and knees crossed the next book makes up for this. In the meantime I’ll be in mourning over the thought that I didn’t like a DK book for the first time in my life.
May 27, 2025
Awful book. Boring story of childhood friends reuniting in their hometown because their other friend is in a coma. I envied that friend throughout this novel. A nice, long deep sleep may make me forget I ever read this. Anyway, there is something evil in this town they have to vanquish. Sounds fun, right? But, this book is boring as hell. There are no scares. There is never a sense that anyone is in real jeopardy. I wouldn’t have cared if they were.
But, there is a horrifying aspect of this book. It’s the fact that Dean Koontz narrates the story to you. He constantly interrupts the story with observations he thinks are funny, but they just come off as smug. He rambles on and on. It’s so unfunny. Is he trying to make a satirical point about writers? I don’t know. Whatever his intention, it really pads this already super-thin story with unnecessary pages.
For Dean Koontz completists only!
But, there is a horrifying aspect of this book. It’s the fact that Dean Koontz narrates the story to you. He constantly interrupts the story with observations he thinks are funny, but they just come off as smug. He rambles on and on. It’s so unfunny. Is he trying to make a satirical point about writers? I don’t know. Whatever his intention, it really pads this already super-thin story with unnecessary pages.
For Dean Koontz completists only!
May 24, 2025
I’ve been an avid fan of Dean Koontz for 40 years. I love him, his writing, his imagination & his sense of justice. Dean brings to his books comedy, horror, joy & a beautiful sense of community & love. I order his books without concern, I know I won’t be disappointed.
Unfortunately this book has unravelled my trust & has left me with ‘what the hell did I just read’? This is not a Dean Koontz novel, this is trash!
The first few chapters had me questioning the writing style but because it’s Dean Koontz I decided the style was quirky as Dean is quirky so I read on. About the halfway mark I started skimming pages, then I started skipping pages, then chapters, then I paged to the last chapter where I found no satisfaction in the aftermath of the “Amigos” adventure & their settled lives.
‘Disappointed’ is not a word big enough to describe how this book left me feeling.
Can someone please find Dean Koontz & release him from the suspended animation that obviously some evil competitive Author has left him in. We need Dean Koontz back to write again.
Unfortunately this book has unravelled my trust & has left me with ‘what the hell did I just read’? This is not a Dean Koontz novel, this is trash!
The first few chapters had me questioning the writing style but because it’s Dean Koontz I decided the style was quirky as Dean is quirky so I read on. About the halfway mark I started skimming pages, then I started skipping pages, then chapters, then I paged to the last chapter where I found no satisfaction in the aftermath of the “Amigos” adventure & their settled lives.
‘Disappointed’ is not a word big enough to describe how this book left me feeling.
Can someone please find Dean Koontz & release him from the suspended animation that obviously some evil competitive Author has left him in. We need Dean Koontz back to write again.
June 22, 2025
This is not my normal read, like at all. But the vibes were so fun and creepy and exactly what I imagined a Dean Koontz book to include. I would definitely read another one at some point in the future. Full review to come.
Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥
Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥
May 22, 2025
I can't even believe this book was written by Dean Koontz. I don't often give one star but this deserves it. This marks the end of me pre-ordering any books by Dean Koontz. If I never hear the word "amigos" again it will be too soon. Ugh ...
June 22, 2025
3.5 Stars (rounded up)
Imagine, if you will, Lemony Snicket wrote a less scary version of Stephen King's It. This book is what I imagine that book would be. If you are expecting your usual Koontz reading experience, don't. There is the not too terribly scary supernatural storyline but where he deviates from the expected is throughout the book he breaks through the fourth wall in a super snarky Snicket tone.
Some of it is amusing, like when he forgoes identifying the speaker in the interest of moving the story forward faster, the dialogue is there for you to figure out which character said what. Interestingly, there were times I found the author's intrusion actually slowed the story down unnecessarily, and that was annoying.
This won't appeal to everyone but I liked it. Considering he has published over a 100+ books and still writes 2 novels a year, if he wants to get a little weird with this latest one, that's a-okay with me.
Imagine, if you will, Lemony Snicket wrote a less scary version of Stephen King's It. This book is what I imagine that book would be. If you are expecting your usual Koontz reading experience, don't. There is the not too terribly scary supernatural storyline but where he deviates from the expected is throughout the book he breaks through the fourth wall in a super snarky Snicket tone.
Some of it is amusing, like when he forgoes identifying the speaker in the interest of moving the story forward faster, the dialogue is there for you to figure out which character said what. Interestingly, there were times I found the author's intrusion actually slowed the story down unnecessarily, and that was annoying.
This won't appeal to everyone but I liked it. Considering he has published over a 100+ books and still writes 2 novels a year, if he wants to get a little weird with this latest one, that's a-okay with me.
May 23, 2025
What???
I was super excited about this book, big mistake. I had to force myself to finish it. The writing style and plot was awful, the best part of this book was the end.
I was super excited about this book, big mistake. I had to force myself to finish it. The writing style and plot was awful, the best part of this book was the end.
June 20, 2025
When hometown horrors come back to haunt, friendship is salvation in a novel about childhood fears and buried secrets.
As teenagers in the idyllic town of Maple Grove, social outcasts Rebecca, Bobby, Spencer and Ernie become inseparable friends in response to the grim reality of their day-to-day lives. Growing up, the "Four Amigos", their childhood name for their little group, are there for each other no matter what, until three of them leave Maple Grove to pursue their dreams, leaving Ernie behind. Even when Rebecca, Bobby and Spencer achieve success in their chosen fields, they remain as loyal to one another as ever, and also to Ernie, who is still in Maple Grove.
Years later Ernie falls into a coma, and his three friends experience an urgent need to return home. They have the strangest feeling that they remember people lapsing into comas before...but those people always woke up… didn’t they?
Returning after 20-years away, they find that not much has changed in Maple Grove, especially Ernie’s obnoxious, scary mother. Rebecca, Bobby and Spencer begin to remember things...things like a hulking, murderous figure and other weird and disturbing memories that they were somehow made to forget. As Ernie sinks deeper into darkness, something strange and deadly awaits any friend who tries to save him.
This is a typical dean Koonz novel and at the same time it's not. It’s a comic novel with suspense. If you are a Dean Koonz fan and i am... then you will read every word to very end. If this is your first Dean Koontz story, you might want to start with one of his earlier novels. I can't imagine that there is anyone in the United States of America that hasn't read at least ONE offering by this author.
As teenagers in the idyllic town of Maple Grove, social outcasts Rebecca, Bobby, Spencer and Ernie become inseparable friends in response to the grim reality of their day-to-day lives. Growing up, the "Four Amigos", their childhood name for their little group, are there for each other no matter what, until three of them leave Maple Grove to pursue their dreams, leaving Ernie behind. Even when Rebecca, Bobby and Spencer achieve success in their chosen fields, they remain as loyal to one another as ever, and also to Ernie, who is still in Maple Grove.
Years later Ernie falls into a coma, and his three friends experience an urgent need to return home. They have the strangest feeling that they remember people lapsing into comas before...but those people always woke up… didn’t they?
Returning after 20-years away, they find that not much has changed in Maple Grove, especially Ernie’s obnoxious, scary mother. Rebecca, Bobby and Spencer begin to remember things...things like a hulking, murderous figure and other weird and disturbing memories that they were somehow made to forget. As Ernie sinks deeper into darkness, something strange and deadly awaits any friend who tries to save him.
This is a typical dean Koonz novel and at the same time it's not. It’s a comic novel with suspense. If you are a Dean Koonz fan and i am... then you will read every word to very end. If this is your first Dean Koontz story, you might want to start with one of his earlier novels. I can't imagine that there is anyone in the United States of America that hasn't read at least ONE offering by this author.
June 1, 2025
I greatly admire the imagination that Dean Koontz has! The first book I read by him was Odd Thomas, which was given to me by someone who worked on the airforce base I worked on years ago. I have been a fan ever since. I think there's going to be a lot of mixed reviews about this book, but as for me, I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was so unique, and I was just drawn in right from the beginning! It was told in the past and present of the lives of a close-knit group of friends, which I love. Ernie's mom Britta was certainly a trip. At first, I thought her uncouthness was funny but then came to really dislike her and how she treated people, particularly her son. I liked how there was good verse evil and getting to know the conflicting personalities of the two fungus Alpha and Beta. This book was just so peculiar and fun!!
April 28, 2025
Okay, now what did I just read?
I've read a few Dean Koontz books over the last few years, and every time, he flummoxes me and trips me up. I think I'm not going on that crazy journey again, and he draws me in with another story filled with strangeness!
This time the story revolves around the four amigos: Rebecca, Bobby, Spencer and Ernie. Having grown up in Maple Grove as a group of misfits or nerds, three of them leave town to find their fortunes, but the news of their fourth amigo, Ernie, being in a coma, brings them back to the place they have avoided for many years.
There's something strange in the town. They knew it. They just didn't exactly know what.And, did they really want to find out?
I'm not even going to try and describe the story... But it is filled with the weirdest, strangest happenings, and as the story gained momentum, I sped through it!
I've read a few Dean Koontz books over the last few years, and every time, he flummoxes me and trips me up. I think I'm not going on that crazy journey again, and he draws me in with another story filled with strangeness!
This time the story revolves around the four amigos: Rebecca, Bobby, Spencer and Ernie. Having grown up in Maple Grove as a group of misfits or nerds, three of them leave town to find their fortunes, but the news of their fourth amigo, Ernie, being in a coma, brings them back to the place they have avoided for many years.
There's something strange in the town. They knew it. They just didn't exactly know what.And, did they really want to find out?
I'm not even going to try and describe the story... But it is filled with the weirdest, strangest happenings, and as the story gained momentum, I sped through it!
Read
June 1, 2025DNF. I got thru to the fifth chapter and skimmed the rest to see if it would get better.
This is not the Dean Koontz I've read over the years. It starts out boring and he interjects an explanation for certain words as if you are ignorant. I'm hoping he never writes like this ever again.
This is not the Dean Koontz I've read over the years. It starts out boring and he interjects an explanation for certain words as if you are ignorant. I'm hoping he never writes like this ever again.
September 1, 2025
dnf @12%, hard to believe this is the work of Dean Koontz.
I was introduced to the novels of Dean Koontz by one of my patients when I was working at MCI Concord........specifically the Odd Thomas series, a solid 4⭐️ series for me 😎, highly recommend for fans of the supernatural mystery/horror/thriller. Had the chance to read a few subsequent, non-Odd, novels over the years (pre-gr years) and was equally enamored.
BUT THIS?!? WTF is THIS?!? .........a stilted (in the overblown, pompous, sense) novelized version of the long running TV series, Friends, for frenemies? Not cool 😎🤏🙄🕶🤏.
I was introduced to the novels of Dean Koontz by one of my patients when I was working at MCI Concord........specifically the Odd Thomas series, a solid 4⭐️ series for me 😎, highly recommend for fans of the supernatural mystery/horror/thriller. Had the chance to read a few subsequent, non-Odd, novels over the years (pre-gr years) and was equally enamored.
BUT THIS?!? WTF is THIS?!? .........a stilted (in the overblown, pompous, sense) novelized version of the long running TV series, Friends, for frenemies? Not cool 😎🤏🙄🕶🤏.
May 25, 2025
This is one of the weirdest books I've ever read. I almost didn't finish it, but after reading 200 pages I figured I would speed through it to the end hoping for something to happen. I've appreciated Koontz books since high school but this was not good. The decision to have the story told to the audience rather than immersing the reader into it took away all the sense of mystery and excitement for me. I was so bored. The book was unexpectedly hilarious at times, but this book almost makes me not want to pick up another new Koontz book ever again. What a waste of time.
May 24, 2025
Biggest DK fan here. I'd say I've read 99% of everything he's published and own AT LEAST half, so it greatly pains me to give this rating and review. What. The. Hell. Was that... I'm good with the weird, I mean, come on, I've read all of his books. But my God, I have never been so happy to have finished a book in my life. I wanted so badly for it to get better, and it never did. That's it.
August 14, 2025
Oh boy. How to review this one. This is like "It" meets "Scooby Doo." To enjoy this novel, you have to stop thinking of it as a horror thriller and think of it as a comedic book. At first, I really didn't like this book. The constant interruptions by the author to sermonize us with the fact that readers these days have short attention spans (although true, but I don't want to hear the author complaining about it) and other personal opinions really annoyed me. Then, I changed my mindset and rolled with all the humor, and started actually liking it. Is it a 5 star book? Definitely not! But, it is pretty funny.
Next hardcover: "The Secret Adversary" by Agatha Christie (1922).
Next hardcover: "The Secret Adversary" by Agatha Christie (1922).
May 20, 2025
I adore this author and his unique writing style ( especially when the author speaks to you during the book), you end up hooked and holding on for dear life.
This has got to be one of the most unconventional books I’ve ever read but in a good way.
It’s filled with weird and strange goings on in a small town , three friends left the town behind a long time ago but their fourth friend who stayed falls in a coma under mysterious circumstances. So they make the journey back to their hometown.
What’s not to love about this book? mystery, small town vibes, found family, humour and spookiness.
This has got to be one of the most unconventional books I’ve ever read but in a good way.
It’s filled with weird and strange goings on in a small town , three friends left the town behind a long time ago but their fourth friend who stayed falls in a coma under mysterious circumstances. So they make the journey back to their hometown.
What’s not to love about this book? mystery, small town vibes, found family, humour and spookiness.
May 29, 2025
Not finished, so my rating may change, but half way through, all I can think is, does Dean Koontz resent his readers? Hate, even? Or does he just thinks we're stupid? Talking down to your audience is still talking down, even if it's done in a way that's meant to seem tongue-in-cheek.
Breaking the fourth wall just to remind the reader that they have a short attention span (short chapters! the modern writer must have short chapters or the reader won't stay engaged!) isn't cute or funny. His commentary on modern reading/writing culture comes off less edgy and clever and more bitter and tired. Also, all the telling and not showing (like, Rebecca is supposed to nice and down-to-earth, despite being a gorgeous movie star, but we only know this because the author interjects to tell us. I feel like it was definitely intentional, more commentary on society's ever lowering literacy rates, but... it's tiresome.) It's as though he is attempting to lampoon all of the "kids in peril/grow up and return home to more peril" tropes, but it's not done in a clever way. It's so heavy-handed that I really feel like he thinks we are all idiots.
Which is cute, given his bibliography...
Edit: I finished it.
If you enjoy being condescended to, give this a go. If not, spare yourself the headache (and the litany of "really? really?"s that you will find yourself repeating.
Breaking the fourth wall just to remind the reader that they have a short attention span (short chapters! the modern writer must have short chapters or the reader won't stay engaged!) isn't cute or funny. His commentary on modern reading/writing culture comes off less edgy and clever and more bitter and tired. Also, all the telling and not showing (like, Rebecca is supposed to nice and down-to-earth, despite being a gorgeous movie star, but we only know this because the author interjects to tell us. I feel like it was definitely intentional, more commentary on society's ever lowering literacy rates, but... it's tiresome.) It's as though he is attempting to lampoon all of the "kids in peril/grow up and return home to more peril" tropes, but it's not done in a clever way. It's so heavy-handed that I really feel like he thinks we are all idiots.
Which is cute, given his bibliography...
Edit: I finished it.
If you enjoy being condescended to, give this a go. If not, spare yourself the headache (and the litany of "really? really?"s that you will find yourself repeating.
July 5, 2025
Having read almost every Dean Koontz book, this was a big disappointment. Was headed to a DNF (should have). Weak ending and his side commentary regarding characters, situations, etc. in the middle of chapters was very distracting. Hoping that never happens again.
June 22, 2025
The worst Dean Koontz I have ever read- terrible don’t bother!
July 1, 2025
Awful. Torturous to get through. Ended up skimming it to try to finish and gave up with 50 pages left.
July 21, 2025
Really not what I expected - A slow read for me - Speculative fiction - Interesting how close childhood friendships continue in adulthood - childhood fears and buried secrets make up the story - good ending.
September 27, 2025
It absolutely pains me to say this but what on earth did I just read. This is surly not written by DK?! What has happened. This is so not like anything he’s written before, I was really anticipating a really good book but this was just all wrong. Inserts explaining what words or phrases mean…..found this very patronising, not delivered in the humorous way I’m sure it was intended but it came off all wrong, as did the inserts of why the author wrote what he did, what the intention of that paragraph was intended for, messages to the reader and parts that felt very like where notes in a first draft of a book. It was just odd. I have never in my life DNF a book but this pained me to finish. I really don’t like giving low stars to authors as I can imagine the hours and time spent put into each and every book. Blood sweat and tears, so I can appreciate the effort put into this but it really did not work. Would I recommend this book? In short….No. DK has much better work out there, but this is not a good example of what he is capable of writing and it doesn’t show his talent as an author. So sorry, but this was a 2 ⭐️⭐️ for me. Personal preference I know but the writing style was just not enjoyable.
September 26, 2025
DNF...I already know Dean Koontz books can be weird, but this one just didn't hold my attention. At first I found the writing style playful and amusing, but it just became annoying after a while. The story seems to be going nowhere and it is taking me forever to read. I finally said enough when I was falling asleep as the narrator was discussing if bears or worms can dream. I mean who cares...😴
June 2, 2025
I regret having to report that this is the FIRST and ONLY book by Dean Koontz that I actually did NOT like!
The plot-line is honestly neither all that good nor, frankly, very interesting!
Moreover, he constantly inserts himself into the text with odd little comments that, frankly, occur so often that the overall effect is decidedly sophomoric.
Despite this, his ability to describe settings keenly, his decent sense of humor, and his obvious concern for decent people and the future of our race -- mired as we are in this time of meanness and smallness -- are palpable.
Here's hoping he "bounces back" with his next one, for I am a long-time admirer!
The plot-line is honestly neither all that good nor, frankly, very interesting!
Moreover, he constantly inserts himself into the text with odd little comments that, frankly, occur so often that the overall effect is decidedly sophomoric.
Despite this, his ability to describe settings keenly, his decent sense of humor, and his obvious concern for decent people and the future of our race -- mired as we are in this time of meanness and smallness -- are palpable.
Here's hoping he "bounces back" with his next one, for I am a long-time admirer!
June 3, 2025
I so wanted to give this book 5 stars, as I enjoy Dean Koontz very much. This one, however, was a bit of a let down.
The plot was completely potty and drug-induced. There was humour, particularly from Ernie's mother who I thought was very funny. The plot dragged on and I skimmed a lot of it. The ending was rushed. I finished and though "what the hell did I just read?"
The plot was completely potty and drug-induced. There was humour, particularly from Ernie's mother who I thought was very funny. The plot dragged on and I skimmed a lot of it. The ending was rushed. I finished and though "what the hell did I just read?"
June 2, 2025
Not for Dean Koontz fans
Finally finished. I think aliens kidnapped Dean Koontz and the replacement didn't read any of his previous novels. His older work is fantastic, so I can't figure out what went wrong with this.
Finally finished. I think aliens kidnapped Dean Koontz and the replacement didn't read any of his previous novels. His older work is fantastic, so I can't figure out what went wrong with this.
May 23, 2025
Too different for me to enjoy. I tried.
June 14, 2025
This book was absolutely horrible. The weird side comments from author to reader felt forced, and made me annoyed. The story itself was dry, felt forced, and made me annoyed.
May 23, 2025
Dean Koontz has always excelled at transforming the seemingly ordinary into something deeply unsettling, and his latest offering, Going Home in the Dark, stands as perhaps his most accomplished work in recent years. This horror-mystery hybrid takes the universal fear of returning home and amplifies it through supernatural terror, creating a narrative that resonates on both visceral and emotional levels.
The novel follows four childhood outcasts—Rebecca, Bobby, Spencer, and Ernie—who called themselves "the four amigos" growing up in the picturesque town of Maple Grove. When three of them achieve success in their respective fields while Ernie remains behind, their reunion is triggered by his mysterious coma, setting off a chain of events that forces them to confront buried memories and ancient horrors.
Character Development: The Heart of Horror
The Amigos' Evolution
Koontz demonstrates remarkable skill in character development, particularly in how he portrays the evolution of his protagonists from teenage outcasts to successful adults still haunted by their past. Rebecca Crane, now a famous actress known for the "Shriek" horror film franchise, carries herself with the confidence of someone who has conquered Hollywood, yet beneath the surface lies the same vulnerable teenager who once dressed to repel attention. Her transformation from the deliberately unattractive girl hiding behind thrift-shop costumes to a confident movie star is handled with nuance and authenticity.
Bobby "the Sham" Shamrock, the novelist who perpetually travels the world ostensibly for research, reveals himself as someone running from memories he cannot fully access. His constant motion and restless energy serve as a metaphor for the way trauma can manifest in our adult behaviors. Spencer Truedove, the successful artist who paints disturbing images while in fugue states, literally channels his repressed memories through his art without understanding their source.
The character work extends beautifully to the supporting cast, particularly in the portrayal of Britta Hernishen, Ernie's insufferable mother. Koontz crafts her as a perfectly despicable academic whose intellectual arrogance masks profound evil. Her scenes crackle with tension and dark humor, making her both hateable and fascinating.
Plot Structure: A Masterclass in Pacing
Building Tension Through Memory
The novel's structure is ingenious in how it doles out information. Rather than employing traditional flashbacks, Koontz uses the concept of suppressed memories being gradually restored, creating a unique narrative rhythm. This technique serves multiple purposes: it maintains mystery while building suspense, mirrors the psychological reality of trauma recovery, and allows for genuine surprises even as readers piece together the truth alongside the characters.
The pacing accelerates expertly as the story progresses. The opening chapters establish an atmosphere of unease through seemingly mundane interactions—visiting a comatose friend, dealing with hospital bureaucracy, encountering overly friendly neighbors. Yet Koontz layers these ordinary moments with subtle wrongness that builds to supernatural revelation.
The Horror Elements
Where the novel truly excels is in its horror elements. The revelation of Alpha and Beta—two ancient, intelligent fungi with opposing philosophies about humanity—provides a fresh take on the "hidden evil in small town" trope. Alpha, the benevolent fungus that protects the town and its inhabitants, contrasts sharply with Beta, which sees humanity as a plague to be eradicated. This philosophical divide between the supernatural entities adds depth to what could have been a simple good-versus-evil dynamic.
The creation of Wayne Louis Hornfly as Beta's avatar is particularly effective. Koontz describes this creature with such vivid repulsiveness—the wriggling hair, orange-streaked eyes, green teeth—that it becomes genuinely unsettling. The monster's oddly cheerful game-show host voice creates a disturbing cognitive dissonance that makes him more terrifying than a traditionally menacing villain.
Writing Style: Koontz's Evolving Voice
Narrative Innovation
What sets this novel apart from Koontz's earlier works is his willingness to experiment with narrative voice and structure. The author frequently breaks the fourth wall, addressing readers directly about plot decisions, chapter lengths, and even the challenges of writing certain scenes. This meta-fictional approach could have been gimmicky, but instead it adds charm and accessibility to what might otherwise be an overwhelmingly dark tale.
The dialogue feels natural and distinctive for each character. Rebecca's Hollywood confidence, Bobby's writerly observations, Spencer's visual-artist perspective, and Ernie's gentle nature all come through clearly in their speech patterns. Even minor characters like Butch in the hospital room feel fully realized through their unique voices.
Balancing Horror and Heart
Koontz demonstrates remarkable skill in balancing genuine terror with moments of warmth and humor. The friendship between the amigos feels authentic and earned, their loyalty to each other providing the emotional anchor that keeps the supernatural elements from overwhelming the story. Their banter and support for one another recalls the best of Stephen King's work with childhood friendships, particularly in novels like IT or The Body.
Thematic Depth: More Than Surface Scares
Trauma and Memory
At its core, Going Home in the Dark is about how childhood trauma shapes us, even when we cannot remember it. The concept of suppressed memories being restored serves as both plot device and thematic exploration. Each character's adult neuroses—Rebecca's obsessive cleanliness, Bobby's restless traveling, Spencer's dependence on his hat for identity—stem from experiences they cannot consciously recall.
This approach to trauma feels particularly relevant in our current understanding of how the mind protects itself from overwhelming experiences. Koontz doesn't oversimplify the process of recovery or suggest that remembering automatically equals healing, which adds psychological authenticity to the supernatural premise.
Community and Belonging
The novel also explores the dark side of community belonging. Maple Grove appears perfect on the surface—crime-free, neighborly, prosperous—but this perfection comes at a cost. The Nelsoneers, residents of Spencer's childhood street, represent community taken to an intrusive extreme. Their overwhelming friendliness becomes suffocating, suggesting that even positive influences can become toxic when taken too far.
Critical Assessment: Strengths and Weaknesses
What Works Exceptionally Well
The novel's greatest strength lies in its emotional authenticity. Despite the supernatural elements, the friendship between the amigos feels genuine and earned. Their concern for each other, their willingness to risk everything for Ernie, and their ability to maintain their bond across decades and distance creates the emotional foundation that makes the horror elements meaningful.
Koontz's world-building deserves particular praise. Maple Grove feels like a real place with real history, from its Victorian architecture to its troubling past with public hangings. The author's attention to detail in creating this setting pays dividends when the supernatural elements emerge—the horror feels grounded because the world feels real.
Areas for Improvement
The novel's length occasionally works against it. At times, the pacing slows as Koontz indulges in lengthy explanations or character backstories that, while interesting, don't always advance the central plot. Some readers may find certain revelations about the fungi's history and motivations overly complex for what is essentially a story about friendship triumphing over evil.
The resolution, while satisfying emotionally, ties up perhaps too neatly. The amigos' adult neuroses are explained and largely resolved through the recovery of their memories, which simplifies the complex reality of how trauma affects us throughout our lives.
Final Verdict: A Return to Form
Going Home in the Dark represents Dean Koontz at his most accomplished, combining the supernatural horror elements that have made him a bestselling author with a deeper exploration of character and theme than many of his recent works. The novel succeeds as both a scary story and an exploration of how friendship can sustain us through the darkest times.
While it may not achieve the literary heights of genre masters like Peter Straub or Clive Barker, it demonstrates Koontz's continued evolution as a storyteller willing to take risks with narrative structure and thematic complexity. The result is a novel that will satisfy longtime fans while potentially winning new readers who appreciate horror with genuine emotional depth.
The novel follows four childhood outcasts—Rebecca, Bobby, Spencer, and Ernie—who called themselves "the four amigos" growing up in the picturesque town of Maple Grove. When three of them achieve success in their respective fields while Ernie remains behind, their reunion is triggered by his mysterious coma, setting off a chain of events that forces them to confront buried memories and ancient horrors.
Character Development: The Heart of Horror
The Amigos' Evolution
Koontz demonstrates remarkable skill in character development, particularly in how he portrays the evolution of his protagonists from teenage outcasts to successful adults still haunted by their past. Rebecca Crane, now a famous actress known for the "Shriek" horror film franchise, carries herself with the confidence of someone who has conquered Hollywood, yet beneath the surface lies the same vulnerable teenager who once dressed to repel attention. Her transformation from the deliberately unattractive girl hiding behind thrift-shop costumes to a confident movie star is handled with nuance and authenticity.
Bobby "the Sham" Shamrock, the novelist who perpetually travels the world ostensibly for research, reveals himself as someone running from memories he cannot fully access. His constant motion and restless energy serve as a metaphor for the way trauma can manifest in our adult behaviors. Spencer Truedove, the successful artist who paints disturbing images while in fugue states, literally channels his repressed memories through his art without understanding their source.
The character work extends beautifully to the supporting cast, particularly in the portrayal of Britta Hernishen, Ernie's insufferable mother. Koontz crafts her as a perfectly despicable academic whose intellectual arrogance masks profound evil. Her scenes crackle with tension and dark humor, making her both hateable and fascinating.
Plot Structure: A Masterclass in Pacing
Building Tension Through Memory
The novel's structure is ingenious in how it doles out information. Rather than employing traditional flashbacks, Koontz uses the concept of suppressed memories being gradually restored, creating a unique narrative rhythm. This technique serves multiple purposes: it maintains mystery while building suspense, mirrors the psychological reality of trauma recovery, and allows for genuine surprises even as readers piece together the truth alongside the characters.
The pacing accelerates expertly as the story progresses. The opening chapters establish an atmosphere of unease through seemingly mundane interactions—visiting a comatose friend, dealing with hospital bureaucracy, encountering overly friendly neighbors. Yet Koontz layers these ordinary moments with subtle wrongness that builds to supernatural revelation.
The Horror Elements
Where the novel truly excels is in its horror elements. The revelation of Alpha and Beta—two ancient, intelligent fungi with opposing philosophies about humanity—provides a fresh take on the "hidden evil in small town" trope. Alpha, the benevolent fungus that protects the town and its inhabitants, contrasts sharply with Beta, which sees humanity as a plague to be eradicated. This philosophical divide between the supernatural entities adds depth to what could have been a simple good-versus-evil dynamic.
The creation of Wayne Louis Hornfly as Beta's avatar is particularly effective. Koontz describes this creature with such vivid repulsiveness—the wriggling hair, orange-streaked eyes, green teeth—that it becomes genuinely unsettling. The monster's oddly cheerful game-show host voice creates a disturbing cognitive dissonance that makes him more terrifying than a traditionally menacing villain.
Writing Style: Koontz's Evolving Voice
Narrative Innovation
What sets this novel apart from Koontz's earlier works is his willingness to experiment with narrative voice and structure. The author frequently breaks the fourth wall, addressing readers directly about plot decisions, chapter lengths, and even the challenges of writing certain scenes. This meta-fictional approach could have been gimmicky, but instead it adds charm and accessibility to what might otherwise be an overwhelmingly dark tale.
The dialogue feels natural and distinctive for each character. Rebecca's Hollywood confidence, Bobby's writerly observations, Spencer's visual-artist perspective, and Ernie's gentle nature all come through clearly in their speech patterns. Even minor characters like Butch in the hospital room feel fully realized through their unique voices.
Balancing Horror and Heart
Koontz demonstrates remarkable skill in balancing genuine terror with moments of warmth and humor. The friendship between the amigos feels authentic and earned, their loyalty to each other providing the emotional anchor that keeps the supernatural elements from overwhelming the story. Their banter and support for one another recalls the best of Stephen King's work with childhood friendships, particularly in novels like IT or The Body.
Thematic Depth: More Than Surface Scares
Trauma and Memory
At its core, Going Home in the Dark is about how childhood trauma shapes us, even when we cannot remember it. The concept of suppressed memories being restored serves as both plot device and thematic exploration. Each character's adult neuroses—Rebecca's obsessive cleanliness, Bobby's restless traveling, Spencer's dependence on his hat for identity—stem from experiences they cannot consciously recall.
This approach to trauma feels particularly relevant in our current understanding of how the mind protects itself from overwhelming experiences. Koontz doesn't oversimplify the process of recovery or suggest that remembering automatically equals healing, which adds psychological authenticity to the supernatural premise.
Community and Belonging
The novel also explores the dark side of community belonging. Maple Grove appears perfect on the surface—crime-free, neighborly, prosperous—but this perfection comes at a cost. The Nelsoneers, residents of Spencer's childhood street, represent community taken to an intrusive extreme. Their overwhelming friendliness becomes suffocating, suggesting that even positive influences can become toxic when taken too far.
Critical Assessment: Strengths and Weaknesses
What Works Exceptionally Well
The novel's greatest strength lies in its emotional authenticity. Despite the supernatural elements, the friendship between the amigos feels genuine and earned. Their concern for each other, their willingness to risk everything for Ernie, and their ability to maintain their bond across decades and distance creates the emotional foundation that makes the horror elements meaningful.
Koontz's world-building deserves particular praise. Maple Grove feels like a real place with real history, from its Victorian architecture to its troubling past with public hangings. The author's attention to detail in creating this setting pays dividends when the supernatural elements emerge—the horror feels grounded because the world feels real.
Areas for Improvement
The novel's length occasionally works against it. At times, the pacing slows as Koontz indulges in lengthy explanations or character backstories that, while interesting, don't always advance the central plot. Some readers may find certain revelations about the fungi's history and motivations overly complex for what is essentially a story about friendship triumphing over evil.
The resolution, while satisfying emotionally, ties up perhaps too neatly. The amigos' adult neuroses are explained and largely resolved through the recovery of their memories, which simplifies the complex reality of how trauma affects us throughout our lives.
Final Verdict: A Return to Form
Going Home in the Dark represents Dean Koontz at his most accomplished, combining the supernatural horror elements that have made him a bestselling author with a deeper exploration of character and theme than many of his recent works. The novel succeeds as both a scary story and an exploration of how friendship can sustain us through the darkest times.
While it may not achieve the literary heights of genre masters like Peter Straub or Clive Barker, it demonstrates Koontz's continued evolution as a storyteller willing to take risks with narrative structure and thematic complexity. The result is a novel that will satisfy longtime fans while potentially winning new readers who appreciate horror with genuine emotional depth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 731 reviews