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The Friend of the Family
A girl liberated from a carnival sideshow discovers her mysterious purpose in a moving novel about family, sacrifice, and transcendent love by #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz.
The human “oddities” in the Museum of the Strange are less wondrous than the gawking rubes had been promised. But Alida is something else. The real thing. Traveling Depression-era America from carnival midways to speakeasies, Alida is resigned to an exploited and lonely life on the road as the museum’s golden ticket. Until she’s rescued by two compassionate strangers.
Franklin and Loretta Fairchild see in Alida a gifted and uncannily well-read girl in need of a loving touch and a family. With the openhearted couple and their three precociously imaginative children, Alida finds it. Yet despite everyone’s overwhelming generosity and acceptance, Alida knows she is still a very different kind of girl. Her dreams bear that out. They’re vivid, unsettling, and threatening. Alida fears that they’re also warnings. And that it’s the Fairchilds who may need rescue from a bad, bad world.
Alida will do anything to help those she now holds nearest and dearest. Empowered with a purpose to vanquish evil, she will not fail her family.
The human “oddities” in the Museum of the Strange are less wondrous than the gawking rubes had been promised. But Alida is something else. The real thing. Traveling Depression-era America from carnival midways to speakeasies, Alida is resigned to an exploited and lonely life on the road as the museum’s golden ticket. Until she’s rescued by two compassionate strangers.
Franklin and Loretta Fairchild see in Alida a gifted and uncannily well-read girl in need of a loving touch and a family. With the openhearted couple and their three precociously imaginative children, Alida finds it. Yet despite everyone’s overwhelming generosity and acceptance, Alida knows she is still a very different kind of girl. Her dreams bear that out. They’re vivid, unsettling, and threatening. Alida fears that they’re also warnings. And that it’s the Fairchilds who may need rescue from a bad, bad world.
Alida will do anything to help those she now holds nearest and dearest. Empowered with a purpose to vanquish evil, she will not fail her family.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2026
5210 people are currently reading
14734 people want to read
About the author
Dean Koontz
885 books40.1k 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 491 reviews
February 7, 2026
Nobody knows where Alida has come from, not even Alida herself. She has worked for as long as she can remember for Forest Farnam, or 'Captain', as he's known. He runs a travelling carnival, where Alida is displayed in the 'freak show' alongside nine others. The only thing that saves Alida from her life of exploitation is her love of books.
A 17-year-old Alida (later Adiel) starts her story in 1930 amidst the Capone and prohibition era. Whilst driven to the depths of despair at what she is forced to do, she is soon lucky enough to come across her saviours in the form of a wealthy couple, Franklin and Loretta Fairchild, who are in the film business. They offer the Captain money to let them take Alida away to live with them, which the Captain accepts.
The rest of the story revolves around Alida growing up in her new life amongst a wealthy family, where she is treated kindly and with respect. However, that was pretty much the core of the tale. It was just a character study of Alida's quite monotonous life—interacting with her new siblings, talking about books, retelling the dreams she has, and explaining some of her healing abilities. Nothing really happened apart from one brief mystery element and one brief blackmail plot. Although tagged as horror, this is historical fiction with a hint of the supernatural.
There is usually some kind of moral or ethical message within the Author's books; here they are obviously trying to shed light on those born with deformities and how badly they were treated, as it references both real and fictional characters, like John Merrick, who was known as the Elephant Man, Quasimodo, etc. It also touches on eugenics, which was a hugely controversial topic of the era.
Alida's disabilities are often alluded to, but we are not told specifically what they are until the conclusion. I think this is done to show that despite said disabilities, she is not defined by them, and she's a kind and intelligent young woman compared to the hateful and cruel actions of other characters.
I've always been a fan of this Author's writing and prose, and they've written a few books I've loved. But these newer offerings more often than not miss the mark, and again this was a miss. Whilst the story carries some heartfelt messages, you're mostly left waiting for a plotline to liven it up that never materialises, making it incredibly slow-paced and, well... rather dull. It also has moments that border on being overly saccharine and melodramatic.
A 17-year-old Alida (later Adiel) starts her story in 1930 amidst the Capone and prohibition era. Whilst driven to the depths of despair at what she is forced to do, she is soon lucky enough to come across her saviours in the form of a wealthy couple, Franklin and Loretta Fairchild, who are in the film business. They offer the Captain money to let them take Alida away to live with them, which the Captain accepts.
The rest of the story revolves around Alida growing up in her new life amongst a wealthy family, where she is treated kindly and with respect. However, that was pretty much the core of the tale. It was just a character study of Alida's quite monotonous life—interacting with her new siblings, talking about books, retelling the dreams she has, and explaining some of her healing abilities. Nothing really happened apart from one brief mystery element and one brief blackmail plot. Although tagged as horror, this is historical fiction with a hint of the supernatural.
There is usually some kind of moral or ethical message within the Author's books; here they are obviously trying to shed light on those born with deformities and how badly they were treated, as it references both real and fictional characters, like John Merrick, who was known as the Elephant Man, Quasimodo, etc. It also touches on eugenics, which was a hugely controversial topic of the era.
Alida's disabilities are often alluded to, but we are not told specifically what they are until the conclusion. I think this is done to show that despite said disabilities, she is not defined by them, and she's a kind and intelligent young woman compared to the hateful and cruel actions of other characters.
I've always been a fan of this Author's writing and prose, and they've written a few books I've loved. But these newer offerings more often than not miss the mark, and again this was a miss. Whilst the story carries some heartfelt messages, you're mostly left waiting for a plotline to liven it up that never materialises, making it incredibly slow-paced and, well... rather dull. It also has moments that border on being overly saccharine and melodramatic.
February 8, 2026
I don't think Koontz's newer books are for me. I just couldn't get into this one.
January 28, 2026
I'm a huge Koontz fan and it saddens me to give this only 3 stars. Great start, fantastic character building but dull plot. It seemed to be a bunch of great characters searching for a story... maybe next time.
March 8, 2026
This book is by Dean Koontz but it is no way close to a typical novel by him. There is a little bit of supernatural in it but it is not the focus of the story. It is a character study book. We follow a handicapped girl who is in the carnival show displaying "freaks". A married couple see her and adopt her into the family. This book is about her time with her new family.
I liked this book for a one time read. I will probably never reread this again as I do with his other books. If I had to make a comparison I would say this is Koontz trying to write a book like Little Women. Unfortunately this book never reaches the highs of that classic. I thought the opening of this book was amazing. I was absorbed right away and the writing was beautiful and impactful. I was reminded why this author is my favorite author. The contrast between some humans being compassionate while others take advantage was a delight to read. The middle somewhat lost me. We had a couple of different circumstances that seemed to come out of nowhere. This follows actual life but it never truly grabbed me. I could say this about the family also. We explored them but nothing remarkable which affected me later when tragedy strikes. The ending was a rebound and it was a little sentimental. It affected me in a positive manner with its outcome and message.
I had my ups and downs with this book. It was nowhere close to his best book. It was also nowhere close to his worst book. It is a middle of the road book . After I was done reading it I thought it wasn't too bad but I am ready to move onto my next read. I just wish this book had a little more oomph.
I liked this book for a one time read. I will probably never reread this again as I do with his other books. If I had to make a comparison I would say this is Koontz trying to write a book like Little Women. Unfortunately this book never reaches the highs of that classic. I thought the opening of this book was amazing. I was absorbed right away and the writing was beautiful and impactful. I was reminded why this author is my favorite author. The contrast between some humans being compassionate while others take advantage was a delight to read. The middle somewhat lost me. We had a couple of different circumstances that seemed to come out of nowhere. This follows actual life but it never truly grabbed me. I could say this about the family also. We explored them but nothing remarkable which affected me later when tragedy strikes. The ending was a rebound and it was a little sentimental. It affected me in a positive manner with its outcome and message.
I had my ups and downs with this book. It was nowhere close to his best book. It was also nowhere close to his worst book. It is a middle of the road book . After I was done reading it I thought it wasn't too bad but I am ready to move onto my next read. I just wish this book had a little more oomph.
January 14, 2026
The Friend of the Family had an interesting idea but completely missed the mark for me.
This was less of a thriller and more of a slow, uncomfortable character study that never fully came together. I spent most of the book waiting for the story to actually start, only to finish it feeling confused, unsettled, and unsatisfied. The tension was subtle to the point of being frustrating, and the payoff didn’t feel worth the long buildup.
Instead of feeling suspenseful, it felt vague. Instead of feeling clever, it felt hollow. By the end, I wasn’t shocked…. I was just asking, “That’s it?”
If you enjoy extremely quiet psychological reads with minimal action and no clear sense of resolution, this might work for you. If you’re expecting a gripping Koontz thriller with momentum and payoff, this one may leave you disappointed.
Not for me.
This was less of a thriller and more of a slow, uncomfortable character study that never fully came together. I spent most of the book waiting for the story to actually start, only to finish it feeling confused, unsettled, and unsatisfied. The tension was subtle to the point of being frustrating, and the payoff didn’t feel worth the long buildup.
Instead of feeling suspenseful, it felt vague. Instead of feeling clever, it felt hollow. By the end, I wasn’t shocked…. I was just asking, “That’s it?”
If you enjoy extremely quiet psychological reads with minimal action and no clear sense of resolution, this might work for you. If you’re expecting a gripping Koontz thriller with momentum and payoff, this one may leave you disappointed.
Not for me.
January 7, 2026
This beautifully written story is told from Alida’s perspective and spans the years 1930 to 1944. Once an attraction in a travelling “freak” show, Alida has known nothing but exploitation, for the first 17 years of her life, her body displayed for profit while her love of books becomes her only escape.
When Franklin and Loretta Fairchild witness the cruelty she endures, they buy her freedom and take her into their home, renaming her Adiel and welcoming her as one of the family. What follows is a slow-paced but deeply moving story about healing, belonging, and kindness.
Set against the backdrop of Hollywood, speakeasies, the Great Depression, and Prohibition, the era is vividly brought to life, with delightful references to film stars of the time. The relationships within the Fairchild household, family and staff alike, are warm, protective, and filled with gentle humour.
Adiel’s journey of self-discovery is both heartbreaking and uplifting. As she begins to understand her own worth and purpose, the story becomes a quiet celebration of compassion in a harsh world.
A thoughtful, tender novel that reminds us that even in the darkest times, there are still good people.
When Franklin and Loretta Fairchild witness the cruelty she endures, they buy her freedom and take her into their home, renaming her Adiel and welcoming her as one of the family. What follows is a slow-paced but deeply moving story about healing, belonging, and kindness.
Set against the backdrop of Hollywood, speakeasies, the Great Depression, and Prohibition, the era is vividly brought to life, with delightful references to film stars of the time. The relationships within the Fairchild household, family and staff alike, are warm, protective, and filled with gentle humour.
Adiel’s journey of self-discovery is both heartbreaking and uplifting. As she begins to understand her own worth and purpose, the story becomes a quiet celebration of compassion in a harsh world.
A thoughtful, tender novel that reminds us that even in the darkest times, there are still good people.
January 30, 2026
This book was very strange and in some ways very like Dean Koontz’ typical books and in others completely different. I did find the beginning and end more exciting than the middle, but I enjoyed the story as a whole. A young girl is taken (adopted) by an owner of a freak show who raised her while showing her off and profiting from her. She is dis-formed but exactly how is never completely made clear (a favorite technique of this author). One night a couple in the audience ransoms her and rescues her, adopting her into their family. I listened to the audiobook and really liked this narrator a lot.
January 24, 2026
Best-selling author Dean Koontz has had a writing career spanning six decades. During this time, he has crossed genres staying mainly in the horror, sci-fi, thriller realms. Over the past couple of decades, his writing and subject matter has taken a different turn with several titles that offer more introspective and character-driven stories and some of a highly spiritual nature.
THE FRIEND OF THE FAMILY is a historical thriller with a keen sense of purpose in telling the story of an individual that was a true outcast by society’s standards who finds her place with a new family that she integrates into and uses her unique powers to protect and save them from potential dangers. The story opens in the year 1930 in the post-WWI America and towards the end of the Prohibition Era that changed the entire country, especially after the 1929 stock market crash and deep nationwide depression. We are introduced to the travelling circus and sideshow run by the man known as Captain Forest Farnam. The highlight of his show are the human oddities featured in his Museum of the Strange. It is there where we first meet our protagonist, the seventeen-year-old young woman named Alida.
I admired the fact that Koontz kept Alida’s specific oddity or deformity a secret until the latter part of the story, as it does have any bearing on the action to come. Readers will immediately feel for Alida in much the same way as anyone who heard the true stories of the infamous Elephant Man, Joseph Merrick, who was rescued from the cruel treatment he experienced as a sideshow ‘freak’ in Great Britain. In Alida’s situation, her rescuers are a famous Hollywood movie-making couple, Franklin and Loretta Fairchild, who personally witness her being abused during a live show and purchase her from Captain Farnam to give her a new life with them.
Farnam does not want to let go off Alida so easily, and she cannot rest easily until she sees how the Fairchild’s truly intended to adopt her and never allow her to return to the exploitation and degradation, she suffered with him. Alida immediately takes to the Fairchild’s three children, all younger than her, Isadora, Gertrude, and Harry. They are a dynamic and inquisitive trio who invite Alida into their self-made investigative club entitled The Clyde Tombaugh Club, named for the famous astronomer. They seek out adventures and mysteries that allow their active imaginations to run wild and Alida just loves them. She connects so well with the children that when their personal tutor leaves, the Fairchild’s give the job of teaching them to her.
Koontz infuses the novel with famous figures from this era in Hollywood history and I just loved it. To see interactions with such characters as Laurel and Hardy, Groucho Marx, Cary Grant, and Katherine Hepburn was indeed a treat! Time goes by quickly in the novel and we are taken beyond the end of Prohibition and eventually get to a point where both Alida and her young charges are all adults. During these spans of time, we get to experience the dreams and nightmares that trouble Alida, some of which seem to be predicative of potential terrors that might threaten the Fairchild family. Alida was so much more than the mere oddity she once was labelled as and exhibits special powers that will allow her to intervene when necessary to protect her adoptive family.
Keeping Alida’s deformity concealed until the last part of the novel was a clever and insightful move by Koontz and allows the reader to experience Alida as a person and not someone reduced to the differences that never really defined who she was. THE FRIEND OF THE FAMILY is an interesting and uplifting character study during a special time in history that makes for a very entertaining read.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
THE FRIEND OF THE FAMILY is a historical thriller with a keen sense of purpose in telling the story of an individual that was a true outcast by society’s standards who finds her place with a new family that she integrates into and uses her unique powers to protect and save them from potential dangers. The story opens in the year 1930 in the post-WWI America and towards the end of the Prohibition Era that changed the entire country, especially after the 1929 stock market crash and deep nationwide depression. We are introduced to the travelling circus and sideshow run by the man known as Captain Forest Farnam. The highlight of his show are the human oddities featured in his Museum of the Strange. It is there where we first meet our protagonist, the seventeen-year-old young woman named Alida.
I admired the fact that Koontz kept Alida’s specific oddity or deformity a secret until the latter part of the story, as it does have any bearing on the action to come. Readers will immediately feel for Alida in much the same way as anyone who heard the true stories of the infamous Elephant Man, Joseph Merrick, who was rescued from the cruel treatment he experienced as a sideshow ‘freak’ in Great Britain. In Alida’s situation, her rescuers are a famous Hollywood movie-making couple, Franklin and Loretta Fairchild, who personally witness her being abused during a live show and purchase her from Captain Farnam to give her a new life with them.
Farnam does not want to let go off Alida so easily, and she cannot rest easily until she sees how the Fairchild’s truly intended to adopt her and never allow her to return to the exploitation and degradation, she suffered with him. Alida immediately takes to the Fairchild’s three children, all younger than her, Isadora, Gertrude, and Harry. They are a dynamic and inquisitive trio who invite Alida into their self-made investigative club entitled The Clyde Tombaugh Club, named for the famous astronomer. They seek out adventures and mysteries that allow their active imaginations to run wild and Alida just loves them. She connects so well with the children that when their personal tutor leaves, the Fairchild’s give the job of teaching them to her.
Koontz infuses the novel with famous figures from this era in Hollywood history and I just loved it. To see interactions with such characters as Laurel and Hardy, Groucho Marx, Cary Grant, and Katherine Hepburn was indeed a treat! Time goes by quickly in the novel and we are taken beyond the end of Prohibition and eventually get to a point where both Alida and her young charges are all adults. During these spans of time, we get to experience the dreams and nightmares that trouble Alida, some of which seem to be predicative of potential terrors that might threaten the Fairchild family. Alida was so much more than the mere oddity she once was labelled as and exhibits special powers that will allow her to intervene when necessary to protect her adoptive family.
Keeping Alida’s deformity concealed until the last part of the novel was a clever and insightful move by Koontz and allows the reader to experience Alida as a person and not someone reduced to the differences that never really defined who she was. THE FRIEND OF THE FAMILY is an interesting and uplifting character study during a special time in history that makes for a very entertaining read.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
February 22, 2026
Very nicely done. Although occasionally supernatural, it's mostly very human and tender.
January 25, 2026
I am a huge fan of the writing of Dean Koontz. This book is a treasure, the writing is exquisite and has a depth that should intimidate anyone who fancies themselves a writer. The strengths of the story are the wonderful history woven through the book, both of the movie industry of the ‘Golden Age’ and of the world of the 30’s and 40’s, and the characters. Alida, the protagonist, was a side show freak attraction from the age of four, rescued at seventeen and taken to live a protected life with the Fairchild family, wealthy movie tycoons. She could have been a study in pity, but never was, Alida is one of the strongest book characters I’ve ever encountered. The reader doesn’t learn the specifics of her deformities until the end, partly because the other characters, her family - parents Loretta and Franklin, sisters Isadora and Gertie, brother Harry and dog Rafael, don’t see the girl as a freak, but with a sense of wonder at her other gifts. The relationship among the siblings was magic, stretching over fourteen years, as the three youngest blossom and mature with the love and care of Alida, who never ages. In truth, this was not a story of a rich family that rescued a disabled and abused girl, but the mystical story of how a human oddity, special in so many ways, enriched her adoptive family with her love. As an aside, Mr. Koontz is a lover of Golden Retrievers(as I am) featured in so many of his books. Here the beloved dog is a German Shepherd, and he plays a central role in the story, almost a fifth child of the family. This is not an action book. There are villains and threats, but the family weathers them easily, drawing on their shared strength. It is instead a tale of how love and hope can survive hardship, as Alida, the freak who is so much more than a Friend of the Family, bestows her ultimate gift on the people she loves. I stayed up until four in the morning last night finishing this book, I loved it that much.
February 2, 2026
I don’t know if this is one of Dean Koontz’s best books — but I do know it’s one I’ll remember.
The dialogue is wonderful: warm, witty, human. The characters feel real, familiar, almost like old friends. There are parts of this book I truly loved — moments where Koontz shines in emotion, relationships, and subtle humor.
That said, the story as a whole didn’t feel fully complete to me. The plot was interesting but lacked depth. The villains were present, but didn’t feel essential beyond a few moments. The characters were well written, yet they didn’t really evolve over time.
And yet — despite its flaws — this is a book that will stay with me. The characters. The conversations. The feeling of reading it. Unlike other technically flawless books I’ve rated five stars but barely remember afterward.
Maybe that’s what matters most: not how perfect a book is, but how long it stays with you.
4 stars (with my heart wanting to give 5 stars to the parts I loved and 3 to the parts that simply supported the story)
The dialogue is wonderful: warm, witty, human. The characters feel real, familiar, almost like old friends. There are parts of this book I truly loved — moments where Koontz shines in emotion, relationships, and subtle humor.
That said, the story as a whole didn’t feel fully complete to me. The plot was interesting but lacked depth. The villains were present, but didn’t feel essential beyond a few moments. The characters were well written, yet they didn’t really evolve over time.
And yet — despite its flaws — this is a book that will stay with me. The characters. The conversations. The feeling of reading it. Unlike other technically flawless books I’ve rated five stars but barely remember afterward.
Maybe that’s what matters most: not how perfect a book is, but how long it stays with you.
4 stars (with my heart wanting to give 5 stars to the parts I loved and 3 to the parts that simply supported the story)
March 14, 2026
I love Dean Koontz. He's one of the very few male authors I can still read. I preordered this book and was excited to dive in. And then I hated it. As in, I'm reading the book and yelling at it simultaneously. About 1/3 the way into this lengthy tome I realized why I disliked it so much. Koontz wrote it in the style of Addy's favorite author, Charles Dickens. When I taught, the unit I most hated was teaching anything by Dickens. He overwrites. He's self indulgent. He's verbose. And he's pretty clueless about women. Koontz was VERY faithful in mimicking Dickens' style, which is absolutely not for me. I did finish it, though sloughing through the dense, self-indulgent prose was painful. I'd give it one star but that's only because of my loathing for the Dickens style of writing. So if you enjoy Dickens and Hardy and any of the DWEMs (dead white European males) that we all had to slough through in school you'll enjoy this. If not wait until his next book.
Did not finish
January 27, 2026DNF. So corny it’s on the cob.
March 13, 2026
This isn’t the usual Dean Koontz or at least the Koontz I'd become a fan of in the past. The story isn't horror or suspense but more of a family saga. A drama. It follows a young girl rescued from a carnival “freak show” and adopted by a wealthy couple who raise her with kindness and respect. The Friend Of The Family is a family Saga.
The story was way too long and lacked tension. I haven’t connected with Koontz’s recent books for a while, and this one didn’t change that. I struggled to finish. The narraton was excellent with the Audiobook.
The story was way too long and lacked tension. I haven’t connected with Koontz’s recent books for a while, and this one didn’t change that. I struggled to finish. The narraton was excellent with the Audiobook.
January 22, 2026
I received an audio ARC from the publisher; all opinions are my own.
I found this book boring and felt like nothing really happened. I honestly expected more Koontz in this time period. The biggest thing was being against Eugenics. But then the girl with disabilities had no purpose but to give herself for others, and that was rather crappy. Koontz tries to give a supernatural bent to it, but as someone with a disability, it just reads a inspiration porn.
The narrator was wonderful and fit perfectly with the story.
I found this book boring and felt like nothing really happened. I honestly expected more Koontz in this time period. The biggest thing was being against Eugenics. But then the girl with disabilities had no purpose but to give herself for others, and that was rather crappy. Koontz tries to give a supernatural bent to it, but as someone with a disability, it just reads a inspiration porn.
The narrator was wonderful and fit perfectly with the story.
January 18, 2026
It is only fairly recently I have been introduced to the quirky novels of Dean Koontz, this being the third I have read.
If you want to read something different, Koontz is definitely your man.
This tender novel is set in the US and written from the POV of a young girl who, when we meet her, is being exhibited near naked as a freak, both in a sideshow and also trailed around speakeasy clubs; the story being set in the 1930’s/40’s. One night a couple sees her and pays her ‘owner’ a large sum to buy her freedom.
She is taken in by her new found family and experiences love and belonging like she had never imagined could happen to her. She immediately gains two sisters and a brother who accept her immediately. Her new parents are rich and famous in the movie industry, regularly having big named actors to their home for dinner.
Changing her name from Alida to Adiel, the girl who does not know where she came from spends her life wondering what her purpose is, and also wondering whether the man who used to own her will come back into her life. We know she has a photographic memory but there are other things about her which are very unusual, and she has a very special gift.
It is a slow moving but engaging novel, very character driven and filled me with immense joy at the kindness of strangers. I didn’t know where the plot was going to go, but I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. The end had me in floods of tears, and was a real ‘wow’ revelation.
This one is destined for my forever shelf.
Huge thanks to Katrina at FMcM for my early copy of the book to read and review for the blog tour.
If you want to read something different, Koontz is definitely your man.
This tender novel is set in the US and written from the POV of a young girl who, when we meet her, is being exhibited near naked as a freak, both in a sideshow and also trailed around speakeasy clubs; the story being set in the 1930’s/40’s. One night a couple sees her and pays her ‘owner’ a large sum to buy her freedom.
She is taken in by her new found family and experiences love and belonging like she had never imagined could happen to her. She immediately gains two sisters and a brother who accept her immediately. Her new parents are rich and famous in the movie industry, regularly having big named actors to their home for dinner.
Changing her name from Alida to Adiel, the girl who does not know where she came from spends her life wondering what her purpose is, and also wondering whether the man who used to own her will come back into her life. We know she has a photographic memory but there are other things about her which are very unusual, and she has a very special gift.
It is a slow moving but engaging novel, very character driven and filled me with immense joy at the kindness of strangers. I didn’t know where the plot was going to go, but I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. The end had me in floods of tears, and was a real ‘wow’ revelation.
This one is destined for my forever shelf.
Huge thanks to Katrina at FMcM for my early copy of the book to read and review for the blog tour.
January 27, 2026
This book tore me up. I can't state enough how much i ioved it. I've always been a big Dean Koontz fan, but this one was something else. If I could give it 10 stars I would. It's that good. It's set in the early 1900's and follows a young girl who doesn't have the best start in life. She's an oddity of a traveling show. She was taken from her mom at birth and put on display until a couple rescued her when she was 17. The couple has no idea how truly special she is, but they welcome her into the family unconditionally. Rachel L Jacob is wonderful as the narrator. The does all the voices perfectly and doesn't sound like a girl deepening her voice to do the male characters.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and Dean Koontz for the opportunity to listen to this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and Dean Koontz for the opportunity to listen to this book.
January 14, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing/Brilliance Audio for the ARC. This isn’t a typical Koontz and personally I wouldn’t label it thriller/horror as Goodreads has done. It follows the main character through her life and challenges.
February 19, 2026
This is a Dean Koontz book? I kept waiting for it to get good
what a sleep fest. It was barely a 3 star more like 2.5
what a sleep fest. It was barely a 3 star more like 2.5
February 8, 2026
So wordy yet so non descriptive
I did not enjoy this book at all. There was no climax. Just words upon words upon words upon words. Even thought there were so many words, the picture was left unpainted. One of the worst books I've read in a while. It took me forever to finish this book. When I did, I regretted ever starting it in the first place.
I did not enjoy this book at all. There was no climax. Just words upon words upon words upon words. Even thought there were so many words, the picture was left unpainted. One of the worst books I've read in a while. It took me forever to finish this book. When I did, I regretted ever starting it in the first place.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A girl rescued from a carnival sideshow finds herself at the center of something much bigger in The Friend of the Family by Dean Koontz. Alida’s journey from exploitation to belonging is grounded in warmth and humanity, even as an undercurrent of unease steadily grows. The Fairchild family offers love, safety, and acceptance, but Alida’s unsettling dreams suggest that her place with them may come with a higher cost.
This story leans into themes of family, sacrifice, and chosen love, blending tenderness with an ominous sense of purpose. Koontz builds tension quietly, letting emotion and moral weight drive the story rather than nonstop twists. It’s a thoughtful, heartfelt read.
Thank you to Dean Koontz and the publisher for the opportunity to read.
#TheFriendOfTheFamily #DeanKoontz #BookReview #ThrillerReads #SpeculativeFiction #FoundFamily #EmotionalReads #Goodreads #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #WhatImReading
This story leans into themes of family, sacrifice, and chosen love, blending tenderness with an ominous sense of purpose. Koontz builds tension quietly, letting emotion and moral weight drive the story rather than nonstop twists. It’s a thoughtful, heartfelt read.
Thank you to Dean Koontz and the publisher for the opportunity to read.
#TheFriendOfTheFamily #DeanKoontz #BookReview #ThrillerReads #SpeculativeFiction #FoundFamily #EmotionalReads #Goodreads #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #WhatImReading
February 22, 2026
If you go into this book thinking that it is like Mr. Koontz' earlier books you may be disappointed. However, when you dive into this novel with an open mind you will clearly see the wonderful world and character building that only Mr. Koontz can produce. His description of his worlds is always breathtaking to me. The characters are lovely and frightening as well. This is one of my favorite of all of Mr. Koontz' novels.
February 9, 2026
⭐ The Friend of the Family – Dean Koontz ⭐
If you’re at all familiar with Dean Koontz, then you already know one thing: genre rules do not apply here 😅📖 You can read four of his books and get four completely different vibes. That said… this one surprised me more than most.
The Friend of the Family is a coming-of-age, historical fiction novel centered on Alida—a young girl who is adopted (though “owned” feels like the more accurate word 😔) by Forest Farnam, the man who runs a traveling carnival. Alida becomes the star of the freak show: her face is strikingly beautiful, but her body is severely deformed. The story follows her through the remainder of her life, and it’s both heartbreaking and captivating.
✨ Beautifully written—exactly what you hope for in a coming-of-age story. The prose is rich and emotional without feeling heavy. It reminded me of The Age of Adaline and Big Fish 🎪💫, with a touch of magic woven in. Without spoiling anything, there’s some light dabbling in fantasy/paranormal elements and fun appearances from a few famous historical figures.
I truly enjoyed every bit of this novel. A unique, unexpected Koontz story that completely worked for me ❤️📚
If you’re at all familiar with Dean Koontz, then you already know one thing: genre rules do not apply here 😅📖 You can read four of his books and get four completely different vibes. That said… this one surprised me more than most.
The Friend of the Family is a coming-of-age, historical fiction novel centered on Alida—a young girl who is adopted (though “owned” feels like the more accurate word 😔) by Forest Farnam, the man who runs a traveling carnival. Alida becomes the star of the freak show: her face is strikingly beautiful, but her body is severely deformed. The story follows her through the remainder of her life, and it’s both heartbreaking and captivating.
✨ Beautifully written—exactly what you hope for in a coming-of-age story. The prose is rich and emotional without feeling heavy. It reminded me of The Age of Adaline and Big Fish 🎪💫, with a touch of magic woven in. Without spoiling anything, there’s some light dabbling in fantasy/paranormal elements and fun appearances from a few famous historical figures.
I truly enjoyed every bit of this novel. A unique, unexpected Koontz story that completely worked for me ❤️📚
March 5, 2026
I have been a fan of Dean Koontz’s books for as long as I can remember, stealing horrors he wrote from my mom and reading them in my early teens. This wasn’t a horror and I knew that going into the book, but I didn’t anticipate how much of a slow burn book it be and just how long it would take me to read it. While it did draw me in and captivate me at times, the majority of my reading sessions felt like a bit of a chore. I looked Adiel and her new family SO much, I just had to suspend my disbelief at her “healing powers” and didn’t really see the point of the end of the book because I honestly felt the same ending could have been achieved BEFORE Harry passed away and it almost felt like Koontz simply got bored of his own and Addies story and just ended it. I don’t think id be in a hurry to read any more of his non-horror themed novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2026
Audiobook. Book 5 beautiful stars, narration 4 stars.
Oh my goodness. I could gush about this book. It's a different kind of novel than his "usual" - this is gothic magic realism set in the early days of Hollywood.
Bravo!
Oh my goodness. I could gush about this book. It's a different kind of novel than his "usual" - this is gothic magic realism set in the early days of Hollywood.
Bravo!
February 28, 2026
A sweet story of a beautiful family
Most of this book takes place on a lovely house and gardens in California. I’ve read several Koontz books set in such places, but it was nice for once to read about decent people living in such a setting rather than inter-dimensional monsters and murderers.
I loved Addie. This is an unusual Koontz book because it has very little speculative or thriller aspect and is more a character piece. Addie is a wonderful character to follow. The family she that befriends her are equally interesting.
The time period is well described. I could see everything as I read it and I thought the author perfectly captured the 1930s and brought it to life. What a time of hardship and innovation.
My favorite character was Rafael the German shepherd, although I don’t think he behaved very like a German shepherd!
Most of this book takes place on a lovely house and gardens in California. I’ve read several Koontz books set in such places, but it was nice for once to read about decent people living in such a setting rather than inter-dimensional monsters and murderers.
I loved Addie. This is an unusual Koontz book because it has very little speculative or thriller aspect and is more a character piece. Addie is a wonderful character to follow. The family she that befriends her are equally interesting.
The time period is well described. I could see everything as I read it and I thought the author perfectly captured the 1930s and brought it to life. What a time of hardship and innovation.
My favorite character was Rafael the German shepherd, although I don’t think he behaved very like a German shepherd!
March 5, 2026
What was the point of this book? The only reason I finished this was because last month I finished Sophie Hannah's Lamberts book and I owed it to Dean Koontz, being a fan since years, to not give up on this. But recently his books have not been up to expectations to the extent of reaching this totally pointless book. The only reasons for two stars (not 0ne), is the excellent quality of prose.
February 23, 2026
This isn't my typical genre but I was very impressed with Koontz' writing ability. He is one of my husband's favorite authors so we decided to read it together. It was fun to discuss it because we are normally on two entirely different planets, reading-wise.
The story was engaging and the characters were interesting. I hear Koontz is known for a big reveal at the end and this one has it.
I really appreciated the message of the story--that the love of a family can save a soul, that when you love someone, you will do anything, even give up your own life, to save them. The strong spirituality also really appealed to me.
Content review: some language sprinkled throughout but not intense, some unseemly situations typical of the seedy side of carnival life in the early 30's, not graphic, some self-defense violence at the conclusion.
The story was engaging and the characters were interesting. I hear Koontz is known for a big reveal at the end and this one has it.
I really appreciated the message of the story--that the love of a family can save a soul, that when you love someone, you will do anything, even give up your own life, to save them. The strong spirituality also really appealed to me.
Content review: some language sprinkled throughout but not intense, some unseemly situations typical of the seedy side of carnival life in the early 30's, not graphic, some self-defense violence at the conclusion.
March 1, 2026
2.5 ⭐️ Sheesh, talk about boring.
February 1, 2026
Mine is likely to be an unpopular opinion, but as much as I wanted to like this book, it did not feel fully developed. I suspect the author intended a mystical vibe, but I found the constant, deliberate vagueness was an irritant that became a barrier, preventing me from immersing myself in the story.
The story itself read like a forced historical timeline with bits of human interaction tossed in like glitter. I wanted the immersive experience that I have enjoyed with Koontz books in the past, but this one just missed the mark for me.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s an overall lovely story and many will find it to be a magical feel good with heraldic elements, but this is not the work I have come to expect from Dean Koontz and I wonder if it is largely someone else’s work.
The story itself read like a forced historical timeline with bits of human interaction tossed in like glitter. I wanted the immersive experience that I have enjoyed with Koontz books in the past, but this one just missed the mark for me.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s an overall lovely story and many will find it to be a magical feel good with heraldic elements, but this is not the work I have come to expect from Dean Koontz and I wonder if it is largely someone else’s work.
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