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Dance with the Devil
Katherine Sellers came to Owisden in the winter, to be the secretary-companion to Lydia Boland, one of the wealthiest women in the country. The job was an exciting challenge for Katherine, and a needed change from the events she'd sooner forget. And her new employer was a charming and gracious lady. If only all of the people of Owisden and the little mountain village that huddled against the estate for protection were so nice, Katherine's happiness would be assured. However, beneath the charm stirred other emotions, other forces. There was evil in that mountain valley, a brooding evil that worshipped at a dark altar... an altar that had been built for unspeakable sacrifice! And Katherine was marked from the moment she arrived - marked to die!
205 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1972
4 people are currently reading
638 people want to read
About the author
Deanna Dwyer
5 books25 followersDeanna Dwyer is a pseudonym of horror writer Dean Koontz/Dean R. Koontz. Koontz mostly published pulp Gothic Horror fiction under this name.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 9, 2024
This is actually written by Dean Koontz before he it big under his name. It is a gothic horror genre novel. In this one Katharine is hired by an older lady to be her live in secretary. The house that she resides is in a remote region that gets cut off during snow storms. While there Katharine observes signs of Satanism and she might be there next target.
I have read a bunch of these old books by Koontz under various pseudonyms and I view them as a curiosity read more than anything else. I can tell when reading them that Koontz has not yet refined his writing style yet but I can see the beginnings of what he will eventually become. I will say I thought that this one was better than most of the other ones I have read. Right away this book grabbed me as the desolate setting caught my interest. It kind of reminded me of The Shining by Stephen King. Being stuck in a blizzard and not being able to call for help. This book is pretty much straight forward even though Koontz tries for a mystery for whom is the culprit. One can see it a mile away. Even so I was enjoying this and I really thought I was going to give it four stars. The ending with the motive was a little bit of a thud. I understand what the author was trying for but it left me with a feeling of being underwhelmed. Maybe if we got flashback scenes of leading to his motivation it would have landed better for me.
Even with the ending not exactly doing it for me I thought this was one of his better early books. What really sold it for me was the setting and fending for oneself as the main character had not idea who to trust while being stuck. It was a quick read too as it just about two hundred pages. I think if Koontz wrote this during his actual prime he would do a much better job with it. That being said I did enjoy it and I am glad I did read it.
I have read a bunch of these old books by Koontz under various pseudonyms and I view them as a curiosity read more than anything else. I can tell when reading them that Koontz has not yet refined his writing style yet but I can see the beginnings of what he will eventually become. I will say I thought that this one was better than most of the other ones I have read. Right away this book grabbed me as the desolate setting caught my interest. It kind of reminded me of The Shining by Stephen King. Being stuck in a blizzard and not being able to call for help. This book is pretty much straight forward even though Koontz tries for a mystery for whom is the culprit. One can see it a mile away. Even so I was enjoying this and I really thought I was going to give it four stars. The ending with the motive was a little bit of a thud. I understand what the author was trying for but it left me with a feeling of being underwhelmed. Maybe if we got flashback scenes of leading to his motivation it would have landed better for me.
Even with the ending not exactly doing it for me I thought this was one of his better early books. What really sold it for me was the setting and fending for oneself as the main character had not idea who to trust while being stuck. It was a quick read too as it just about two hundred pages. I think if Koontz wrote this during his actual prime he would do a much better job with it. That being said I did enjoy it and I am glad I did read it.
January 30, 2022
This is reported by other reviewers on gr that this novel the forth book written under the Deanna Dwyer pseudonym by Dean Koontz. It wasn’t bad, for a lazy Saturday’s reading, while trying to keep warm from the snow and freezing temps outside. I sure wish I’d read it in the middle of summer though lol. Slight case of insta-love presented here.
https://readfrom.net/dean-koontz/page...
3 stars
https://readfrom.net/dean-koontz/page...
3 stars
May 5, 2022
This is a serviceable pulp gothic with good writing and a Satanic cult plot that is nice and spooky, albeit very predictable. The climax of the story was the most fun for me; there were other places where it dragged. The romance was nothing special, not that I expected it to be. But I was loving the descriptions of the house (Owlsden - I love owls) and the food they (the people, not the owls!) ate.
Other notes: As most gothic collectors are probably aware, this book is by the now-world-famous Dean Koontz writing under a pseudonym. It was published as a Magnum Easy Eye ("larger type, non-glare paper") edition first by Lancer books, and then by Prestige following Lancer's 1973 bankruptcy. (The cover and design is mostly the same for both editions.) Fun fact: Following the bankruptcy, one of Lancer's founders went on to start Kensington Books, which brought us Zebra Gothics starting in 1975. :)
Other notes: As most gothic collectors are probably aware, this book is by the now-world-famous Dean Koontz writing under a pseudonym. It was published as a Magnum Easy Eye ("larger type, non-glare paper") edition first by Lancer books, and then by Prestige following Lancer's 1973 bankruptcy. (The cover and design is mostly the same for both editions.) Fun fact: Following the bankruptcy, one of Lancer's founders went on to start Kensington Books, which brought us Zebra Gothics starting in 1975. :)
May 31, 2025
eponymous-ey sentence:
p35: "Twice, I have watched a devil's dance in progress."
Deanna Dwyer's growing on me.
p35: "Twice, I have watched a devil's dance in progress."
Deanna Dwyer's growing on me.
August 8, 2016
Another compact little gothic by Dean Koontz, writing as Deanna Dwyer.
Katherine Sellers sets out to her first job as assistant to Lydia Roxburgh Boland, one of the dozen wealthiest women in the country. It's wintertime and weather conditions in the Adirondacks are abysmal. Close to the village of Roxburgh she sees a hanged cat in the doorway of an old abandoned barn. Upon investigation she notices a pentagram chalked on the ground and signs of burnt candles. Witchcraft? Devil worshippers? The snow is so bad one of the locals has to drive her up to Owlsden, the Roxburgh residence high on the hilltop. This is Michael Harrison, who could very well become a romantic interest. However, her employer also has a son the same age, Alex. So life seems to look very brightly for Katherine: a wonderful job, a luxurious household, nice people all around and two eligible bachelors... if it weren't for the ominous signs of satanism in the region. Is she in danger?
Of course she is! Remember this isn't just a romance novel!
I loved the writing style: "The sky was a gray metal lid clamped on the pot of the world, so low and flat that it looked as if she could just reach up and tap a fingernail against it." Isn't that a wonderful way to make you see Katherine's surroundings? The story itself was very well done too; thankfully it isn't one of those formulaic gothics that fail to surprise you. There's a bit of psychology thrown in which was very refreshing to see. Gothic suspense novels are all about people lying and pretending and a heroine who doesn't know whom to trust. To this the author cleverly added another dimension.
Katherine Sellers sets out to her first job as assistant to Lydia Roxburgh Boland, one of the dozen wealthiest women in the country. It's wintertime and weather conditions in the Adirondacks are abysmal. Close to the village of Roxburgh she sees a hanged cat in the doorway of an old abandoned barn. Upon investigation she notices a pentagram chalked on the ground and signs of burnt candles. Witchcraft? Devil worshippers? The snow is so bad one of the locals has to drive her up to Owlsden, the Roxburgh residence high on the hilltop. This is Michael Harrison, who could very well become a romantic interest. However, her employer also has a son the same age, Alex. So life seems to look very brightly for Katherine: a wonderful job, a luxurious household, nice people all around and two eligible bachelors... if it weren't for the ominous signs of satanism in the region. Is she in danger?
Of course she is! Remember this isn't just a romance novel!
I loved the writing style: "The sky was a gray metal lid clamped on the pot of the world, so low and flat that it looked as if she could just reach up and tap a fingernail against it." Isn't that a wonderful way to make you see Katherine's surroundings? The story itself was very well done too; thankfully it isn't one of those formulaic gothics that fail to surprise you. There's a bit of psychology thrown in which was very refreshing to see. Gothic suspense novels are all about people lying and pretending and a heroine who doesn't know whom to trust. To this the author cleverly added another dimension.
January 28, 2021
This is the forth book written under the Deanna Dwyer pseudonym by Dean Koontz. As with others written under the Dwyer name this is centred on a slightly naïve and innocent person taking up a job in a remote house and then finding things are not all they seem to be.
Katherine Sellars finds herself isolated not only be house’s (Owlsden) remote location but by the winter snow storm that is swirling around it and the nearest town. Her nerves are tested when on the journey to the house she comes across a cat that has been mutilated and hung from a barn. Moved beyond words she braves the cold to get out of her car and bury the cat. When Yuir the house butler come manservant warns her to lock her door at night and not wander around in the darkness she doesn’t take it seriously. He goes on to warn her about the Satanist cult that is often seen in the woods, she doesn’t believe in this even when he explains about beliefs of his upbringing in Rumania and the legends of vampires. Werewolves etc.
Still when she hears noises in the night of course she goes and investigates, once she finds its only owls calling in the night. The second time she finds occult symbols written in blood on her bedroom door. When the storm brings down the powerlines plunging Owlsden into darkness and cold her fear increases. Can those in Owlsden survive the night?
Katherine Sellars finds herself isolated not only be house’s (Owlsden) remote location but by the winter snow storm that is swirling around it and the nearest town. Her nerves are tested when on the journey to the house she comes across a cat that has been mutilated and hung from a barn. Moved beyond words she braves the cold to get out of her car and bury the cat. When Yuir the house butler come manservant warns her to lock her door at night and not wander around in the darkness she doesn’t take it seriously. He goes on to warn her about the Satanist cult that is often seen in the woods, she doesn’t believe in this even when he explains about beliefs of his upbringing in Rumania and the legends of vampires. Werewolves etc.
Still when she hears noises in the night of course she goes and investigates, once she finds its only owls calling in the night. The second time she finds occult symbols written in blood on her bedroom door. When the storm brings down the powerlines plunging Owlsden into darkness and cold her fear increases. Can those in Owlsden survive the night?
July 8, 2019
This is an enjoyable, if predictable, story about a woman who finds more than she bargained for with new employment.
It is one of Dean Koontz's earlier works under this pen name, and I found it to be rooted in the same formula as all the others - I'm not sure if this was a condition of the publishers because Dean Koontz does not write like this anymore. However, I still enjoyed it and there were some good atmospheric descriptions.
I judge stories on how much I enjoyed the reading, and I did. Though I'm glad that Dean Koontz changed his style because he is now a master storyteller.
It is one of Dean Koontz's earlier works under this pen name, and I found it to be rooted in the same formula as all the others - I'm not sure if this was a condition of the publishers because Dean Koontz does not write like this anymore. However, I still enjoyed it and there were some good atmospheric descriptions.
I judge stories on how much I enjoyed the reading, and I did. Though I'm glad that Dean Koontz changed his style because he is now a master storyteller.
October 5, 2020
A very nice read which includes little bit of supernatural. The setting, atmosphere, town all were good. But if you have read demon child you can guess who is the actual villain easily. Better than some of the recent Koontz novels.
September 4, 2017
This is the best of the gothics I've read so far by Dean Koontz. While his gothics aren't the greatest, I find them very entertaining.
March 16, 2024
A more traditional "Gothic Horror" novel by Koontz under the pseudonym Deanna Dwyer. Koontz uses all the elements associated with Gothic literature, the Roxburgh residence (Owisden) high on the hilltop overlooking the town as the desolate setting, the dark atmosphere accentuated by the snow blizzard, the supernatural forces of witch-craft and Devil worshippers with the added patina of Yuri, the Romanian butler with his insight to the occult, the female protagonist Katherine trapped with psychological uncertainty regarding her situation. Koontz touches lightly on Christianity and the idea of religion, as he did in many of his early novels especially his Sci-Fi novels, and the romance aspect is there in the background.
Katherine Sellers is employed by Lydia Roxburgh Boland as her live-in assistant, along with Lydia's son, Alex, a potential romantic interest. Another suitor is Michael Harrison, the son of the local industry capitalist, so with an ideal job, two bachelors, a beautiful home to live in, what could possibly go wrong? Devil-worshippers who have taken to the grounds for their "Dance with the Devil" and Katherine is in their sights as a potential new recruit. With a snow storm set in, the initiation is attempted, but who is the leader of the "family" and will Katherine be saved from this group of psychologically unstable individuals.
A quick entertaining read and it is predictable, but the style of Koontz writing does lead to dramatic descriptions that keep the reader engaged.
Katherine Sellers is employed by Lydia Roxburgh Boland as her live-in assistant, along with Lydia's son, Alex, a potential romantic interest. Another suitor is Michael Harrison, the son of the local industry capitalist, so with an ideal job, two bachelors, a beautiful home to live in, what could possibly go wrong? Devil-worshippers who have taken to the grounds for their "Dance with the Devil" and Katherine is in their sights as a potential new recruit. With a snow storm set in, the initiation is attempted, but who is the leader of the "family" and will Katherine be saved from this group of psychologically unstable individuals.
A quick entertaining read and it is predictable, but the style of Koontz writing does lead to dramatic descriptions that keep the reader engaged.
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August 26, 2021Lost interest, not sure where I was lol Have to give it another chance another time :/
August 3, 2016
Deanna Dwyer, Dance with the Devil (Prestige, 1972)
[originally posted 17Sep2001]
I always figured gothic romance novels were written by terminally horny college students with a passing interest in the occult and a strong desire to make money by any means necessary. Dean Koontz gave evidence of same in the early seventies by writing a few gothics (three, if memory serves) under the name Deanna Dwyer. Of the various forms of Koontziana out there, the Dwyers are the most collectible—and that's saying something.
The books themselves are about what you'd expect—boy A meets girl, boy B meets girl, boy A gets jealous and accuses boy B of being the high priest of a Satanic animal-sacrificing cult who call up the devil in the woods... you know the drill. If you've read two Barbara Cartland books, you know the routine, including the supposed twist ending common to just about every romance novel I've ever read. But man, this stuff is funny. (As an amusing sidelight, it becomes obvious-- when you're looking-- that Koontz has a romance background. Compare and contrast the romantic relationships in Koontz' superstar-era novels with those in King...) ** ½
[originally posted 17Sep2001]
I always figured gothic romance novels were written by terminally horny college students with a passing interest in the occult and a strong desire to make money by any means necessary. Dean Koontz gave evidence of same in the early seventies by writing a few gothics (three, if memory serves) under the name Deanna Dwyer. Of the various forms of Koontziana out there, the Dwyers are the most collectible—and that's saying something.
The books themselves are about what you'd expect—boy A meets girl, boy B meets girl, boy A gets jealous and accuses boy B of being the high priest of a Satanic animal-sacrificing cult who call up the devil in the woods... you know the drill. If you've read two Barbara Cartland books, you know the routine, including the supposed twist ending common to just about every romance novel I've ever read. But man, this stuff is funny. (As an amusing sidelight, it becomes obvious-- when you're looking-- that Koontz has a romance background. Compare and contrast the romantic relationships in Koontz' superstar-era novels with those in King...) ** ½
August 14, 2015
I wouldn't have thought of reading this book but I got sick last week and I was up all night. Once I started to read, I couldn't stop. The book itself isn't very long but it grabs you instantly and your wondering what's going to happen next. I rather liked it but I saddened to realize that the book is written under dean koontz pen name from earlier in his career. I've read him before but this was really different from his later books. As I was reading this I was actually taking a break from reading hideaway by dean. It kinda reminds me of the book house on haunted hill, both are creepy in the same capacity.
April 22, 2019
I read this book because Dean Koontz used this pseudonym--not sure what year it was published but I would guess 30+++ years ago. It was an easy read and a bit of a pleasant surprise as to what passed for horror back then. Simple plot, simple characters, simple twist at the end. A pleasant but almost juvenile read.
February 9, 2016
Alright.Nothing much happens
April 26, 2017
I mostly gave this a try because I find it interesting to read books by authors under their pen names. This one was from very early in Dean Koontz's career, probably before he hit his stride. It's a rather dull read, and I'll admit I only made it a handful of chapters in before I gave it up. I just couldn't seem to get "hooked" on this dismal journey up to a Gothic mansion with ... I don't even know, did the fact that she buried a cat that was sacrificed by Satanists/cultists/bored teenagers make her a target? Too boring, didn't read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews