Hideaway
Dean Koontz

Although accident victim Hatch Harrison dies en route to the hospital, a brilliant physician miraculously resuscitates him. Given this second change, Hatch and his wife, Lindsey, approach each day with a new appreciation for life - until a series of mysterious and frightening events brings them face to face with the unknown. Although Hatch was given no glimpse of an Afterlife during the period when his heart was stopped, he has reason to fear that he has brought a terrible Presence back with him from the land of the dead.
When people who have wronged the Harrisons begin to die violently, Hatch comes to doubt his own innocence - and must confront the possibility that this life is a prelude to another, darker place. He and Lindsey are forced to fight not only for their own survival, but for that of Regina, the delightful and exceptional disabled child who has given meaning and purpose to their lives. With growing desperation, Lindsey and Hatch seek the truth along a twisted trail that leads eventually to an abandoned amusement park - and a confrontation with purest evil.

Please make sure to read this novel before you even think about seeing the movie. The movie is very good, but the novel is excellent and as usual, the movie changes the plot quite drastically.

This is probably one of my favorite Koontz novels. It has the feel of classic Koontz combined with the author's talents of making the characters into real people - even the villain. There's mystery, suspense, and an ending that most readers will not see coming. I don't want to ruin it for people, but yes, something came back with Hatch - though that something was sent to set things right.

The plot is engaging and original, I've really never read anything like this before. I was thoroughly impressed with every aspect of this book. It's the type you really don't want to put down. While it's not a long book, the hardcover is 321 pages, it isn't a super quick read. However, that's because of all the small nuances that the writer put in and the fact that you really need to read everything in order for it to sink in.

I highly recommend this book and would say if you like it, then rent the movie and know it's very different than the novel.

My rating: Four and a half out of five snails.