Status
Available
Genres
Collection
Publication
Bantam (2004), 688 pages
Description
Fiction. Literature. Suspense. Thriller. HTML:Acknowledged as �??America�??s most popular suspense novelist�?�(Rolling Stone ) and as one of today�??s most celebrated and successful writers, Dean 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. Now he delivers the page-turner of the season, an unforgettable journey to the heart of darkness and to the pinnacle of grace, at once chilling and wickedly funny, a brilliantly observed chronicle of good and evil in our time, of illusion and everlasting truth. He�??s Hollywood�??s most dazzling star, whose flawless countenance inspires the worship of millions and fires the hatred of one twisted soul. His perfectly ordered existence is under siege as a series of terrifying, enigmatic �??messages�?� breaches the exquisitely calibrated security systems of his legendary Bel Air estate. The boxes arrive mysteriously, one by one, at Channing Manheim�??s fortified compound. The threat implicit in their bizarre, disturbing contents seems to escalate with each new delivery. Manheim�??s security chief, ex-cop Ethan Truman, is used to looking beneath the surface of things. But until he entered the orbit of a Hollywood icon, he had no idea just how slippery reality could be. Now this good man is all that stands in the way of an insidious killer�??and forces that eclipse the most fevered fantasies of a city where dreams and nightmares are the stuff of daily life. As a seemingly endless and ominous rain falls over southern California, Ethan will test the limits of perception and endurance in a world where the truth is as thin as celluloid and answers can be found only in the illusory intersection of shadow and light. Enter a world of marvelous invention, enchantment, and implacable intent, populated by murderous actors and the walking dead, hit men and heroes, long-buried dreams and never-dying hope. Here a magnificent mansion is presided over by a Scottish force of nature known as Mrs. McBee, before whom all men tremble. A mad French chef concocts feasts for the mighty and the malicious. Ming du Lac, spiritual adviser to the stars, has a direct line to the dead. An aptly named cop called Hazard will become Ethan�??s ally, an anarchist will sow discord and despair, and a young boy named Fric, imprisoned by celebrity and loneliness, will hear a voice telling him of the approach of something unimaginably evil. Traversing this extraordinary landscape, Ethan will face the secrets of his own tragic past and the unmistakable premonition of his impending violent death as he races against time to solve the macabre riddles of a modern-day beast. A riveting tour de force of suspense, mystery, and miraculous revelation, The Face is that rare novel that entertains, provokes, and uplifts at the same time. It will make you laugh. It will give you chills. It will fill you with hope. BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Lame
I am a huge Koontz fan who for some time now has been finding some of his later stuff to be a bit stale, wordy, and boring. But this novel is an excellent read! It's old school Koontz at his finest. The characters are sharp and the story is crisp. Good enough for seconds!
LibraryThing member jphillips3334
At first, it seems like a regular story about an ex-cop that is the head of security of the most famous (and very rich) actor in contemporary Hollywood. He is known as "the Face". Ethan (our head security guy) has a mystery to solve, since someone has been sending "the Face" cryptic packages over
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the last few weeks. In his attempt to solve this mystery, Ethan ends up seeing his own death, brushes with the supernatural, and seeing his estranged best friend after he supposedly died. This novel is typical Koontz, with a blend of mystery, suspense and the supernatural. Koontz is true to his form, he blends the natural world with elements of the supernatural. The book is a bit slow, but is somewhat necessary to set up the characters and scenes to give us backgrounds to the bigger story and adds to the atmosphere of the overall theme. I like his descriptiveness of the scenes which supplies the minds eye with a vivid picture of what's going on. Although this book could probably have been a bit shorter, it's still a good read. Show Less
LibraryThing member EikaiwaCafe
I'm not a big Dean Koontz fan. In the past I hadn't 'read' any of his books, but I have listened to three of them on tapes or CDs I borrowed from my dad for long road trips. The only one of these I remember off hand was "Tick Tock". I remember really being impressed with Dean Koontz's ability to
However, I recently got a pile of books from people who were leaving Japan and going back to their home countries. Among them was an advanced reader copy of "The Face". I took a quick look at the top few reviews on LT and, assured it was fresh material, decided to pick it up for light reading. The result was a few days with vastly shortened sleep hours. I found it very difficult to put this book down... until I reached a certain plot point. I still enjoyed the book from that point, but I wasn't compelled to continue reading. I'll get to that in a moment, but first, a summary of the book.
The title of the book, "The Face", refers to the world's biggest celebrity, Channing Manheim... though it also gains a double meaning in the final pages of the book. However, "The Face" is only a very minor character in the book, only discussed in reference to his relationship to the two protagonists, Manheim's son, Fric, and his chief of security, Ethan. As the story begins, The Face is away making a big movie in the days leading to Christmas. Ethan is examining a black package, the last of five, that have been delivered to Manheim's home... and definitely seem to be threats of some kind.
The story, usually chapter-by-chapter, switches between the two main protagonists Ethan and Fric (and occassionally a friend of Ethan's who is helping him with the mystery, Detective Hazard Yancy), and the antagonist, Corky Laputa, an anarchist, who thinks breaking into the well secured home of the world's most famous actor and comitting an unspeakable crime will be the masterpiece in a life dedicated to chaos.
This switching between perspectives is what makes the book so hard to put down. At any given point in the book at least one of the main characters' chapter's has ended in a cliff-hanger. By the time that character reaches a point of relative safety, another is in danger, but that isn't the only thing that kept me from being able to put the book down. The hook in this book is that there is a supernatural entity (would it be a Koontz book without one?) who is playing with reality. Early in the book, Ethan is gunned down, as he clutches his wounds and prepares to die... he wakes back up before the meeting that lead to the shooting... with his own blood still under his finger nails. It is the wish to find out what super natural entity/ies or involved and what they are doing that keeps you reading. It is very well done... until one entity literally calls up one of the characters on the phone and directly explains what he is doing... at that point at least half of the suspense of the book immediately fell off.
Still it was a really satisfying big of light, though not short, reading. If you like supernatural suspense, give it a try!
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really paint a scene, but I also remember that of the three books I listened to... I had already run into a lot of recycled ideas. I probably had bad luck of picking books with similar concepts out of his numerous (219 by LT's count) books. Regardless, I wasn't impressed.However, I recently got a pile of books from people who were leaving Japan and going back to their home countries. Among them was an advanced reader copy of "The Face". I took a quick look at the top few reviews on LT and, assured it was fresh material, decided to pick it up for light reading. The result was a few days with vastly shortened sleep hours. I found it very difficult to put this book down... until I reached a certain plot point. I still enjoyed the book from that point, but I wasn't compelled to continue reading. I'll get to that in a moment, but first, a summary of the book.
The title of the book, "The Face", refers to the world's biggest celebrity, Channing Manheim... though it also gains a double meaning in the final pages of the book. However, "The Face" is only a very minor character in the book, only discussed in reference to his relationship to the two protagonists, Manheim's son, Fric, and his chief of security, Ethan. As the story begins, The Face is away making a big movie in the days leading to Christmas. Ethan is examining a black package, the last of five, that have been delivered to Manheim's home... and definitely seem to be threats of some kind.
The story, usually chapter-by-chapter, switches between the two main protagonists Ethan and Fric (and occassionally a friend of Ethan's who is helping him with the mystery, Detective Hazard Yancy), and the antagonist, Corky Laputa, an anarchist, who thinks breaking into the well secured home of the world's most famous actor and comitting an unspeakable crime will be the masterpiece in a life dedicated to chaos.
This switching between perspectives is what makes the book so hard to put down. At any given point in the book at least one of the main characters' chapter's has ended in a cliff-hanger. By the time that character reaches a point of relative safety, another is in danger, but that isn't the only thing that kept me from being able to put the book down. The hook in this book is that there is a supernatural entity (would it be a Koontz book without one?) who is playing with reality. Early in the book, Ethan is gunned down, as he clutches his wounds and prepares to die... he wakes back up before the meeting that lead to the shooting... with his own blood still under his finger nails. It is the wish to find out what super natural entity/ies or involved and what they are doing that keeps you reading. It is very well done... until one entity literally calls up one of the characters on the phone and directly explains what he is doing... at that point at least half of the suspense of the book immediately fell off.
Still it was a really satisfying big of light, though not short, reading. If you like supernatural suspense, give it a try!
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LibraryThing member drneutron
Koontz can be flowery, overly verbose, even turgid at times. But man, can he plot! What starts as a run-of-the-mill mystery/suspense story very quickly smacks the reader right between the eyes and keeps getting better and better. I loved the characters, especially Fric, and thought the ending of
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the story was magnificent. If Koontz had toned down the prose a bit this would have been top-notch. As it is, it's still worth the time spent - which won't be much since it's hard to put down! Show Less
LibraryThing member melydia
(unabridged audiobook read by Dylan Baker): The two main characters here are Ethan Truman, chief of security for megastar Channing Manheim, and Fric, Manheim's lonely but surprisingly normal 10-year-old son. Ethan begins the story by investigating some strange packages delivered to his employer,
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which earns him a fatal shot in the chest...only to wake up back in his truck, unharmed but with his own blood under his fingernails. Also lurking in the wings is Corky Laputa, self-proclaimed anarchist and servant of Chaos, spreading fear and dischord however he can.When it comes right down to it, I enjoyed this book very much, thanks in no small part to Dylan Baker, the reader. His voice acting was convincing, his narration was engaging, and he managed to keep me interested - even rapt in parts - all 19 hours. However, I had a few complaints even Baker's massive talent could not quell. First, the sappy ending: this being Dean Koontz, I knew that Good would trimph over Evil in the end, but the overly saccharine fate granted a character I didn't care very much about in the first place was tiresome. Second, the flowery description: most of it was fun and useful in setting the mood, but there's only so many times you need to describe the rain. Third, there were lots of lengthy details and backstory that weren't necessary to the story. I have a feeling Reader's Digest could trim this down to a novella and lose nothing.Certainly not my favorite Koontz novel, but I may have to track down more audiobooks read by Dylan Baker. Show Less
LibraryThing member tymfos
Take one widowed security guard; add the son of a famous movie star; throw in a cruel, insane anarchist and his various associates and underlings; stir with a dead man walking -- and you have part of the recipe for The Face. But there's more. How about phone calls from the dead? Bells from a fatal
This was one of the better books that I've read this year. It really was scary/suspenseful enough to give me some nightmares; and I rarely get nightmares from books or even scary movies.
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ride not taken . . . or was it? Blood from a wound that isn't there? This book has enough plot twists to create a maze for lab rats, enough creepy imagery to fuel nightmares.This was one of the better books that I've read this year. It really was scary/suspenseful enough to give me some nightmares; and I rarely get nightmares from books or even scary movies.
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LibraryThing member jaimjane
I was sick last week and needed something to read. Something entertaining. Something to keep my mind off the fact that I felt miserable. The Face was just the ticket. The story opens up with the security chief of a Hollywood star Channing Manheim (aka The Face) investigating a series of packages
I really liked this book and it reminded me of some of Koontz's older works that I enjoyed like Lightening, Midnight, and Twilight Eyes. Although they were very popular, I was rather disappointed in his Odd Thomas books and haven't read anything by him since. But I will be looking out for more now.
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delivered to the star's home. Each one is odder and more sinister than the last. A well-placed security camera offers a clue and Ethan is on his way to home of the mysterious delivery boy. What happens there is unearthly and just the beginning of the bizarre events that will pepper the story. At the same time Manheim's lonely son gets an unexpected phone call warning him of a dire event soon to come. This paranomal crime drama has angels, demons, and one very human monster. It is fast paced, well written, and very exciting.I really liked this book and it reminded me of some of Koontz's older works that I enjoyed like Lightening, Midnight, and Twilight Eyes. Although they were very popular, I was rather disappointed in his Odd Thomas books and haven't read anything by him since. But I will be looking out for more now.
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LibraryThing member jo-jo
This was another Dean Koontz novel that made quite an intense audiobook. This book has you questioning from the very beginning whether certain events have actually happened or how one could have such a vivid memory of an incident if it didn't occur. Ethan Truman is an ex-cop who is now the head of
Fric is the son of the famous Mannheim actor and may have been my favorite character in this book. He is such a sweet boy, but yet so lonely and his sarcastic humor just jumps off the page (or radio speakers in my case). It seemed to me that the staff that worked on the Mannheim estate were more of a family than his father was, as he was hardly ever home. Fric is aware that impending danger lies in his future when he receives an anonymous phone call informing him that he needs to find a hiding spot in the mansion so he is not captured by the 'beast in yellow'.
Odd things happen to both Fric and Ethan that neither of them seem to understand. They start to see images appearing in mirrors and other events that they know are not possible within the physical realm that we live. When the 'beast in yellow' does appear at the Mannheim estate Ethan and Fric find that they will need to get help from each other and other sources in order to persevere from the attack. In the end they both find themselves surprised, grateful, and in a spiritual state of amazement.
This made an enjoyable audiobook that really brought out emotions of sadness, gratefulness, and terror. I find it interesting how Koontz can spin a story that includes all of these elements. I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed reading this one as much as listening to it so this one receives an audio recommendation from me.
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security for the famous Hollywood star, Channing Mannheim. Ethan finds himself on a journey of unexpainable events after odd packages containing hidden messages start to appear at the actor's home. These boxes contain strange items from dried up foreskins to scrabble tiles that obviously are meant to be deciphered into a message of dire warning.Fric is the son of the famous Mannheim actor and may have been my favorite character in this book. He is such a sweet boy, but yet so lonely and his sarcastic humor just jumps off the page (or radio speakers in my case). It seemed to me that the staff that worked on the Mannheim estate were more of a family than his father was, as he was hardly ever home. Fric is aware that impending danger lies in his future when he receives an anonymous phone call informing him that he needs to find a hiding spot in the mansion so he is not captured by the 'beast in yellow'.
Odd things happen to both Fric and Ethan that neither of them seem to understand. They start to see images appearing in mirrors and other events that they know are not possible within the physical realm that we live. When the 'beast in yellow' does appear at the Mannheim estate Ethan and Fric find that they will need to get help from each other and other sources in order to persevere from the attack. In the end they both find themselves surprised, grateful, and in a spiritual state of amazement.
This made an enjoyable audiobook that really brought out emotions of sadness, gratefulness, and terror. I find it interesting how Koontz can spin a story that includes all of these elements. I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed reading this one as much as listening to it so this one receives an audio recommendation from me.
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LibraryThing member MIMIC880
When it comes to horror and suspense, Dean Koontz's "The Face" delivers so much to the point that it is literally startling. The perfect combination of mythical and realistic events, the shrouding of characters in terror, and one anarchist that will make your blood chill, all amount to a perfect
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horror novel that you will not put down. The mystery and suspense will satisfy your palate for intrigue. Show Less
LibraryThing member crazycatlady35
Haven't read Dean Koontz in a while but enjoyed this one.
LibraryThing member andyray
Koontz works with light and shadow wonderfully, and in this one the young boy must watch out as angels and other spiritual beings move through the various lights, such as Christmas tree lights, aroiund him.
LibraryThing member Scoshie
More detective novel than Koontz's usual thrillers. Ethan Truman is head of security of the actor known as The Face of Hollywood. When his boss starts getting weird packages Ethan has to track down who and where they are coming from before harm can occur to his bos and his bosses son. Now a bad way
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to spend an afternoon in the sun. Show Less
LibraryThing member ricardob
"The Face" is my second go at Koontz work and it has done nothing but increase my interest on his work.
With a great and memorable vilan, this book is an easy and extremely enjoyable reading experience with a bit of humor, a lot of characters, which are revisited many times by Koontz throughout the
A great read.
With a great and memorable vilan, this book is an easy and extremely enjoyable reading experience with a bit of humor, a lot of characters, which are revisited many times by Koontz throughout the
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book and the always present supernatural, all in all a great story hard to put down.A great read.
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LibraryThing member mephistia
It's a really creepy, interesting book. Dean Koontz has an inimitable style that is crisp and concise while still captivating the reader. The premise is fascinating, and his characterization of the villian had me laughing aloud in spots.
LibraryThing member JEB5
When little black presents begin to arrive at popular actor, Channing Manheim‘s house it is the job of his head of security, Ethan Truman, to figure out what the threat is and protect the “Face” and his family. While Ethan is busy trying to understand what these morbid gifts mean, other
Dean Koontz’s novel “The Face” is without a doubt a superb example of storytelling. Changing between the voices of various characters has enabled Koontz to provide a well-woven tale filled with mystery, horror and suspense. The narrators include Channing’s son, Fric, to Ethan’s detective friend, Hazard, a childhood of Ethan’s, Dunny and finally Corky Laputo. Through their eyes and Ethan’s, Koontz slowly reveals what those little black gifts mean and what that means for inhabitants of Manheim’s mansion as well as those who have contact with the main characters.
While there are some supernatural style occurrences in the novel they do not distract from the tale and have a tendency to actually come across as imaginings. A long read, the short chapters provide the motivation to continue on and the mystery of what is to happen urges you to quicken the pace.
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characters are busy living their lives and telling their side. Dean Koontz’s novel “The Face” is without a doubt a superb example of storytelling. Changing between the voices of various characters has enabled Koontz to provide a well-woven tale filled with mystery, horror and suspense. The narrators include Channing’s son, Fric, to Ethan’s detective friend, Hazard, a childhood of Ethan’s, Dunny and finally Corky Laputo. Through their eyes and Ethan’s, Koontz slowly reveals what those little black gifts mean and what that means for inhabitants of Manheim’s mansion as well as those who have contact with the main characters.
While there are some supernatural style occurrences in the novel they do not distract from the tale and have a tendency to actually come across as imaginings. A long read, the short chapters provide the motivation to continue on and the mystery of what is to happen urges you to quicken the pace.
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LibraryThing member .Monkey.
I usually enjoy Koontz's books, but this one definitely ranks high on the list. Part of what helps that is several really great interesting characters, but another large part is that I thought the end was perfect, and I am super picky about book endings! Koontz gets my massive kudos on this title.
LibraryThing member bgknighton
Channing Manheim is a world famous star. He has created an insulated world with the best protection money can buy for his family. But chaos has many agents who will stop at nothing to bring pain into the world. Order has its own agents. Fric and Ethan are caught in the middle of this conflict —
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free will vs good intentions vs bad intentions — the battle goes on…. Show Less
LibraryThing member LouCypher
A very good and very long Dean Koontz book. Definitely not a one sitter like some of his others. I really enjoyed the blend of old school cop chasing down leads, with the supernatural of the story. Although there were more than a few edge of your seat moments, this was really more of a drawn out
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mystery of what the heck is going on which I really did enjoy. Show Less
LibraryThing member SharonMariaBidwell
A re-read for me, and a well-plotted exceptional book for someone prepared to suspend disbelief and accept a storyline heavy on supernatural elements in a thriller involving a kidnap plot. Some of the descriptive passages could be called overwritten, and I can’t help feeling a little trimming
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would help the book. I liked the use of a child in this story, those chapters being some of the best. The parts which revolved around the antagonist(s) were a little heavy-going, but the various threads certainly keep the reader guessing with so many creating an intricate story overall. It’s hard to say more without giving the plot away. Show Less
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2003
Physical description
6.9 inches
ISBN
0553584480 / 9780553584486