One Door Away From Heaven

This is Dean's worst book because he spends the most time preaching a silly new age Christianity based type belief (mixxed in with dog worship... I think he most not like cats or thinks we cat people most be perverted) while demonizing the ideas of others that don't come close to his. Of course all his characters agree with him, except the evil ones who he alludes are controlled by what I assume is the Devil. He does this while also making fun of New Age believers, people into health foods, and so on. Weird and hypocritical.
The story becomes a vehicle to spew this nonsense while letting the story take a back seat. Those that agree with his selective logic and particular myths will enjoy the book. Those that don't will hope he gets back to telling stories or retiring before he ruins a career I have, up till recently, enjoyed.

What a waste of time! None of the characters were fleshed out enough to make me care about any of them. Too many storylines going on at once, with none of them really explored fully. The only time it got interesting was somewhere around tape #10, where the main villain's beliefs on bio-ethics were discussed. Skip this one!

I have read nearly all of Koontz's books over the years and enjoyed all of them, but this one is outstanding! I have barely been able to tear myself away from it. In it he balances horror with science fiction and brings in true emotion and gains the readers empathy with the characters. After reading "One Door Away from Heaven I have come to the conclusion that Koontz is like red wine - gets better with time.

I've alternately read and listened to several Koontz' books (depending on how much driving I have to do) and this one played out very well on tape. The narrator, Anne Twomey, has a mellow-toned contralto voice, with near perfect diction, and an ability to convey character nuances without distracting the listener. Her work was cut out for her, as Koontz certainly has an exhaustive vocabulary and an encyclopedic knowlege of some of the quirkier subjects this universe has to offer. I find his frame of reference is so endearingly American, particularly western American, that it's no mystery his novels are best sellers. As a writer, I'm continually amazed at the supreme freedom his imagination displays. If I could just be the piece of paper he writes on, or maybe his pen for a day...
There are just a couple of things, really. What is the deal with all dogs ruling, and all cats sucking? I'm a multi-species lover, and would place my spiritual bond with my cats right up there with any homo/caninus exaltation. The feline in me bristles every time it reads or infers inflamatory, anti-cat language or imagery. Also, I never thought I'd say it, but I simply to read a nice, hot-but-not-cruel-or-kinky love scene in a Koontz novel. The characters (and I'm talking about the grownup ones here) are usually so damaged or otherwise in emotional hiding, they are positively anti-sexual. The book I read that came close to what I seek was probably "Dark Rivers of the Heart." In all other ways, this book was a fine adventure, amusing to see our culture sifted through the senses of a "visitor." It reminded me in some wonderful ways of Heinlein's "Stranger in a Strange Land"...uh, without the sex of course.

forget what other people say about this book. it is the best one I ever read! It's true that if you are a shallow Koontz fan, craving only horror and gore, then you might not appreciate this book as someone of a more intellectual level would. It is a thrilling suspense story on one level but also a much deeper, profound look at life on another level. It is a character study, a tale of ultimate triumph over evil, and has so many insights into life and the way the world works that it leaves your head spinning. Don't go into this book expecting a cheap thrill, go in expecting something much deeper that will move and thrill you in an entirely different way. It will introduce you to some of the best characters you will ever meet. Their absolute purity of soul and goodness still astounds me. Read it, there's nothing better you could do for yourself!

My first Dean Koontz. Pulled me in immediately. Story within a story each a book of its own but the joy ride is as they come together. Couldn't wait for the next part. 13 tapes, lots of involving story telling.Full of suspense Reader is a supurb story teller.

I know a lot of people are not too happy with the way Dean Koontz's writing is changing from pure suspense/murder mystery to, well, something else. But I love it! His books are becoming richer and more complex like a fine wine. I like the way he blends the supernatural and surreal with themes from real life.
One Door Away From Heaven was a very satisfying book - the villain was just as evil as any he has ever written, the heroes just as good (and funnier), and let's not forget the dogs! Koontz writes about dogs in a way that is so real I can see their grinning faces while I'm reading.
I also like Koontz's no nonsense opinions about such modern concepts as self help psychology and bioethics.
I highly recommend this book!