From the Corner of His Eye

Junior Cain is a man totally in love with his wife. As the story begins, they have been hiking in Oregon and are picnicking on a fire tower. Soon, due to specific events, the reader will realize that Junior Cain has a mental imbalance. His idea of right and wrong can be summed up in this statement: nothing is wrong as long as it is beneficial-to Junior.

In this suspense thriller, author Dean Koontz dramatically brings us into a world where it's not quite clear if underlying mystical forces are at work or if we're looking into Junior's deranged mind. Still, it appears, as the story unfolds, that an underlying force is at work. Due to a series of circumstances, Junior is convinced that a child named Bartholomew is out to get him. Born soon after his father was killed in an automobile accident, Barty, at the age of three, is forced to undergo a necessary operation to remove his eyes. However, as an extraordinarily intelligent child, he has a visionary gift. When their paths cross, Junior is convinced that this child has been sent to exact revenge on him for the crimes he has committed. Interestingly, each time Junior commits murder, he has a very physical reaction that he can't seem to overcome.

Koontz gives us a suspenseful thriller, albeit slow paced. He fleshes out each character so that the reader comes to feel a kinship with some, disdain for others. He creates a powerfully emotional offering as the madman attempts to exact his vengence on the boy and another gifted child while being pursued by Detective Thomas Vanadium, a former priest, intent on seeing him brought to justice.

I found this book in the library as it's one of Dean Koontz's older titles. Still, it's a very good read and well worth picking up. The paranormal-type happenings are intriguing and the storyline will definitely keep a lover of thrillers turning the pages. Dean Koontz fans of today or yesterday will not be disappointed.

Truly this is a tale of good versus evil, but it's much more than that. The reader will find himself caught up in a story of rediscovering faith and coping with loss which is the brilliance in the writing of Dean Koontz. From the Corner of His Eye is especially good for those who want a strong storyline with a bit of quantum physics and science fiction thrown in.
Another book from the master storyteller that will leave you wanting more.