Dean Koontz ​

Dean Ray Koontz is an American author known for his popular thriller and suspense novels, many of which top the New York Times Bestseller List. Several of his books have been turned into films and TV shows.

Quick Facts ​

• Has published over 100 novels and numerous short stories.
• Fourteen of his novels have risen to number one on the New York Times hardcover bestseller list.
• His books are published in 38 languages, and worldwide sales top 500 million copies.
• His novel "Intensity" was made into a feature film for television.
• Several of his other novels have been adapted into movies as well, including "Phantoms", "Odd Thomas", and "Watchers".

Background ​

Koontz was born in 1945 in Everett, Pennsylvania and was raised in Bedford, Pennsylvania. He was regularly beaten and abused by his alcoholic father, which influenced his later writings. He attended Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, where he won a fiction competition sponsored by Atlantic Monthly magazine. After graduation, he worked as an English teacher at Mechanicsburg High School. In his spare time, he wrote his first novel, "Star Quest", which was published in 1968.

In 1969, he quit teaching to pursue his writing full time. He wrote under various pseudonyms earlier in his career, including David Axton, Leigh Nichols, and Brian Coffey. His novels are broadly described as suspense thrillers, but also frequently incorporate elements of horror, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and satire. Several of his books have appeared on The New York Times Best Seller List, with 14 hardcovers and 16 paperbacks reaching the number one position. His best-known works are "Intensity", "Phantoms", and his series featuring his beloved character, Odd Thomas.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Known for his suspense-filled thrillers, Dean Koontz's writing style is characterized by a mix of fantastical elements, mystery, and horror. His brisk pacing keeps readers engaged and creates a sense of suspense that carries throughout his books. His ability to fully develop characters, alongside his talent for mixing the mundane with the horrific, has drawn a dedicated following. His work has brought a sophisticated level of writing to the genre of horror and suspense.

Notable Works ​

• Demon Seed (1973)
• Whispers (1980)
• Watchers (1987)
• Midnight (1989)
• The Bad Place (1990)
• Intensity (1995)
• Odd Thomas series (2003-2016)