Book Review: False Memory

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

False Memory     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Dean R. Koontz
Class/Genre:   Fantasy   Mystery   Thriller
Bantam, Dec 1999, $26.95, 627 pp.

Martine “Martie” Rhodes seems to have it all together as she is happily married a successful video game designer. However, her world begins to collapse. Her brother-in-law jumps off the roof after insisting he has seen and spoken with an angel, who vows the other side is better. Her best friend Susan struggles with a severe case of agoraphobia, leaving Martie to coax her into leaving her home so she can see a psychiatrist. Susan swears that her estranged husband rapes her every night even though her home is locked tight.

The confidant Martie soon begins to fear her own shadow, finding it difficult to even look in a mirror. Already grieving his brother’s stunning suicide, Martie’s spouse Dustin worries about her sudden descent into a seemingly deep-rooted phobia. He begins to search for common links between his brother, his wife, and their friend, as well as another individual who has sunk into a debilitating fear. Dustin concludes that psychiatrist Dr. Mark Ahriman is deeply involved with the rash of traumatic feelings impacting everyone. Dustin is unaware that his inquiries will trigger a phobia of his own.

FALSE MEMORY is an exciting thriller that is one of Dean Koontz’s best novels. The story line centers on personal and societal phobias that the great author makes so frighteningly real that the audience will fear what happens next because it could happen to them. The characters are wonderfully designed so that fans can understand what has occurred. Though a bit wordy at times, Mr. Koontz has written a fabulous tale that will eliminate any fears that his audience might have that the grandmaster of suspense has lost it.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner