this post was submitted on 10 Jan 2024
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[–] [email protected] 50 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (3 children)

Dean Koontz is kind of like the RC Cola of horror/suspense novelists:

  • See RC Cola in the store
  • “Hmmmm, it’s been a while, but I THINK I liked RC the last time I got it”
  • Purchase and consume RC Cola
  • “I kind of wish this was a Coke, but it’s not that bad, might as well finish”
  • Several years pass, go back to step 1

As a side note, I LOVED Dean Koontz books back in the 80’s/90’s. They were fun and quick reads that are in the “high floor, low ceiling” realm of books.

[–] [email protected] 21 points 11 months ago (2 children)

What is a high floor low ceiling book?

[–] [email protected] 26 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Think of it on a scale of 1-10. High floor means it’s not a stinker, so worst ranking would be in the 4/10 - 5.5/10 range. Low ceiling means it’s not going to be an all-timer, so the best ranking would be in the 6/10 - 7.5/10 range. Basically you’ll never HATE it, but you’re also never going to LOVE it.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Seems more like a description of the author than a particular book.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 11 months ago (1 children)

It could be, all his stuff is extremely similar. He reuses character archetypes and narrative shifts throughout most of his stories.

Early on in his career it wasn't as bad but he's been churning them out for awhile.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 children)

I've never read any of his books. Top 3? Just the titles. I'll go in blind.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

I've only read two of his series but enjoyed both a good deal.

Odd Thomas (first book shares title with the series)
Frankenstein (first book is Prodigal Son)

[–] [email protected] 10 points 11 months ago

Reliably entertaining, but will never be considered a masterpiece.

[–] [email protected] 14 points 11 months ago

Basically moved on from youth novels with both Dean Koontz and Stephen King. The Odd Thomas series was a fun read at that age.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I'm offended by this, as I much prefer RC Cola to Coke or Pepsi... :/