Whew! This was a good, long listen. I enjoy long books with lots of characters with a story line that keeps evolving. People living in various areas of the country begin having similar strange experiences…super power level weirdness. They eventually meet up in California and things become even stranger. I’m a fan of Koontz and enjoyed this one. ( )

Finally read this book again after many many years. Had forgotton all of it. It is an interesting story about several people that start having strange events in their lives- nightmares, phobias, obsessions. All these things eventually bring many of them together when they find out the reasons that they are all bound forever though they have never met. Fun read and gripping. I didn't want to put it down once I got into it. ( )

While I have mixed feelings about the length of the book, it was a pretty good read! At some points I thought the story could have been conveyed in a much shorter novel, but at other times I truly appreciated the length because it gives the reader an in-depth look into the characters’ lives. That is perhaps the greatest strength of the novel, the character development.

I will say that every chapter of this book had me wanting more! Koontz makes it strikingly clear that there is a huge secret that will be revealed at the end of the book, and I was pleasantly surprised by his ability to maintain suspense throughout the entirety of the novel. In hindsight, I did think the final reveal did not completely explain some of the characters’ previous behaviors. This revelation caused improbable reactions in some of the characters in my opinion. For instance, one of the characters was able to let go of traumatic experiences that she went through as a child, but I don’t think what happened explains this reaction.

Overall, a pretty good book that keeps you on your toes! If you’re looking for a book with interesting characters and a lot of suspense, then Strangers is definitely for you! ( )

This book was my introduction to Dean Koontz, first read in my teens, and now, several years later, which makes it feel like a fresh experience. It’s easy to recall why this led me to be a long-term reader and how Koontz can be when writing at his finest. One warning — this a door-stop of a book, not necessarily a bad thing. While it’s true that this could edit down, as much of the story involves strange and slowly unfolding events through several characters’ viewpoints, leading to a languid revelation, I found none of it boring. After a time there are perhaps fewer surprises leading to a questioning resolution, despite being heartfelt and warming; sadly, the reality of such an outcome would lead to an overcrowded planet, even more so than it is now, so I find this tale of hope a little tainted. This is an epic book in both length, and optimism, but it may not be for those who prefer only a simple vocabulary, fewer descriptive details, and a less sedate pace. ( )

I first read this in high school many years ago. I've come back to it over and over again. This book follows several different people, in several different cities, from several different walks of life, who all start having some problems. These people seem to have nothing in common. Nothing except an overnight stay at a motel one night a year or so ago. I don't want to spoil this so I won't say more except read it if you like Dean Koontz. It's one of his best. ( )