"In each little life we can see great truth and beauty, and in each little life we glimpse the way of all things in the universe."DEAN KOONTZ thought he had everything he needed. A successful novelist with more than twenty #1 New York Times bestsellers to his credit, Dean had forged a career out of industry and imagination. He had been married to his high school sweetheart, Gerda, since the age of twenty, and together they had made a happy life for themselves in their Southern California home. It was the picture of peace and contentment. Then along came Trixie.Dean had always wanted a dog-had even written several books in which dogs were featured. But not until Trixie was he truly open to the change that such a beautiful creature could bring about in him. Trixie had intelligence, a lack of vanity, and an uncanny knack for living in the present. And because she was joyful and direct as all dogs are, she put her heart into everything-from chasing tennis balls, to playing practical jokes, to protecting those she loved.A retired service dog with Canine Companions for Independence, Trixie became an assistance dog of another kind. She taught Dean to trust his instincts, persuaded him to cut down to a fifty-hour work week, and, perhaps most important, renewed in him a sense of wonder that will remain with him for the rest of his life. She mended him in many ways.Trixie weighed only sixty-something pounds, Dean occasionally called her Short Stuff, and she lived less than twelve years. In this big world, she was a little thing, but in all the ways that mattered, including the effect she had on those who loved her, she lived a big life.

Sam was an android. His flesh was the ultimate miracle of science, artificially created and completely self sustaining. And he had the unusual power to heal others. In fact, Sam was too good to live."

The Hunter was born to hunt, as his prey was born to be brought down at his desire.Sara Laramie moved through the iron castings in the foundry yard, keeping low so that she was at all times concealed from view. The Hunter Relemar was in pursuit of her. She did not know that he was a Hunter; it was obvious, however, that he was different from other naoli.Deep scream, lovely scream, wanting out.… She reached the thousand gallon storage tank in which she now made her home. She pulled open the entry plate (it squeaked; Relemar listened for squeaks) and went inside. Behind her, there was a scraping noise… Rats, she thought, lighting the glow lamp. The tank brightened to a warm yellow."Hello," said Relemar the Hunter. He was trying to smile.This time, she did not suppress the scream.

Aus einem Labor für Gentechnologie entläuft ein Hund. Der Eigenbrötler Travis Cornell nimmt den streunenden Golden Retriever bei sich auf. Aber schon bald müssen die beiden feststellen, dass sich nicht nur rivalisierende Geheimdienste, sondern auch ein mysteriöses Wesen an ihre Fersen geheftet haben. Endlich wird klar, dass es sich bei dem Verfolger um ein gentechnisch perfektioniertes Mordtier handelt, das dem Laboratorium gleichfalls entwichen ist und auf die Vernichtung des Hunds programmiert zu sein scheint.Titel der Originalausgabe WATCHERSAus dem Amerikanischen übersetzt von Heinz Nagel

Grady Adams lives a simple, solitary life deep in the Colorado mountains. Here the thirty-five-year-old carpenter works out of a converted barn, crafting exquisite one-of-a-kind furniture. There's little about this strong yet gentle man to suggest the experiences that have alienated him from the contemporary world. But that is about to change.One day, while hiking, Grady spots a pair of stunningly beautiful furred animals unlike anything he's ever seen. They flee the instant they detect his presence, but the mystery of that brief encounter remains. In the days ahead, Grady will approach the creatures again, gaining their trust but coming no closer to solving their mystery. For this he enlists the help of an old friend, veterinarian Camellia 'Cammy' Rivers, who, in turn, is stunned – and enchanted – by Grady's new 'pets.' But while Grady and Cammy carefully observe these enigmatic animals for clues to their origin, they, too, are being watched.Soon Grady's home and hundreds of square miles of surrounding wilderness will be placed under quarantine by Homeland Security. And Grady, Cammy, and the two creatures they've come to feel they must protect at all costs find themselves virtual prisoners – and the unwilling focus of an army of biologists, naturalists, and research scientists. But it's a stunning event no one could have foreseen that convinces Grady and Cammy to do the unthinkable: to escape with the two creatures on a riveting race for freedom.

Dean Koontz has surpassed his longtime reputation as "America's most popular suspense novelist"(Rolling Stone) to become one of the most celebrated and successful writers of our time. Reviewers hail his boundless originality, his art, his unparalleled ability to create highly textured, riveting drama, at once viscerally familiar and utterly unique. Author of one #1 New York Times bestseller after another, Koontz is at the pinnacle of his powers, spinning mysteries and miracles, enthralling tales that speak directly to today's readers, balm for the heart and fire for the mind. In this stunning new novel, he delivers a tour de force of dark suspense and brilliant revelation that has all the Koontz trademarks: adventure, chills, riddles, humor, heartbreak, an unforgettable cast of characters, and a climax that will leave you clamoring for more.Dylan O'Connor is a gifted young artist just trying to do the right thing in life. He's on his way to an arts festival in Santa Fe when he stops to get a room for himself and his twenty-year-old autistic brother, Shep. But in a nightmarish instant, Dylan is attacked by a mysterious "doctor," injected with a strange substance, and told that he is now a carrier of something that will either kill him...or transform his life in the most remarkable way. Then he is told that he must flee--before the doctor's enemies hunt him down for the secret circulating through his body. No one can help him, the doctor says, not even the police.Stunned, disbelieving, Dylan is turned loose to run for his life...and straight into an adventure that will turn the next twenty-four hours into an odyssey of terror, mystery--and wondrous discovery. It is a journey that begins when Dylan and Shep's path intersects with that of Jillian Jackson. Before that evening Jilly was a beautiful comedian whose biggest worry was whether she would ever find a decent man. Now she too is a carrier. And even as Dylan tries to convince her that they'll be safer sticking together, cold-eyed men in a threatening pack of black Suburbans approach, only seconds before Jilly's classic Coupe DeVille explodes into thin air. Now the three are on the run together, but with no idea whom they're running from--or why. Meanwhile Shep has begun exhibiting increasingly disturbing behavior. And whatever it is that's coursing through their bodies seems to have plunged them into one waking nightmare after another. Seized by sinister premonitions, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to crime scenes--just minutes before the crimes take place. What this unfathomable power is, how they can use it to stop the evil erupting all around them, and why they have been chosen are only parts of a puzzle that reaches back into the tragic past and the dark secrets they all share: secrets of madness, pain, and untimely death. Perhaps the answer lies in the eerie, enigmatic messages that Shep, with precious time running out, begins to repeat, about an entity who does his work "by the light of the moon."By the Light of the Moon is a novel of heart-stopping suspense and transcendent beauty, of how evil can destroy us and love can redeem us--a masterwork of the imagination in which the surprises come page after page and the spell of sublime storytelling triumphs throughout.

In Portland, he saved a young boy from a drunk driver. In Boston, he rescued a child from an underground explosion. In Houston, he disarmed a man who was trying to shoot his own wife. Reporter Holly Thorne was intrigued by this strange quiet savior named Jim Ironheart. She was even falling in love with him. But what power compelled an ordinary man to save twelve lives in three months? What visions haunted his dreams? And why did he whisper in his sleep: There is an Enemy. It is coming. It’ll kill us all…?

Blessed shalt though be in the city, and blessed shalt though be in the field. Thou shalt be blessed above all. Our holy empire of the Alliance of mankind has fulfilled our destiny. Remember the many heroic humans who have died in conquering the stars for you. Therefore, do not let misguided sympathy toward inferior and conquered animals deter you from your inherent title of divine rulers of the universe. Do not lose this birthright by succumbing to the "attractions" of any alien creature. Remember the penalties imposed by the Supremacy of Man party for this transgression. Our blessings be with you as you follow in the paths of your brothers and sisters. We have faith in mankind and we have faith in you. But, however, should you falter from the paths of righteousness, we have many willing hands eager to show you the error of your ways…

In the privacy of her own home, and against her will, Susan Harris will experience an inconceivable act of terror. She will become the object of the ultimate computer’s consuming obsession: to learn everything there is to know about human flesh.

DAS BUCHLaura Shane ist ein besonders hübsches, charmantes und intelligentes Kind. Doch das ist nicht das einzig Außergewöhnliche an ihr: Laura hat einen Schutzengel, allerdings nicht im herkömmlichen Sinn. Ihr Schutzengel ist ein Mensch. Schon bei Lauras schwieriger Geburt, an deren Folgen ihre Mutter stirbt, greift er aktiv ein und verhindert, daß ein volltrunkener Arzt die Operation leitet. Um Laura zu retten, nimmt der mysteriöse Fremde später sogar in Kauf, einen Menschen zu töten. Aber woher weiß er, wann Laura in Gefahr ist? Woher kommt er? Und wer ist er? Fast 20 Jahre hat die Schriftstellerin Laura ihren Schutzengel nun nicht mehr gesehen, und fast glaubt sie schon, der schöne blonde Mann mit den stahlblauen Augen sei ein Produkt ihrer kindlichen Phantasie gewesen. Doch dann liegt er eines Abends mit einer schweren Schußwunde vor ihrer Haustür. Nun muß sie ihrem einstigen Retter helfen. Laura und ihr kleiner Sohn Chris werden in einen gefährlichen Kampf mit den dunklen Mächten der Vergangenheit hineingezogen.DER AUTORDean R. Koontz, geb. 1945 in Pennsylvania, gewann bereits mit 20 Jahren den ersten Literaturpreis und hat seither eine steile Karriere als Autor von Spannungsromanen gemacht. Seine in alle Weltsprachen übersetzten Bücher haben eine Gesamtauflage von über 45 Millionen Exemplaren erreicht. Bei Ullstein erscheint ebenfalls »Ort des Grauens«.Originaltitel: Lightning

It’s a fear more paralyzing than falling. More terrifying than absolute darkness. More horrifying than anything you can imagine. It’s the one fear you cannot escape, no matter where you run… no matter where you hide. It’s the fear of yourself. It’s real. It can happen to you. And facing it can be deadly. Fear for your mind.

Bartholomew Lampion is born on a day of tragedy and terror that will mark his family forever. All agree that his unusual eyes are the most beautiful they have ever seen. On this same day, a thousand miles away, a ruthless man learns that he has a mortal enemy named Bartholomew. He embarks on a relentless search to find this enemy, a search that will consume his life. And a girl is born from a brutal rape, her destiny mysteriously linked to Barty and the man who stalks him. At the age of three, Barty Lampion is blinded when surgeons remove his eyes to save him from a fast-spreading cancer. As he copes with his blindness and proves to be a prodigy, his mother counsels him that all things happen for a reason and that every person’s life has an effect on every other person’s, in often unknowable ways. At thirteen, Bartholomew regains his sight. How he regains it, why he regains it, and what happens as his amazing life unfolds and entwines with others results in a breathtaking journey of courage, heart-stopping suspense, and high adventure.

He lives in solitude beneath the city, an exile from society, which will destroy him if he is ever seen.She dwells in seclusion, a fugitive from enemies who will do her harm if she is ever found.But the bond between them runs deeper than the tragedies that have scarred their lives. Something more than chance—and nothing less than destiny—has brought them together in a world whose hour of reckoning is fast approaching.In Innocence, #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz blends mystery, suspense, and acute insight into the human soul in a masterfully told tale that will resonate with readers forever.

Past midnight, Chyna Shepherd, twenty-six, gazed out a moonlit window, unable to sleep on her first night in the Napa Valley home of her best friend’s family. Instinct proves reliable. A murderous sociopath, Edgler Forman Vess, has entered the house, intent on killing everyone inside. A self-proclaimed “homicidal adventurer,” Vess lives only to satisfy all appetites as they arise, to immerse himself in sensation, to live without fear, remorse or limits, to live with intensity. Chyna is trapped in his deadly orbit. Chyna is a survivor, toughened by a lifelong struggle for safety and self-respect. Now she will be tested as never before. At first her sole aim is to get out alive-until, by chance, she learns the identity of Vess’s next intended victim, a faraway innocent only she can save. Driven by a newly discovered thirst for meaning beyond mere self-preservation, Chyna musters every inner resource she has to save an endangered girl — as moment by moment, the terrifying threat of Edgler Foreman Vess intensifies.

In una tempestosa notte di gennaio Laura Shane viene miracolosamente alla luce grazie all’intervento di uno sconosciuto che annuncia il proprio arrivo con un lampo. Il destino però ha in serbo per lei ben più terrificanti pericoli che supererà con l’aiuto del misterioso personaggio. Ma chi è l’enigmatico protettore? Nel giorno del suo tredicesimo compleanno per Laura è pronta un’agghiacciante rivelazione…

A storm struck on the night Laura Shane was born, and there was a strangeness about the weather that people would remember for years. But even more mysterious was the blond-haired stranger who appeared out of nowhere — the man who saved Laura from a fatal delivery. Years later — another bolt of lightning — and the stranger returned, again to save Laura from tragedy. Was he the guardian angel he seemed? The devil in disguise? Or the master of a haunting destiny beyond time and space?

#1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz brings his fertile imagination and unparalleled storytelling abilities to one of the most timeless – and terrifying – creations in all of fiction: the legend of Frankenstein. In Lost Souls, Koontz puts a singular twist on this classic tale of ambition and science gone wrong, and forges a new legend uniquely suited to our times – a story of revenge, redemption, and the razor thin line that separates humanity from inhumanity as we consider a new invitation to apocalypse.The work of creation has begun again. Only now things will be different. Victor Leben, once Frankenstein, has not only seen the future – he's ready to populate it. Using stem-cells, 'organic' silicon circuitry, and nanotechnology, he will engender a race of superhumans – the perfect melding of flesh and machine. With a powerful, enigmatic backer eager to see his dream come to fruition and a secret location where the enemies of progress can't find him, Victor is certain that this time nothing and no one can stop him.It is up to five people to prove him wrong. In their hands rests nothing less than the survival of humanity itself.They are drawn together in different ways, by omens sinister and wondrous, to the same shattering conclusion: Two years after they saw him die, the man they knew as Victor Helios lives on. Detectives Carson O'Connor and Michael Maddison; Victor's engineered wife, Erika 5, and her companion Jocko; and the original Victor's first creation, the tormented Deucalion, have all arrived at a small Montana town where their old alliance will be renewed – and tested – by forces from within and without, and where the dangers they face will eclipse any they have yet encountered. Yet in the midst of their peril, love will blossom, and joy, and they will discover sources of strength and perseverance they could not have imagined.They will need all these resources, and more. For a monumental battle is about to commence that will require all their ingenuity and courage, as it defines what we are to be… and if we are to be at all.

Nie war das Grauen bedrohlicher …Tessa Lockland kann den angeblichen Selbstmord ihrer Schwester nicht glauben. Deshalb macht sie sich auf den Weg nach Moonlight Cove, der kalifornischen Kleinstadt, in der ihre Schwester zuletzt gelebt hat. Auch ein FBI-Agent trifft dort ein, um eine Reihe seltsamer Todesfälle zu klären. Der an den Rollstuhl gefesselte Vietnam-Veteran Harry Talbot hat ihn verständigt, da auch er schon länger seltsame Ereignisse beobachtet. Und schließlich ist da noch das Mädchen Chrissie Foster, deren Eltern sich zu unheimlichen Wesen verwandeln. Alle Fäden scheinen bei der geheimnisvollen Computerfirma New Wave zusammenzulaufen, die ein wahnwitziges Experiment mit den Bürgern der Stadt plant ...Titel der Originalausgabe MIDNIGHT.Aus dem Amerikanischen übersetzt von Joachim Körber Scanned by Doc Gonzo.

Designed by top scientists and unleashed in a monstrous conspiracy, night chills are seizing the men and women of Black River — driving them to acts of rape and murder. The nightmare is real. And death is the only cure…

Christopher Snow conoce la noche como nadie, pues la extraña enfermedad cutánea que padece lo hace peligrosamente vulnerable a la luz solar y lo ha condenado a vivir veintiocho años en perpetua oscuridad.No es, sin embargo, de noche cuando avisan a Chris de que su padre está agonizando, aunque sí suceden durante la oscuridad todos los acontecimientos que se precipitan con su muerte: el descubrimiento casual por parte de Chris de que el cadáver de su padre ha sido cambiado por otro, las asombrosas revelaciones de una enfermera sobre experimentos genéticos en los que estaría implicada la difunta madre de Chris, la aparición de extraños seres tan inteligentes como agresivos, que rondan en la noche. Un mal oscuro impregna la sociedad, y Chris sólo cuenta con su novia, Sasha, y su amigo Bob para hacerle frente…Nocturno, crónica de una noche de premoniciones, descubrimientos y revelaciones demasiado espantosas, es a la vez un thriller, una fantástica aventura, un canto a la amistad y una conmovedora historia del triunfo sobre las propias limitaciones. Una novela inquietante y oscura, matizada por una poderosa intriga y un irresistible sentido del humor.