The House of Thunder

By: Dean Koontz

Narrated by: Laural Merlington, Mel Foster

A sanity-twisting Koontz classic about a traumatized woman and the terrifying place she might never escape.

“Koontz is brilliant.”–Chicago Sun-Times

Susan Thornton watched in terror as her lover died a brutal death in a college hazing. And in the four years that followed, the four young men who participated in that grim fraternity ritual also died violently—or so she thought.

Twelve years later, Susan wakes in a hospital bed. Apparently involved in a fatal accident, she can’t remember who she is or why she is there. All she knows is that her life is unfolding into a menacing nightmare—and that the faces that surround her, are those of the four men involved in that murder years ago.

Have the dead come back to life? Or has Susan plunged into the abyss of madness? With the help of her neuro-surgeon, she desperately clings to her sanity while fighting to uncover who—or what—could be coming for her.

©2007 Dean Koontz (P)2007 Brilliance Audio

Critic reviews

"The reading duo of Merlington and Foster is smooth together. First, they lull you into an almost peaceful state of mind, then they lower the boom - sending chills up your spine." ( AudioFile)

Chiller to Thriller

Susan Thornton is the main character in this book. After a car crash she wakes up in a hospital and can't remember various parts of her life. What she does remember is a murder she witnessed when she was younger. Then anytime someone mentions her employer, who she can't remember panic sets in.
This was a great fast paced book. I read it in one day. Like most of the books by Mr. Koontz, the characters are colorful and well written. At times this book is a little far fetched but that's fiction.
If your looking for a book that is part medical thriller, espionage thriller, supernatural and just a lot of fun to read, then this is for you.
I gave this book 4 stars and have recommended it to many of my friends.
Pick it up and enjoy.

A great read

I love Dean Koontz and this one didn’t fail. Another great story with a great unexpected twist!!

Not as good as I remember it

I could barely get through the audiobook. Mainly because of the terrible voice acting. I read House of Thunder back in the 90s in the Army and couldn't put it down. The female voice sounded awful to me. Most of the male voices too. A decent story can be butchered by poor voice performance.

Disappointed in the ending

I really liked it until the end, just felt like it was a lead up to a quick wrap up. Always great writing though.

Love Dean Koontz books

I've been reading Dean Koontz books for over 30 years and I love his work. This is not his best book but not his worst as some of the reviews would like you to believe. The narrating was difficult at times I agree, both the male and female and I feel I paid too much for this audio book. My favorite Dean Koontz book is By the Light of the Moon and I am sad that no sequels were ever written to it. I love the super heros almost as much as I love Dean Koontz books!

mmmm, Didnt I just read this?!

I like Koontz, but those who read alot of his books will realize that many times alot of his books have the same exact concept!
When you just happen to read 2 or 3 of his books that share the same concept, you begin thinking, what the hell?
For example...this book, and The House of Thunder....same concept. But as for the book, it does keep you interested, but as the end nears, just like typical Koontz books, there's some crazy conspirital explanation for all of it. But again, its amazing how some of his books share the same themes. But enjoy. Its not a bad listen. The female narrator is excellent! And the male "although sounding a bit too 1950ish typical actor" does a good job also.

Well worth a listen - great book

Another great book by one of my favorite authors, this one is a little predictable though, I guessed the plot two thirds of the way through but maybe that is because I am an avid fan of this authors writing and know how his mind works, well worth a listen

Koontz is Brilliant

loved this book, very interesting and surprising ending. I will be planning to read lots of his other books. I have heard about Koontz through recommendations from friends and family.

Good read but predictable

very good read, but the story became really predictable early. Characters were well developed and meshed well together.

Great Listen

You won't put down your ipod until the very end.