#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BYBOOKPAGE • The must-read thriller of the year, for readers of dark psychological suspense and modern classics of mystery and adventure

The girl who said no to death.

Bibi Blair is a fierce, funny, dauntless young woman—whose doctor says she has one year to live.

She replies, “We’ll see.”

Her sudden recovery astonishes medical science.

An enigmatic woman convinces Bibi that she escaped death so that she can save someone else. Someone named Ashley Bell.

But save her from what, from whom? And who is Ashley Bell? Where is she?

Bibi’s obsession with finding Ashley sends her on the run from threats both mystical and worldly, including a rich and charismatic cult leader with terrifying ambitions.

Here is an eloquent, riveting, brilliantly paced story with an exhilarating heroine and a twisting, ingenious plot filled with staggering surprises. Ashley Bell is a new milestone in literary suspense from the long-acclaimed master.

I’ve always been a fan of Dean Koontz, so when I was approved for reading his next book I jumped on the chance. Koontz has never failed to leave his readers with twists and surprises in his writing. He is one of the more unique writers out there when it comes to his ideas of what really is going on. So many of his characters are vivid and engaging and memorable. Of course there will be those out there that are sickened by the constants in his writing… one being golden retrievers, and yes readers Ashley Bell includes a golden retriever. To each their own is what I say. Each writer has their own little imprint and the goldens are his. Let it be.

Anyways. On to Ashley Bell. At the start you would expect Ashley Bell to be only a story about a woman (not named Ashley Bell or remotely related to an Ashley Bell) who finds she is dying when she is only twenty-two. As a somewhat successful writer, Bibi is determined to prove the doctors wrong and this is where the journey begins.

Without giving anything away I can tell the reader that this is a paranormal adventure. If you’re not looking for that, move on. Koontz has not failed in his storytelling and he has woven quite the tale in Ashley Bell. Bibi takes the reader on an adventure beyond any expected. It is magical, it is tragic, it is beautiful, and it is dark.

The one thing that I had to appreciate about this book is the fact Koontz gives a nod of acknowledgement to writers. The power of imagination is the mantra of this story and as a reader as much as a writer, it was good to see that Koontz paints the world just as a writer sees it in their mind. If you are a fan of Koontz, if you love a good story, and if you’re a writer then this a book for you. It’s not just about a woman that faces Death and the path between Life and Death, but it is a written acknowledgement that believing in yourself is the most magical power of all. Until next time, happy reading!