Rating: 
Summary: A THOUGHTFUL, NUANCED READING
Review: Broadway actress Anne Twomey gives a thoughtful nuanced reading to this story of despair and hope. With a Tony Award nomination to her credit plus stage and television experience, she brings insight to each of the characters she inhabits as well as establishing herself as a gifted narrator. Twenty-eight-year-old Michelina Bellsong, Micky, lives in a less than upscale California trailer park. She's seen her share of trouble. Micky doesn't think too much of it when a new family appears until she meets 9-year-old Leilani Klonk who has not only a withered hand but must wear a brace on her deformed leg. The girl's body may be misshapen, but her spirit is not. She is upbeat and hopeful, an inspiration to Micky. However, there is more to Leilani than Micky realized at first. Fear seems to be embedded deep within the child. Leilani's mother is young, unsure; her father, Preston Maddoc, is an enigma, almost baleful, daunting. Moreover, Micky discovers that Leilani once had an older brother who was also handicapped. The boy disappeared after time spent in the woods with Maddoc. It is not long before Micky becomes convinced that Leilani is also in danger. Help from child protective agencies is not forthcoming, and while Micky tries to find her way through a tangled bureaucracy the Maddoc family vanishes. Despite the dangers she may face Micky sets out to find them. Ever a spellbinder, Koontz laces his tale with suspense, pathos, humor, and amazement. - Gail Cooke
Rating: 
Summary: Yikes, my hero has stumbled!
Review: One Door Away From Heaven is not the insightful, lean, clean, reader-friendly machine we've come to expect from Dean R. Koontz. It's needlessly wordy and, coming from a man who has resisted the label of horror writer, insisting instead that he is a writer of suspense, I found it downright baffling - until I went back to the beginning of the book. In the Forward, Mr. Koontz heaps praise upon his editor as one who doesn't panic when he asks for 'yet more time to do draft number forty.' Perhaps a little panic would have been a good thing, because that effusive dedication isn't the only part of this tomb 'in need of cutting.' Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy a prettily turned phrase. Used judiciously, a well-crafted metaphor or simile is a writer's best friend and, if particularly well done, a thing of beauty. But recall the wise admonition of William Strunk Jr. '...coming in rapid fire, one right after another, (both) are more distracting than illuminating. The reader needs to catch his breath; he can't be expected to compare everything to something else (with) no relief in sight.' Amen, brother... And in this case what a shame. This plot is wonderful, the end convergence brilliant. His characters are likable, believably quirky, or suitably abhorrent, their motives and dialog sharply crafted and cleanly defined. In short, there isn't a thing wrong with this book that a trusty Delete key or a red pencil couldn't fix. That said, loyal readers must also be creatures of great faith - sisters-become? -- because I will ask... "Please. Sir, may I have some more?"
Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down
Review: I picked up this book looking for a light, easy to read break from the deep literary fare I've favored over recent years. All I can say is that as a story teller, Dean Koontz has evolved into a master, and while this tale is easy to read, it is not light fare. Mickey Bellsong is at a crossroads in her life. Fresh out of jail, jobless and living with a favored aunt in a tin can posing as a mobile home, Mickey can't help but feel that her search for a better life hasn't gotten off to a good start. Enter Leilani Klonk, her young disabled neighbor who insists that her stepfather plans to kill her by the time she turns ten. Mickey's decision to help Leilani insures that her life will never be the same--should she survive the endeavor she has taken on. Koontz struggles with some harrowing issues in this novel, and his case against the growing bioethics and ufo-ology movements is splendidly made in a quirky, one of a kind cast of walking wounded bound together by a higher purpose. As the mother of two "disabled" children, I applaud Koontz's efforts. I am in awe of Koontz's ability to speculate about the darker intentions of bioethics while simultaneously weaving a tight, logical story peppered with a memorable cast of characters. Definitely worth the read, but don't start this book if you have anything planned for the next couple of days. You won't get it done until the last page is turned.
Rating:
Summary: One Star Away From Mediocrity
Review: Disclaimer: I am a long-standing fan of Koontz's work. Ever since "Strangers" debuted back in 1986, I've been enthralled with the author's unique skill at juggling suspense, technology, and horror atop his overarching theme of individual redemption. In fact, I still have my signed letter from Dean, which he sent to me after I wrote him following "Strangers" (I've never written another author). Right up through "Intensity," Koontz stitched up his plots tighter than any in modern fiction, doling out dread and hope in equally mesmerizing doses. But then the stitching began to unravel. Following "Intensity," Koontz has slowly degraded into what I can only refer to as "Evangelical Canine Suspense Comedy." Yes, it's certainly a new genre, and as yet untapped, but then "Santanic Feline Sci-fi Parody" would also be a new genre--just not one of interest to me. Whether you like Koontz's latest, "One Door Away From Heaven," will largely depend on whether you've liked the Christopher Snow novels and his last novel, "From the Corner of His Eye." The same will likely go for whether you will buy the revelation that comes at the end of "One Door," Koontz's idea of the "gift" that will literally save the world. I laughed, and I don't think that was the intended response. No offense to anyone (Dean included) but dogs and feel-good spirituality rarely make for great suspense fiction, and that proves to be the case here. However, even if you're fond of suspense novels filled with dogs and supreme beings, there is still a major problem with Koontz's writing of late: it's simply too long. Koontz used to rip through his tales, in classics like "Watchers" or "The Bad Place," in under four hundred pages. Of late, he has problems bringing anything in under six hundred pages, and these latter stories are actually leaner than those of old. Even his best novel of the past five years, "False Memory," should have been half its delivered length. The plot of "One Door" is so bloated and rambling that at times I found myself skipping ahead in frustration. A good editor would have ripped away entire chapters of meandering description. Not only that, but the skeletal plot beneath the fat has huge flaws: one heroine doesn't really live up to the moniker; one major character does essentially nothing related to the main story until the end, and then it's too late; a major death is presented almost as an aside, tossed off with little to no drama. Yes, the suspense and mood are often intriguing and pull you forward, wondering what is really happening, and the characterizations are often deft. Central to the tale is Leilani Klonk, a nine-year-old born with physical birth defects balanced by a superior mind and great wit. Leilani steals the show, with her dialogue being some of Koontz's best. A pleasure, as well, is Aunt Geneva, an elderly woman who, shot in the head long ago, now confuses her life with that of movies she's seen. Both are nice creations, but neither is substantive enough to boost Dean's latest into the realm of his greatest. By the end, "One Door" buckles under its own heft and loses severity from its silly, almost child-like philosophy.
Rating:
Summary: One Door Away From Heaven
Review: Too long winded! I was enjoying the characters, but Koontz added way too much detail while jumping around a lot. Sorry. Just not my type of book. Got tired of it quickly.
Rating: 
Summary: Koontz is evolving into a writer who cannot be classified
Review: I know a lot of people are not too happy with the way Dean Koontz's writing is changing from pure suspense/murder mystery to, well, something else. But I love it! His books are becoming richer and more complex like a fine wine. I like the way he blends the supernatural and surreal with themes from real life. One Door Away From Heaven was a very satisfying book - the villain was just as evil as any he has ever written, the heroes just as good (and funnier), and let's not forget the dogs! Koontz writes about dogs in a way that is so real I can see their grinning faces while I'm reading. I also like Koontz's no nonsense opinions about such modern concepts as self help psychology and bioethics. I highly recommend this book!
Rating:
Summary: Koontz Battles Bioethicists in Latest Book
Review: Dean Koontz's latest novel, "One Door Away from Heaven," is a cautionary tale against the excesses of utilitarian bioethics. Utilitarianism is a philosophy which questions the right of the aged and infirm to live. Some bioethicists who embrace the idea believe that it is counterproductive to "waste" resources and care on persons who in the utilitarians' view are not capable of contributing more to civilization than they will need to receive. Utilitarianism is reminiscent of the ugly twentieth century ideas of eugenics and race building which the Nazis made unpalatable, and since World War II its public support has been muted. But in recent years the idea has become more publicly acceptable, and utilitarian bioethicists such as Princeton's Peter Singer now openly champion their cause (Singer is quoted briefly in the novel). Koontz does not leave his readers in doubt about his feelings on the subject. One of the novel's protagonists is Leilani Klonk, the nine year-old stepdaughter of bioethicist Preston Maddoc, or "Dr. Doom" as Leilani refers to him. Maddoc is a rough cross between real-life bioethicist Peter Singer and Jack Kevorkian, because Maddoc has put his theories into practice in the cases of a dozen sick or handicapped people. Leilani has several physical birth defects as a result of her mother's experimentation with drugs while pregnant, but she is extrememly intelligent and personable (though many readers may be put off by her adult-level style of conversation.) Leilani is convinced that her stepfather killed her brother (who was also physically "imperfect"), and that she will be next. She quickly convinces ex-con Michelina Bellsong and Micky's Aunt Geneva that she is in real danger from Dr. Doom. The novel is at times entertaining, though very uneven. A private investigator who is the most interesting adult character gets short shrift in favor of Leilani, Micky, a boy calling himself Curtis Hammond, and a dog. There are several storylines, but the Leilani one is at the heart of the novel. The book is undeniably preachy, which will annoy those readers who disagree with Koontz and even many who do not. Koontz drives home his point as expected, but he undermines his argument in several ways. By book's end, Maddoc (whose name is a pun) has become an unbelievably cartoonish villain who actively revels in the physical sufferings of his victims. While it was probably satisfying for Koontz to depict a utilitarian bioethicist in this fashion, it will allow readers on the fence on this issue to dismiss the excesses of the fictional Maddoc as nonrepresentative of utilitarians in general. Leilani's active intelligence and engaging personality also work to obscure the author's point. Rather than receiving the message that no one has the right to determine the value of Leilani Klonk's life, some readers may simply think that Koontz is saying that Leilani's other gifts make up for her physical shortcomings. It was not Koontz's intention to modify the utilitarian point of view to allow for the survival of those few geniuses who are physically handicapped. A Leilani with the personality and intelligence of a typical nine year-old would have served her creator far better.
Rating:
Summary: I am starting to agree with the negatives
Review: It has sort of become a thing with me and buying the new hardcover Koontz novel when it first comes out because I got hooked so long ago on his novels. After reading this one, I am not sure if I am to keep doing this. I gave this book a 3 because I felt it was better then the last "From the corner of his eye", but not as good or great as some of the other novels that Koontz has written. Some of the other reviews have mentioned that Koontz has taken a turn with his writing, I would have to agree. It seems that the suspense is now drawn out and the action is not where it used to be, but there are still scenes in this book that kept it going. Even still I found at times I would put the book down and leave it for a while because I was wondering where it was going. It seems to me that I keep getting disappointed by the ending of Koontz's novels. This is somewhat of an exception, but still I felt it needed more. A final confrontation could have been used or something of that nature. Although maybe I just want it that way. There just didn't seem to be enough of a reaction or revenge to be done. It seems now that Koontz feels in order to get a good book across, a dog "theme" has to be key. Don't get me wrong, I liked the dog in this book, but I felt the last chapter could have been left out or edited to something different. O well, maybe I am expecting to much, and I will just go and buy another book at the end of the year.......maybe.
Rating:
Summary: Yes, it is Koontz after all.
Review: I just finished One Door Away from Heaven today. An avid Koontz reader, I picked up the unabridged cassette tape version of the book to accompany me on several long car trips. I found myself looking for excuses to continue to drive, digging for my portable cassette player and carrying the next tape in my purse. I did not expect to like the book at first. The book jacket carefully stays away from any indication of typical supernatural or unusual forces at work. It makes the story sound something like an "Oprah" style book. I have been drawn to Koontz by his ability to interweave the bizarre, unexpected and unusual into everyday lives. I bought it anyway because I believed, rightly so, that the story could not be so simple or without interesting twists. In his typical style, Koontz reveals the characters separately (sometimes too slowly) and leaves the reader to anticipate the ultimate collision of their lives. My only criticism of the book is the drawing out of certain scenes and events. In most cases, the reader will leap to the correct conclusion. Don't be discouraged by this, as it makes the surprises even better. The ending, which I will not spoil here, did not tie things up in a neat little package nor what you might expect. I suspect that some readers will have a problem with that. Overall, I recommend this book.
Rating: 
Summary: disappointed
Review: this book is sooo boring that I can barely finish it. I like Dean Koonze a lot but this book is a huge disappointment. Seems to me the book is a hybrid of his former works, like phantom + the dark river of the heart(the alien assasin group), from the corner of his eyes (the alien boy Curtis), seize the night (the dog), etc. I am happy I borrowed the book instead of buying it!
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