The Funhouse

Rating:
Summary: Good, quick read. Not too deep, but ultimately fun
Review: This is the very first book I ever read by Dean Koontz, and I didn't even know it was written by him until years later (the copy I have shows the author's name as Owen West). It's a simple book with a common theme in horror stories. the carnival (witness 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' or Koontz's later work 'Twilight Eyes').

As a story of small-town America, the story works very well, with some characters that you learn to care about. As a horror story, it works even better, especially after the kids decide to spend the night in the Funhouse. Very creepy stuff, that. I won't give away what's going on behind the scenes in the carnival, but suffice to say, this story is part mystical, part homicidal maniac (aka Halloween).

For those of you with many years reading Dean Koontz, this isn't one of his best works (for that, see such books as Phantoms, Watchers, or Dark Rivers of the Heart), but it is a very fun read that's easy to get through in only a couple of sittings. It gives a nice snapshot of Koontz's early years as a writer, and lets you get a quick look at the early development of one of the best horror/suspense writers working today.

A magnum opus this book isn't, but it wasn't intended as such. Instead, it's a fun, fast-paced book that captures you early on, and keeps you interested until the last page.

Rating:
Summary: the funhouse
Review: this book was good. but it was also scary! i will read it again

Rating:
Summary: Scary, Creepy, Brilliant!
Review: I must say I'll never think of a freak show the same way ever again after reading this book from Koontz. An extreemly disturbing and creepy story, it is set in a carnival, or more specifically, the freak(s) within the carnival. And I'm not just talking about the bearded lady. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat(or wherever you are reading it)and don't read before bedtime. Be warned, this is another excellent (disturbing) book from Koontz. Definite thumbs up!

Rating:
Summary: Very Very Weak
Review: This novel was alright through the first 100 pages or so, but after that this became abrasively boring and tedious. I had next 254 pages already played out in my head. Very predictable. I'm glad this is just an early novel by Dean Koontz writing as Owen West.

Rating:
Summary: Scary Read! from [e-mail]
Review: I am a big fan of Dean Koontz, and was not surprised to see how well written and suspensful this book is. I really loved it, but the only letdown was the ending. It JUST ENDED. It left you wanting more.

I highly suggest reading this. Every time I see a carnival now, I cringe; thinking of this book.

Rating:
Summary: Funhouse is a fun little book
Review: I have loved every single one of Dean Koontz books, and I will never have anything to say about his novels. This may not be one of his best works, but even at that...Its still a great read. It is a fun and quick read and would be a wonderful book to curl up on a rainy Sunday with and relax!! I do recommend this book!

Rating:
Summary: Funhouse
Review: like most of his(dean koontz)older books they are just chase and run but the suspense can't match with any other author

Rating:
Summary: Dean Koontz Wrote a Great Book
Review: After reading the book by Mr. Koontz, i Believe that this was a real good book. I loved the suspense of the book, especially during the time when the carnival is going around looking for Ellen and her family. Also the beginning of the book is great, its is very specific and you get all the details and thats reall good, also i like all the various themes that are implied in the book. I look forward to reding more of Dean Koontz's books. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mysterious horror plots.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best
Review: Though I have just started readinng Koontz's books I think he is one of the best writers out there, The Funhouse was a one of a kind thriller that will keep you at the edge of your seat, Koontz's imaginative characters and detailed plot wll have you reading it over and over again. Even though the book was good the ending seemed out of proportion for the rest of the book. Definately a first-read for new fans.

Rating:
Summary: Some good points but mostly worth passing by
Review: When I first started reading this book, I was unaware that there had been a movie released as well. I remember thinking ,when I was reading it, that if it was a movie, it would be REALLY bad. I feel that the plot carried itself and it did have some "on the edge of your seat" sequences but over all it left me feeling a little cheated. All but one charecter (Amy Harper) were very one dimensional. The gruesome horror descriptions were out of context for the rest of the book. I couldn't decide if this was a horror story, a religious awakening or an after school special. Overall, the book keeps you interested enough to keep you reading (it is a very easy reading book) but it also leaves you looking for more. I'll wait a while before reading another Koontz book after this one.