Watchers

Written by Dean Koontz

Narrated by Dean Koontz and Edoardo Ballerini

Winner of the 2019 Audie Award for Best Male Narrator with an afterword read by the author

A “superior thriller” (Oakland Press) about a man, a dog, and a terrifying threat that could only have come from the imagination of #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz—nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read.

On his thirty-sixth birthday, Travis Cornell hikes into the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. But his path is soon blocked by a bedraggled Golden Retriever who will let him go no further into the dark woods.

That morning, Travis had been desperate to find some happiness in his lonely, seemingly cursed life. What he finds is a dog of alarming intelligence that soon leads him into a relentless storm of mankind’s darkest creation...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: May 22, 2018
• ISBN: 9781978637160

Dean Koontz

Dean Koontz is the author of more than a dozen New York Times No. 1 bestsellers. His books have sold over 450 million copies worldwide, and his work is published in 38 languages. He was born and raised in Pennsylvania and lives with his wife Gerda and their dog Anna in southern California.

Reviews for Watchers

[dmtcer-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the first Dean Koontz I read, and I loved it. It could happen, too...

[thelibraryhag · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was the first Dean Koontz book that I ever read. I truly love this book. I read it in the 80's and still recommend it to library patrons. I am a dog person, so that is part of it, but I love the characters and their dedication to each other (including the dog). The story moves fast and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is one of those can't put it down books that you hate to see end. I have read it more than once and knowing the end has not ruined the reading experience.

[lndlindsey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My favorite of his books. We share an opinion about monkeys.

[cranmergirl · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you are an animal lover, this is the book for you! I really loved the story of Einstein, the genius dog. This book covered many topics of interest to me. It was pro-animal, anti-big government, and it underscored the innate goodness of many living creatures. It also had a very good, optimistic ending. Overall, a very satisfying read!

[thereadingmermaid · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great story telling and great story. Koontz's writing style keeps you captivated throughout the story and wanting to read more and more. It's hard to put his books down. Although the ending was predictable, it was still very well written and fun to read. I definitely recommend this book!

[whiskeyinthejar-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5 stars

I read this for the '80s Horror square for Halloween Bingo

When the telephone rang, it startled her. She put down her pencil and reached for the receiver. "Hello?"
"Funny," a man said.
"Excuse me?"
"They never heard of him."

I know this story has monsters, psycho killer, semi-curses, awful bitter aunt, and government agents, but this was the moment that sent a chill down my spine.
Nora's aunt that kept her just about child protective services needed isolated dies and leaves Nora alone and fearful of the world. When a tv repairman comes and seems to be hitting on her, she can't believe it and thinks she misinterpreted things. Of course she was right because no matter our upbringing, us women seem to have an innate sense of dude's up to no good. TV repairman turns out be a sexual harasser and stalker to the nth degree. Hence, the phone call where he lets her know he checked up on her she has a husband and is a police officer lie. This stalker plot introduces us to Nora and is a way to connect her with Travis and Einstein and then fades into the distance pretty quickly.

In the distance, very far away no, something shrieked, something that was not of God's creation.

Travis is out hiking contemplating his life as a cursed man. His mother, father, and brother are all dead, dying from circumstances that seem to be his fault, his delta force platoon all perished while he was only shot in the leg, and his wife only last a year before she died of cancer. He thinks he's cursed and has stayed away from making connections with people for the last couple years. When a dog comes out of the woods and warns him away from some noise that has Travis' neck hair rising, he finds himself the owner of a dog. The Travis curse thread fades out a bit too but he occasionally worries about it later with Nora.

Einstein our lovable Golden Retriever is on the run from government agents who are trying to bring him back to the lab he escaped from. Well him and The Outsider, an animal mixed DNA mashed up monster created to be a kill machine. The Outsider hates Einstein because he was the beloved smart dog in the lab and people couldn't bear to look at The Outsider because he was so ugly, so he is driven to kill Einstein.

If that wasn't enough for you there is a contract killer who is being paid by the Russians to kill the scientists responsible for Einstein and The Outsider. Because they're jealous? Angry? The Russian connection was a bit muddled. Anyway the contract killer thinks every time he kills someone he absorbs their essence, but he also values the dollar because he puts two and two together and figures out the scientists he has killed created Einstein and he wants to capture the dog and ransom him back to the G-men or Russians.

The contract killer plot could have been left out as we get pov's from him early on but then he basically disappears until the very end and then gets a very rushed ending. I thought the beginning was interesting but then the middle sagged a bit as the focus on Nora and Travis falling in love was focused on more and them trying to figure out a way to communicate more concisely with Einstein. I wanted more of the suspense and horror feel we go from The Outsider but I was reading this for Halloween Bingo and was probably looking for something slightly different from the book.

What man had begun, man now ended.

I enjoyed the themes of morals in science, relationships, society, and oneself and I delighted in Einstein, the only thing that could have made him better was if he was a Rottweiler :) I wish the ending hadn't felt so rushed with all the villains being dealt with at once, it really made the pacing feel even more off kilter. A few technology and culture references show the story's age but otherwise, this hold up nicely.

[tvnerd95 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I haven’t had a lot of luck with my most recent books so I was pleasantly surprised that I liked this one. The characters are likable and very relatable. The author really has the reader develop a strong interest in Einstein and how is story is going to end. You can put yourself in many of the characters shoes and understand their motives. The book has an excellent beginning and you feel the intensity of the storyline. So the timeline in this book is very long which causes the book to have a very long middle that doesn’t necessarily move the story along. It helps in developing a connection to the characters but reduces the intensity that the initial start of book had. By the time the end got here, I was just glad it was time for it to end. I think even the author was ready for the book to end because the final climax was very fast. J. Charles is a good narrator whose best side was emoting just how important Einstein is the Travis and Nora.

[csweder · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Such a touching story. Read this in the fall of 2006, and it made me yearn for a dog. (Even one of normal intelligence.)

[thairishgrl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was the first book that I read repeatedly as a teen. At it's core, this is a story about love and the search for belonging. The fact that these values are taught through an epic battle between a super intelligent dog and a genetically engineered killing monster is just good horror fun.

[2lz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Watchers is a great book, one of Dean Koontz' best. If you love animals, you will love this novel.

[wingedwolf · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A man must help an intelligent dog fend off the attacks of the product of a brutal genetic engineering experiment.

[2wondery_1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I'm reading this one because of the dog. The horror sections are nasty, and the other story expositions are eye-rollingly bad. There isn't anyone in the book who thinks well, not even the hero. Nope, not even the guvmint agent. But then, I guess, if they did, that would blow the entire plot. I am not sympathetic to the conundrum. Nor to any of the human characters. The dog gets the star.

[timothy_dalton007 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

While reading this book I was glad that it opened up quite quickly with the events that transpire. However, there came a slow stage shortly after. During which time I really didn't want to trudge through so I decided to read another book instead. Finally, I got back to reading and once past the slow section the book picked up the pace nicely and was completed in a short amount of time. The character development was good. One character really began to grate on my nerves. That was Vince Nasco the hitman, he was so psychotically retarded and I began to really detest his internal dialogue. Lastly as I continue to work my way through this novel, I began to realize in comparison to Einstein (the dog) just how dumb my own golden retriever was most of the time. I mean he had his moments, but for the most part pretty silly.Overall, I could relate with a lot of the places in the book because I have visited so many of the locations. Although, this wasn't my favorite Koontz novel but it was an enjoyable read none-the-less. I'm very interested to get started on the Odd series at this point.

[dividedblue_eyedsky · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was one of the best I've read in a long time. You can't help but fall in love with the dog in this book. One of the few books I could give a 5 star rating to.

[joe73-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I've read so many of this guys books that they all start to run together after a while. But this one sticks out. Cool story, creepy, cold and well stitched.

[karieh_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I know, I know - Dean Koontz. But this one was from before he jumped the shark (although he might have jumped back with the more recent Chris Snow and Frankenstein books). ANYWAY - I loved this book, especially the dog, and it was impossible to put down. GREAT airplane/beach/sitting in a boring seminar reading.

[donnagalanti · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is my all time favorite Koontz book. Stayed up all night reading it. 1st book I cried over, at the end when...(wont give it away). Koontz's formula works. Its his characters we care about, even an animal. The humanity he brings to a dog is a rare gift, without making it seem silly. He shines light into the darkest of characters, gives us hope they can be redeemed. That is what makes this book work. As so many of his others.

[aliceanna-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I literally could not put this book down. I sent my date away for a half hour so I could finish it. Once again, Koontz finds a way to help the reader commiserate with the evil entity of the book. I particularly liked this one because it revolved around a dog -- and what a dog! Well-crafted page-turner with great major and minor characters. It made me want to read more by him!

[readingrat_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Like many of Koontz's books it's about a man, a woman, and a golden retriever who outsmart the bad guys and then live happily ever after. Formulaic but still fun nonetheless.

[Leslie McLean · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What an amazing story of love, loyalty, terrifying, cry worthy moments. I'm mad at myself for not listening or reading this book sooner, it was fantastic!

[Rlynoyb · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The reason I always get sucked into a DK book is because of the characters he creates. Even the outsider in this story has a story and Koontz explores the complexity of the monstrosity. You really can't help but partly pity the outsider. Einstein is so adorable and what a sense of humor. I love Nora and Travis' love story it is so wholesome and sweet. This is one of the better books I have listened to by Koontz recently. I have listened to and/or read many of his books and even the worst ones will hook me in. My only complaint was that a few innocent zoo animals and a cat were killed. I really get upset by this, not sure what is says about me as a person when I am less bothered by humans meeting their doom or demise. I sort of wished the outsider could have dispatched with Vince, now that would have been karma. Part of me wonders if Koontz has ever owned a cat? If not I think he should try one as they are just as wonderful and intelligent as many dogs. The narrator of this audiobook was very, very talented and did an excellent job. Good story with nice happy ending. The best line in the whole book was when Travis and Nora were relaxing and it is narrated, "and Einstein was reading a book", that was just so funny and tickled my funnybone.

[Robert Altschuler · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I had no idea this was the author's most famous novel when I started it, but I can certainly see why.

In the beginning, when Travis first meets the dog, it was honestly one of the scariest things I've heard in a long time. That includes other books, video games, movies, TV shows, and the internet.

The rest of the book doesn't disappoint either. The pacing is fantastic. Even when the plot was relatively calm, I was filled with anticipation for the next time the plot took a grisly turn.

The ending, which I won't spoil here, was very satisfying. If the author never writes a sequel, I'll be perfectly content to appreciate this story as it is.

[jeremyyoder03 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

could’ve been decent but he decided to make half the book about a random sheltered 30 year old woman that acts like a 12 year old who’s getting stalked and harassed by a creepy repairman, and doesn’t tell the police because she thinks she’s ugly and obviously stalkers have the highest standards of beauty ? literally no one wants to hear that when the book started off strong with a veteran that finds a genius dog, and somehow he thought we would want to constantly be interrupted during that with a stalker trying to do non consensual phone sex

[Frosty Theron · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I did indeed laugh and cry listening to Watchers!
Having read the book sometime ago, listening to the narrator was an absolute pleasure. He really brought the characters to life. Thank you Mr Koontz … love, love, love

[lisamaria_c · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I find Koontz reliably entertaining. I don't know I'd call him exactly a favorite author, because too many of his books blur in my mind, feel too alike. But this novel happens to be my favorite of his, and if you're a dog lover at all I think irresistible. You see, the most memorable character--arguably the protagonist, is "Einstein" a very intelligent genetically enhanced golden retriever. He can't talk--but give him a stick he can spell... This does belong in horror--that dog isn't the only genetically enhanced creature on the prowl. But this particular book is also filled with love, warmth and humor. Koontz has a clean style, storytelling skill and great pacing. This is a quick, engrossing fun read.

[Aaro · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was craving some Stephen King style thrills but ran out of King books to read, so decided to give this book a shot. I'd never read Dean Koontz before.

Generally said, this was a compelling thriller with interesting characters, nicely varied storylines, and timeless themes. This book gives Stephen King's best a run for its money.

I'm a bit sad that I listened to the later-added Afterword by the author, where he mentioned that Watchers was one of his first novels and he has yet to write a better a book. Oh well, I guess it's good to start with the best and work your way down. :D

[Robert Lujan Jr. · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book if your a dog person this book will make you look at your dog a little different and wonder. Enjoy the store it’s a great one

[Savage. .sushi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it!!! Just the right amount of everything. On to the next Dean Koontz book.

[Alma Cruz Gonzales · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A wonderfully told tale that made me laugh, cry, cringe with anxiety and left me feeling good! One of Koontz better novels! ??

[jayne_charles_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was the first Dean Koontz I ever read, and it definitely made me want to read more! The blurb on the jacket mentions two creatures escaping from a research lab, but there is so much more to it than that. This book has plenty of gore and violence for those who enjoy that type of thing, but also a really heartwarming story alongside, which sort of balances it.Just a small niggle. What on earth did the exchange about dancers in Las Vegas add to the story? It just struck me as a bit of gratuitous crudity, and I'm pretty broad minded.