Watchers

By: Dean Koontz

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini, Dean Koontz

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....

©1987 by Nkui, Inc. Afterword © 2003, 2018 by Dean Koontz. (P)2018 by Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“His best story yet! Cross Lassie with E.T., add a touch of The Wolfen and a dash of The Godfather, and you get a sense of some of the ingredients in this thriller....this is the sort of thoroughly frightening and entertaining tale that has its readers listening for noises in the night.” --Publishers Weekly

“His best ever, an imaginative and unusual blend of sense and sentiment. A fable about love and trust...with echoes of Frankenstein and The Island of Dr. Moreau. A breakthrough for Koontz.” --Kirkus Reviews

“Displaying...more depth and a lot more humor than Stephen King, Dean Koontz has really hit his stride.” --The New York Times Book Review

The Best of Koontz

Koontz is my favorite. I have read many of his works and this is, by far, the best of them. The book is 30 years old, but this is my first introduction to it. The story stands the test of time with themes of love and friendship. On a deeper level, Koontz addresses the morality of genetic testing, the power of the individual versus the government, and the meaning of life. I cried at the end simply because it was over.

Wonderful exciting story about an extraordinary family dog

Einstein will stay with you long after you finish this classic gem. I missed it when released 15 years ago. I think that it is his best work. Thank you Mr. Koontz

Watchers is the BEST of Koontz

Thank you, Mr Koontz! I must say, having read ALL your Odd Thomas books and two of your Jane Hawk, this tale of a hero with a tale was my very favorite!

I’ve seen you interviewed several times on Ray Arroyo’s show. I always enjoy hearing more about the whys you are willing to share about your terrific novels. How I wish I could spin a yarn as complex, whimsical yet darkly reflective of humanity.

As a dog lover myself, this one especially had particular appeal- I even worked for a vet eerily similar to Einstein’s.

Thank you again for another fine work!

Absolutely loved this book.

I usually never do reviews however I had to do one for this book. It has everything you can want...adventure, suspense, sci fi, romance, the human condition, scary bad guys...I never wanted it to end...what more can be said...10+

Best book to date Dean Koontz has ever written

This story is my favorite ever written. The story has no description that could ever do it justice. The narrator was perfect, and I will listen over and over again. And Mr. Kootnz I will make sure Bigfoot is in a good mood!!!!....lol

The watchers

There have been many very good books i have listened to.but I must admit that this book was one OF the very best

Great Book

My favorite Dean Koontz book. Einstein tugged at my heart and made me laugh out loud.

Couldn’t Stop Listening!

This audiobook was a double whammy - an amazing story and an excellent narrator!

The story was fantastic. It was so good that it was hard to put it down. It was a combination of drama, humor, compassion and downright suspense. Also, subtly, as I was wrapped up in the entertainment, the story slowly started making me think about the impact that human intelligence can impose on other living creatures. So, it ended up being thought provoking on another level, which I didn’t expect.

Also, the narrator was amazing. His ability to portray so many different accents and characters so realistically was impressive. I have listened to many audiobooks with great narrators, but this one was the best so far.

I hate too...

Put down such a beloved book but I found it a bit saccharine for my tastes... characters too nice, too idealistic, too innocent to be interesting. I enjoyed it and listened all the way through and can recommend it as a good read but with a little less enthusiasm as other reviewers.

Watchers is amazing!

A beautiful read! So glad I didn’t miss out on this outstanding story. Beautifully written.