The Story:

Cullen ‘Cubby’ Greenwich has written his fifth novel and has received a review by a feared and renowned critic named Shearman Waxx.  It appears that the critic didn’t even read his book before giving it a scathing review.  Cubby is told many times to just “let it go” by everyone around him including his wife, Penny and his genius son “Spooky” Milo.  However, he decides to get a sneak peek at the reclusive author and what follows is what Cubby refers to as World War Waxx.   Only Dean Koontz can take you on a page turning ride following an author and his family, including their collie, on the run for his life from a book critic, albeit a relentless sociopath.  What you later find out is that there is much more to Shearman Waxx than you could imagine….

Characters:

Cullen Greenwich is a pretty likable guy, he is a self-proclaimed klutz, seemingly unable to handle even the most mundane task such as vacuuming without blowing something up.  He has a dark and secretive past that even his wife knows nothing about.  His wife, Penny, is a children’s book author and illustrator who takes no bullshit from anyone, and knows more about Cubby than he realizes.  Their son, Milo, nicknamed “Spooky” because of the weird genius that his parents do not understand, but eventually saves their lives.  Shearman Waxx is a balding, bow tie wearing recluse, a book critic, and a sociopath with a taste for blood.

Gore:

There is a lot of action, a lot of inventive kills and a lot of disturbing content. What it creates is a very anxious feeling and the thought “what the fuck is this guy going to do next?”

Lasting Appeal:

After reading it, I don’t think I will be re-reading it many times due to the fact that there are so many unknowns the first time that once you know what happens, there isn’t any desire to find anything out the second time.  Like who has seen the Sixth Sense more than once?

Final Head Count:

I give this one a 4 out of 5.  It only loses a point because of the fact it’s unlikely to get read again this decade. Maybe when I start to lose my marbles and it seems new.