Dragon Tears

★ 7.00 / 4

Harry Lyon is a cop who embraces tradition and order. He likes everything in his life to be neat and clean, from his immaculate condominium to his well tailored clothes to his homicide case files with their error free typing. The biggest bane of his life is his partner, Connie Gulliver. Harry doesn't like the way she dresses for work, the messiness of her desk, her lack of social polish, or her sometimes casual attitude to the law.

"Look Harry, it's the age of chaos," she tells him. "Get with the times. To be a good cop in the 90's you gotta be of the 90's. You gotta be in sync with the rhythms of destruction. Civilization is coming down around your ears. You've gotta know when to break a rule to save the system - and how to surf on every random wave of chaos that comes along."

Harry loathes that attitude. It makes him sick.

But when harry and Connie have to take out a hopped-up gunman in the restaurant where they're having lunch, the chase and the shoot-out swiftly degenerate into a surreal nightmare that seems to justify Connie's views of the modern world. And later, in his way back to the office to write up a report of the shooting, Harry encounters a hulking denizen of the streets, filthy and clad in rags, who says ominously "Ticktock, ticktock. You'll be dead in sixteen hours."

From noon that Tuesday until dawn of the following day, Harry Lyon struggles desperately to regain the neat and orderly life that he cherishes, but instead he is caught in an undertow of terror and violence. Someone is after him for reasons he doesn't understand, and Harry must come to terms with the chaos of the modern world if he is to have any hope of saving himself, Connie Gulliver, and the people he loves.

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Updated 04/12/2025

Category: Thriller

Release date: 1992

Dean Koontz

Dean Koontz is a master of suspense, blending chilling thrills with profound emotional depth in a way that has made him one of the most recognized names in contemporary fiction. With over 100 novels published and millions of copies sold worldwide, his work spans across genres, from psychological thrillers to supernatural mysteries, consistently captivating readers with intricate plots and unforgettable characters.

Born in 1945 in Everett, Pennsylvania, Koontz’s early life was marked by a love for storytelling and a fascination with the darker sides of human nature. His writing career began in the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the late 1970s and early 1980s that he truly began to find his voice, capturing the essence of fear and wonder with books like Whispers and Phantoms. These works cemented his place as a writer who could combine edge-of-your-seat tension with deep psychological insight.

What makes Koontz’s stories stand out is his ability to explore the human condition within the framework of high-stakes action and eerie mystery. His characters, often ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances, face not only physical danger but also moral and philosophical dilemmas that resonate deeply with readers. Whether he's introducing a troubled protagonist on the run from a malevolent force or a loyal dog who becomes an unexpected hero, Koontz's ability to evoke empathy and suspense simultaneously is what keeps his readers coming back for more.

Koontz’s writing style is as dynamic as his storytelling. He seamlessly weaves elements of horror, science fiction, and thriller, all while exploring themes of good versus evil, the strength of the human spirit, and the mysteries of the universe. His books often delve into the supernatural, but they are grounded in the very human experiences of love, loss, and survival. He has a knack for creating worlds that feel familiar, yet brimming with dark and unsettling possibilities, making every page turn feel like a step deeper into a thrilling unknown.

Some of his most notable works include Intensity, Watchers, and Odd Thomas, the latter of which has gained a particularly devoted following. The Odd Thomas series, featuring a young man with the ability to see the dead, showcases Koontz's talent for blending horror with heart, creating an unforgettable protagonist who is both ordinary and extraordinary.

Throughout his career, Koontz has been recognized with numerous accolades, including several Bram Stoker Awards and a spot on The New York Times bestseller list. Despite his immense success, he remains a humble figure, deeply involved in his craft and committed to creating stories that engage and provoke thought long after the final page is turned.

Koontz’s impact on the thriller genre is undeniable. His books invite readers to confront their deepest fears while offering hope and redemption, a unique combination that has made him an enduring figure in modern fiction. With every novel, Dean Koontz continues to push the boundaries of suspense, horror, and emotional storytelling, ensuring his place as one of the leading authors of his generation.