Wilderness and Other Stories
"The world is a machine that produces endless surprises and mysteries layered on mysteries."
"Wilderness," a darkly intriguing short story first published as an e-book original, was written as prelude to Dean Koontz's novel of mystery, suspense, and strange wonder - Innocence.
Addison Goodheart was born in an isolated home surrounded by a deep forest, never known to his father, kept secret from everyone but his mother, who barely accepts him. Only in the woods, among the wildlife, is Addison truly welcome. Only there can he be at peace. Until the day he first knows terror, the day when his life changes radically and forever....
Twelve of the other fourteen short stories and novelettes included in this audio anthology were most recently reissued in a print collection entitled Strange Highways, published by Warner Books (1995). The other two - "The Scariest Thing I Know" (2000) first published in Martha Stewart Living magazine and "Hostage Situation" (2009) in The New York Times Summer Thriller series.
Only the short work "Down in the Darkness," has ever been produced for audio.
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.
Innocence
Innocence consists of one primary book, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
