(unabridged audiobook read by Jonathan Marosz): As Rachel and Eric leave the offices of their divorce lawyers, they are arguing viciously about the settlement. Eric gets so angry he storms off directly into oncoming traffic, where he is killed by a garbage truck. After the initial shock wears off, Rachel gets incredibly paranoid and hangs out with her boyfriend Ben, actively not telling him things. When Eric's body disappears from the morgue, her paranoia becomes a reality: Eric's not really dead! It gets a little silly from there, blending unlikely genetic theory with bizarre theology on the afterlife. It's a chase story through and through, with Ben and Rachel spending the bulk of the book not telling each other things while fleeing Eric, the local cops, and the feds. Koontz is usually good for quirky characters having bizarre adventures, but this time he was a little short on the adventure part. It was really nothing more than one big chase scene, that didn't even tie up the majority of the issues it raised by the end (namely, the consequences of the characters' actions, the mental waffling over which had been a big part of the plot). So yeah: dig Koontz, not so big on Shadow Fires. (Interestingly, this is the last novel he wrote using a pseudonym. Maybe that should have been a clue.) ( )

An interesting premise about a man who decides to tamper with his own genetic material to cheat death was marred by subpar writing. I could definitely have done with about half of the gooey relationship between the oh-so perfect hero and heroine. ( )

This is a very good read although a bit drawn out in places. Eric Leben has used his research into immortality to experiment on himself and upon his death and disappearance from the morgue of his body descends into mutation and madness. Seeking revenge on his wife for her rejection of him he threatens not only her life but the life of everyone around him.

Rachael Leben has found a new lover, Benny, who is not the quiet, backward looking person she thought he was. They run a race against time to find and kill the 'beast' Eric has become in his relentless stalking of Rachael.

There are also Anson Sharp and Jerry Peake, two DSA agents. Two totally different personalities. Sharp has his own reasons for wanting Benny dead and Jerry sees his ambitions in the DSA falling by the wayside as he tries to please both his boss and his inner 'moral' voice.

Joining the hunt are two Orange County cops, Reese Hagerstrom and Julio Verdad. They must reach Rachael and Benny before Anson Sharp 'disposes' of them, not knowing about the beast Eric has become, only aware that the case of the murdered women they are investigating is somehow connected to the Leben case.
Two sets of heroes for the price of one.

This is a book which is very imaginitive and well worth reading. ( )

I'm currently reading this book because I am finding it very difficult to finish. The story line is very predictable and the characters are very shallow. Usually, I enjoy this author which is why I'm giving it a chance, but the book is sitting next to me and I'm on the computer. I am giving it 2 stars only because I will finish it, but I doubt the ending will be a surprise. ( )

I hate superlatives, but I must say this is one of the best horror stories I've read. It was hard to put down. ( )