What do You think about Chase (1990)?
Ben Chase is a war hero with bitter memories. Vietnam left him with a hard drinking habit, a mental breakdown -- and massive guilt. So who will believe him when he swears a psychopath is out to get him? When society is sick, the mad are sane -- and persecution is a killer's game! About the Author Dean Koontz was born into a very poor family and learned early on to escape into fiction. His novels have sold over 200 million copies worldwide and more than thirty have appeared on national and international bestseller lists. He lives in southern California with his wife, Gerda and a vivid imagination.
—Al
First released in 1971, this is an edited (by the author) update of the original novel. Ben Chase is a Vietnam vet suffering from what would now be called PTSD, who finds himself embroiled in an ugly situation.This is old-school suspense, a taut mystery with no supernatural elements. It's short, cutting and a decent outing for an early effort. This is the Dean Koontz who wrote under a pseudonym and who wasn't yet quite sure that this writing gig would take off the way that we now know it has. I was second-guessing throughout the story, and didn't really know what was going to happen at any point until whatever it was actually occurred. I so rarely get to say that about a novel anymore. Some of the dialog was a little formulaic, which is the only reason the fifth star is missing from my review. For a nifty little novel to read in a hotel on a chilly spring evening, this was just the ticket.
—Graceann
I’m a big fan of Dean Koontz’s writing and so when I noticed this short novel I picked it up immediately. From some of the synopses that I read I must admit that I was a little disappointed that there would be nothing supernatural about this one, but with unwavering dedication I pushed ahead. I’m so glad that I did; best described as a psychological thriller the story captured me from the start and the reader forms an immediate connection to the main character Ben Chase. I think it’s because of all Ben’s flaws, yet innate goodness, that the reader finds him so easy to identify with. Ben has returned from the Vietnam war, a decorated war hero, but with terrible guilt over choices he had to make in the line of duty... Read more
—Catherine Alexander
