Back then, when I read this novel, I enjoyed a lot. I think that it was an interesting way to present the plot, since the main character, Marty Stillwater, is threatened by an unthinkable menace... himself, or kinda, since he has to face a clone of himself. However, the clone is a coldblooded killer with no memories about the life of his DNA donor. The story is alternated told from the perspective of the main protagonist and the main antagonist. It's quite shocking when I was reading the chapters of "the other" since he is indeed a perfect killing machine and the way that he kills is remorseless so it's really disturbing to read that scenes, but of course, it's all part of being a horror novel. I think that this story is a loosely approach of the idea of Frankenstein where a mindless monster wants a life to his own, but "the monster" isn't made of parts of unknown corpses trying to fit in the life of his creator but in here, "the other" wants to be "the one", and since he is a clone of the protagonist making it more personal. And since, Dean Koontz, the author, has a book series about a continuation of the original Frankenstein, it's not odd that he has a fascination with the story and in this book, he evolved a twist in the plot to make an original story of his own. There two supportive characters, Drew & Karl, that they are following the trace of "the other" trying to clean the mess that he is leaving on his bloody journey. They are hired assassins and I found an enjoyable surprise when Karl is revealed as a Trekkie, so it was fun to read some dialogues of him. An unexpected surprise in the book. Maybe my main complain in the story is that it's never clear how or why, the clone was made from DNA material of the protagonist, since he is a famous novelist, hardly an ideal source to make a genetically engineered killer. However, in the general, I enjoyed a lot the reading experience.
Reading this book made me remember just how much Koontz rehashes. There is nothing original in this book - black and white characters, government conspiracy, etc. If there were no secret organizations DK would be out of job. And how many times did a Koontz novel feature a heroic couple running away from an evil adversary? All of this is embroidered by his "subtle" ideology (the god guy is a writer, the bad guy despises the written word). Apparently in Koontz's school of philosophy having a beautiful wife, two ideal daughters and being a succesful writer of suspense novels is good, and being a member of a seceret government organization is bad. Sometimes I wonder how he became a bestseller, since all he does is repeat himself over and over; but then maybe that's exactly the reason.Seriously, if you want s story about a writer hunted by his mirror image read King's "Dark Half" instead (Koontz obviously did). This one is recommended only for Dean's biggest fans.
What do You think about Mr. Murder (2006)?
Mr Murder is an amazing story - starting from a personality who has no past and no identity, that is driven by forces he cannot identify and who he cannot appeal to for help, driven from assignment to killing assignment with no idea why he is what he is and is doing what he is doing - leading the most tortured and meaningless existence - he decides he wants A LIFE, he wants a FAMILY, he wants A HOME. And he is going to take it.From the imposter that looks exactly like him. Take his family back - his wife and two daughters - and show them what a real father is like.Problem is, his only experience of family life is through movies, including the secret stash of some senator he had to kill which he watched avidly in the aftermath - adults with children - children with children. He knew what a family should be. He would teach them.Dean Koontz at his best.
—Suzana Vuksanovic
An excellent story by Dean Koontz about cloning, a shadowy organization, and a virtually superhuman hit man whose purpose in life is to kill his victims (those chosen by the organization) without emotion. The problem comes in when we find he is a clone of the main character. Their paths cross, and suddenly the clone is convinced the story's protagonist is the imposter and must be dealt with. This sets our main characters on the run, but there's a problem...our main character's double is able to sense his presence even over great distances. So no matter where they go, he can find them.Mr. Murder is a great book. It's got suspense, plenty of human interest, and an ending that sets your teeth on edge. It's class Dean Koontz and should be read by anyone who has even the slightest interest in his writings (or good writing of any sort!).
—Scott Rachui
This book was a little strange to me as the subjects in the story are not ones I usually read about. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was creepy and realistic. I could not read it alone in the dark at some parts, it really got to me. Definitely a good piece of work by Mr. Koontz.I was also really happy by the ending. It left me with a satisfied feeling and really tied things up. Would most likely read again when my queue runs out or I just feel up to it.The only thing I didn't like was just how sad it was for what the family in the center of the story had to end up doing.This thick lil' book is worth the read!
—Mimi
