Dragon Tears (1993) by Dean Koontz is a pulse-pounding supernatural thriller that blends horror, mystery, and Koontz’s trademark philosophical musings. The story follows LAPD detective Harry Lyon and his partner Connie Gulliver as they pursue a sadistic, shape-shifting killer known as “Ticktock,” who can morph into a monstrous, reptilian entity and seems to derive power from their fear. As the body count rises, Harry and Connie confront not only the creature but also their own traumatic pasts and the nature of evil itself.
Koontz’s prose is cinematic and fast-paced, laced with dark humor and existential dread. Themes of redemption, the power of love, and the battle between chaos and order resonate throughout. While some critics find the villain’s origins vague, the novel’s relentless tension and emotional depth make it a standout in Koontz’s oeuvre.
A gripping, if occasionally over-the-top, ride for fans of supernatural crime horror.
