Saturday, March 25, 2023

Book Review of 'Ashley Bell' by Dean Koontz

 

Ashley Bell novel book cover

Plot Synopsis


Ashley Bell book cover
Bibi Blair, a funny, clever and fierce young woman – a writer by trade – is a girl who said 'no' to death.  When her doctor told her she had one year to live, Bibi replied “We'll see!”

And, suddenly, she is completely free of the rare, and fatal, brain cancer she has been diagnosed with. Bibi astounds medical science.

After returning home from the hospital, Bibi meets a mysterious woman who convinces her that she escaped death so she can save someone else; someone named Ashley Bell

Who is Ashley Bell, where is she, and why does Bibi Blair have to find ~ and save ~ her?

Bibi now finds herself on the run from threats that are both mystical and ordinary. It all appears to stem from a rich and very strange cult leader who has terrifying ambitions. One of his aims is to kill Ashley Bell. 


Summary


Bibi Blair is a delightful character whose story is told in sections. There is the present time when she is 22, on the verge of becoming a successful writer, and engaged to Pax, a Navy Seal, plus her friendship with her childhood surfing friend, Pogo. And there is the past when she is first 6-years-old, and we learn all about her special friendship with The Captain, who rents the garage apartment at her parent's home. And later at age 10 when 'Olaf' the Golden Retriever suddenly appears one afternoon and becomes Bibi's faithful companion. 

Bibi also has been writing stories since she was a child and this fact becomes very important as the plot unfolds. The story flips back and forth between 'young' Bibi and present-day Bibi. 

This is a fast-paced story with a fascinating heroine who has a good heart and a troubling gift we learn about in a twisting plot filled with many surprises. A suspenseful thriller with a mystery to solve.

Ashley Bell was published in 2015 (and somehow missed by me until now). It is listed by Amazon as Book 1 of 1 in the Ashley Bell series. I just discovered that Koontz also wrote a Trilogy entitled Darkest Desires: The Makani Trilogy, which leads into the Ashley Bell series. Darkest Desires is available in Audible Book form. 


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*Book Review of Ashley Bell by Dean Koontz written by Wednesday Elf.

 

Ashley Bell book cover
Available on Amazon
in four different formats





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


14 comments:

  1. This sounds fascinating and like you it is one I have missed. Thanks for the recommendation.

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    1. As another Dean Koontz fan, I know you will enjoy 'Ashley Bell', Mary Beth.

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  2. Wow, Pat, what a compelling book review. This story sounds amazing. Fran reads a lot of Dean Koontz, I have to find out if she has this book. Thanks for the recommendation.

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    Replies
    1. I've always enjoyed Dean Koontz books, but this one was especially fascinating.

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  3. As you know, my husband is a huge Dean Koontz fan. He had previously told me about "Ashley Bell" and recommended that I read it (which I have not done yet). It is on my kindle waiting for me to be bitten by the mystery bug. I've read several Koontz books that he has recommended, but I have to pick the right time for me to read them. I find that I need to read Koontz books in their entirety instead of one chapter at a time which is my normal night reading. His books are always detailed, suspenseful and quite unique. Now that you have also recommended this book, I realize I really do need to make time to read it!

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    Replies
    1. I think you'll find Ashley Bell as fascinating as I did, Mouse. Hope you enjoy it.

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  4. What a fascinating premise for a plot, Elf! I bet my husband would love this. I’m going to share your review with him.

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    1. Thanks, Margaret. Hope he enjoys it as much as I did.

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  5. This book sounds like a fascinating and compelling read. What a storyline! Thank you for your review and recommendation.

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    1. You're welcome, Raintree Annie. Thanks for your visit to my book review.

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  6. Excellent book review; has me wanting to read it - or would love to watch a movie version! Really appreciate these book reviews - it helps me to select books as gifts as well

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    1. Happy to hear my book reviews are helpful to you, Barbara. I think you'd enjoy reading 'Ashley Bell'. Quite a unique storyline with a main character you can't help really liking.

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  7. Oh I like Dean Koontz books but have not read this one. Thanks for putting me on to a new story that needs to be read.

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    Replies
    1. I had missed reading this one too, Olivia. Found it accidentally and delighted I did because I really enjoyed it. I think you will too.

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