Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of False Memory

False Memory
False Memory
Author: Dean Koontz
ISBN-13: 9780553580228
ISBN-10: 0553580221
Publication Date: 11/28/2000
Pages: 784
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 631

3.8 stars, based on 631 ratings
Publisher: Bantam
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

110 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

Leigh avatar reviewed False Memory on + 378 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
This book is one of Koontz's better ones, filled with suspense and a deep sense of mystery. Infused with themes from "The Manchurian Candidate," this novel touches on how we remember things - and most importantly, if we can trust our own memories.
drunkenmimes avatar reviewed False Memory on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This is one of the creepiest books I have ever read-and I read Stephen King-raises the hair on the back of your neck scary! A suspenseful page-turner, as is the signature quality of Dean Koontz's finest. If you liked "The Face," and "Seize The Night," you'll love this one-good luck putting it down once you get started.
reviewed False Memory on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This was my first Dean Koontz book and I absolutely loved it! This is an amazing and highly recommended novel.
lolaslibrary avatar reviewed False Memory on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Dean Koontz is by far my favorite author. This book however, gave me some trouble. Hard start...but once I was into it I couldn't put it down! This book is so worth getting thru those first 13 chapters! A MUST READ!
reviewed False Memory on + 179 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Martie Rhodes is a successful young computer games designer with a loving husband, Dusty, and a seemingly normal life. Her best friend, Susan, however, suffers from agoraphobia, or a fear of open spaces, and relies on Martie to take her to weekly therapy sessions. Suddenly and inexplicably, Martie herself begins exhibiting worrying signs of a mental disorder, fearing herself capable of inflicting great harm on her loved ones. At the same time, Dusty's brother Skeet also succumbs to irrational mental behavior and tries to throw himself from a roof. It soon becomes clear that these four characters are involved in something much more than a sinister coincidence.
kelly-bookworm avatar reviewed False Memory on + 26 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This was the first Dean Koontz I ever read - and it got me completely ADDICTED to DK novels!!! WOW! Scary, only because I could see it actually happening!! GREAT book, uber suspenseful!
renegadespiritcat avatar reviewed False Memory on + 198 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
GREAT book but one you must read slowly to catch all the details or you will have to read some chapters over to catch subtle nuances you may have missed the first time.
dragoneyes avatar reviewed False Memory on + 841 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I have a little trouble with starting a Koontz book. Only because before bed or during lunch is usually the only time I have to read. I lose lots of sleep and feel the urge to "peek" at my book during work. This book did the same as most others of his work. It was a brilliant book from beginning to end. It grabs hold of you right off and keeps you with it.
waterbearer avatar reviewed False Memory on + 62 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The only thing I remember about this book is that it was a great story. ; )
Koontz rocks. If you love Koontz stories, you'll love this one. Gripping.
reviewed False Memory on + 135 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great psychological thriller. A young couple find themselves under the spell of a totally evil psychiatrist that looks absolutely perfect and is able to make people think he is. Good characters.
reviewed False Memory on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I am not a big Koontz fan but this book was phenomenal to me. It's a psychological thriller, and completely worth the read.
reviewed False Memory on + 62 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
My first Koontz book, I'm now a definite fan. I loved the writing style, the plot twists, and the realism throughout. I will definitely read more by this author!
reviewed False Memory on + 61 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A terrific Koontz book. A sinister tale of a true psychological condition: autophobia-fear of oneself.
reviewed False Memory on + 20 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
a very good book. will leave you sleepless...typical koontz
reviewed False Memory on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the book that may cause me to NEVER read another Koontz book and I have read many enjoying most a lot. Perhaps I am getting old and don't see the need for graphic sex/violence. My imagination is just fine, thank-you. Also it seems other books have shown that this is not necessary for him to use to provide a scary story. After a couple hundred pages I quit reading this, enough, there are too many other books to read to waste my time on what I consider trash.
reviewed False Memory on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I love Koontz, but this isn't his best.
CheriePie avatar reviewed False Memory on + 149 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book started off kind of slow and I was tempted to put it aside a few times as I've got so many other TBR books piling up behind it. But I wanted to give it at least halfway, which is about 376 pages since this is a fairly long book. Fortunately, the action got going around page 200 and I was glad I kept reading. This book could've been half as long and been even better though... I found it going off on tangents quite often so that my mind would start to wander and I'd forget what I'd just read.

In the beginning some of the phobia characteristics experienced by the characters, one in particular, hit a little too close to home, and since I don't enjoy being reminded of my own shortcomings, I was getting discouraged with it, and again, almost another reason for me to put it aside. Until around page 200 when it started to become apparent that these phobias were implanted by a madman, then I felt better about that part. :)

Overall, a very odd book, which I had mixed feelings about, but actually liked it more than I disliked it.
reviewed False Memory on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
this is my favorite book of all time... keeps you on your toes!
reviewed False Memory on + 377 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The bad guy is one bad dude!!! I am not a big fan of Koontz. My husband said I just had to read this one though. Very intense read. Turned out to be a good book after all.
MissyLynn avatar reviewed False Memory on
Helpful Score: 1
A villain you'll remember! One of my very favorite Dean Koontz books.
reviewed False Memory on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
If you are a Stephen King fan, and haven't read Dean Koontz, you owe it to yourself to discover his writing!
hotbananamuffin avatar reviewed False Memory on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great read. Superbly twisted bad guy that only Koonz could create. Hard to put down.
reviewed False Memory on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is an incredible novel. Dean Koontz has an astounding imagination, a wonderful attention to detail, a terrific talent for suspense and surprises. He also has a sweetly sensitive side.

This book held my attention captive, and caused me to laugh and cry. Mr. Koontz weaves a tale about mind control, psychology, intense love and a demented character. Read this book only if you are sure you don't have a tendency to become paranoid! The author has a knack for bringing new thoughts into your head!

In this novel, Martie and Dusty are fighting for their very minds and eventually their lives! As they struggle through the fog of their minds and the minimal clues they have acquired, you will feel you are working with them to discover the truth and expose the enemy for the evil that he is. Mr. Koontz also has a beautiful way of developing his characters and making you love them and feel their emotions and fears.

This is a fast paced novel with action, suspense, twists, and psychology that will force you to use your brain to figure out what is going on!

The summary on the back cover intrigued me. When I started reading, it was torture to put the book down! I enjoyed this novel very much and highly recommend it.
macn avatar reviewed False Memory on + 37 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was like watching one of those movies where you're yelling out loud at the screen hoping the characters can hear you. One of Dean Koontz's more disturbing, mess with your head novels. I couldn't put this down which I don't state lightly. A husband and wife realize something is wrong but how can you fix something when you don't know who you can turn to or if you can even trust yourself. I have picked this up and read it a second time which I hardly ever do. Read this book!
Hoody avatar reviewed False Memory on + 52 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I don't know why I don't read more of Dean Koontz's books. He is a master of suspense. This book is no exeption of the masterful style that I have come to expect from Koontz. Althought there are still many of his books I have not read (I will be reading more after this) this is by far one of my favorites. There is much depth to the charicters and you come to really care about them and the outcome of thier lives. Throughout thae story I was trying to piece together the puzzle and every time I thought I had it Koontz through another twist in. The synopsis of this book dosn't do it justice but it can't realy say more withour running some of the suprises. I would highly recommend this book.
reviewed False Memory on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great book. Very intriguing. This is one of his better books.
reviewed False Memory on + 58 more book reviews
This is very good, and will keep you wanting to read more
reviewed False Memory on + 18 more book reviews
Being the survivor of abuse...this book spoke to me in a very deep way.
sataro avatar reviewed False Memory on + 50 more book reviews
Excellent book. Will definately keep you enertained till the end.

Billy T.
reviewed False Memory on + 23 more book reviews
Another Dean Koontz psychological suspense thriller.
reviewed False Memory on + 2 more book reviews
If you are a Dean Koontz fan, you will enjoy this book.
reviewed False Memory on + 4 more book reviews
If you ever read one of Dean Koontz then you will them. This one you will not want to put down.
Kit avatar reviewed False Memory on + 68 more book reviews
Martie Rhodes is a young wife, and successful video-game designer. Then one morning she experiences a sudden and inexplicable fear, a fleeting but disquieting terror of..her own shadow. Later she realizes she is terrified to look in the mirror and confront the reflection of her own face.

This is another of Dean Koontz's superior writing skills that keeps you wanting to not have to go to work so you can continue to read each page. This book will creep you out and have you wondering if you should look in the mirror.
reviewed False Memory on + 4 more book reviews
A good book. Koontz at his best.
reviewed False Memory on + 14 more book reviews
Fear for your mind - I liked it up until the very end........
TakingTime avatar reviewed False Memory on + 1072 more book reviews
The phobias of the mind...does therapy work??? Read this thriller to find out how two girlfriends and one husband deals with the games of the mind.
reviewed False Memory on + 5 more book reviews
Quick, fast paced. A new twist and turn at every corner.
reviewed False Memory on
Exciting & intense from beginning to end. Total pages is 750. You can preview the first 3 chapters of "From the Corner of His Eye".
reviewed False Memory on + 3 more book reviews
I am such a fan of Koontz's work, but it seems that everytime I pick up one of his books, I am never disappointed. This book is for those of you into mind control and brainwashing. Its a great read for anyone who loves a thrill.
whitegardenia avatar reviewed False Memory on + 39 more book reviews
All of Koonz' books are just a bit frightening.
reviewed False Memory on + 9 more book reviews
Good read, one of Koontz's better books!
reviewed False Memory on
Very good book, very suspenseful and gripping. Will have you thinking about possibilities if this happening to someone in real life. Enjoy!
reviewed False Memory on
I have wondered before about how your mind might work after being hypnotized... This book although fiction might have you thinking twice about getting hypnotized. I would recommend this book.
susieqmillsacoustics avatar reviewed False Memory on + 1062 more book reviews
This is Dean Koontz at his best! Impossible to put down-a great read!
reviewed False Memory on + 4 more book reviews
This is good "soap opera"/"lifetime" book. It doesn't have the best plot, but once you start reading you have to keep going.
reviewed False Memory on + 2 more book reviews
Suspenseful in some parts but slow in others. So-so read. Was anxious for it to be over though.
reviewed False Memory on + 15 more book reviews
Mind control at it's scariest!
pumpkinofthepopcorn avatar reviewed False Memory on + 4 more book reviews
Addicting, albeit frustrating. Koontz reveals the main antagonist much too soon, in my opinion, and it's terribly annoying. This is the only Dean Koontz book I've read and it's good enough to make me want to check into his other works.
bibliomatic avatar reviewed False Memory on + 3 more book reviews
Lucy Morton-smith rated it 5 Stars and she said....
A brilliant book for fast paced action, suspense, amazing plot twists, lovable characters and amazing villains. The description of this book does NOT do it justice, however I wouldn't be able to describe it without a few slight spoilers. Just read it. It's the only way to appreciate the awesomeness that is this book. The plot is amazing. It has the most plot twists of any book that I can remember. The characters are both amusing in their humor and lovable. It's the kind of book that has you screaming 'for the love of god, don't open that door!' and praying they get out alive when they do. (That reference isn't to the book, it is just used as an example for what I mean.. there is no danger to the characters from opening doors :P) This book also raises anger as well as sorrow and hope. I found one of my most hated characters of all time hidden inside this book, and it left me wanting to scream at her how much of a horrible person she was, and hoping that she didn't live to see the end of the book. (Whether she did or not, you'll have to find out. And I promise when you read this book, you'll know EXACTLY who I'm on about. GRRR!!! D:< ). It was also interesting to learn about the different phobias encountered in this book.

I couldn't agree more!
reviewed False Memory on + 2 more book reviews
good reading
reviewed False Memory on + 204 more book reviews
I hate not finishing a book so I find myself struggling through the bad ones so I can move on to something, hopefully, better. This was not even close to Koontz's better works. How disappointing.
reviewed False Memory on + 29 more book reviews
GREAT BOOK
reviewed False Memory on + 10 more book reviews
My first Koontz book. It held my attention although I'm not sure I'll read another. In my opinion (and everyone is entitled to have one), his stories are better as made-for-TV movies.
reviewed False Memory on + 59 more book reviews
No fan of D.K. or of classic psychological suspense will want to miss this extraordinary novel of the human mind's capacity to torment--and destroy--itself. In False Memory, D.K. has created a novel that will stay in your memory long after the final page is turned--a story not only of gripping fear but also of the power of love and friendship. Once more Koontz reveals why he has, as People put it, the "power to scare the daylights out of us".
Granites2001 avatar reviewed False Memory on + 88 more book reviews
This is my all time favorite Koontz book. It was the first one I read by him. I have read most of his others, but this one is still my favorite.
reviewed False Memory on + 8 more book reviews
Really suspenseful, complex tale with twists and turns. Enjoyed it a lot.
reviewed False Memory on + 612 more book reviews
I enjoyed reading this book very much.
reviewed False Memory on + 7 more book reviews
Suspensful- a typical Dean Koontz
reviewed False Memory on + 25 more book reviews
A great mystery thriller in the psychological vein.
sueko avatar reviewed False Memory on + 13 more book reviews
If you like Koontz you will like this one, it is gripping.
Booknose avatar reviewed False Memory on + 63 more book reviews
Koontz is a wonderful writer and this is one of his best books
reviewed False Memory on + 67 more book reviews
An exciting book about fearing yourself, your mind being controlled by a devious person and finding your way to safety.
reviewed False Memory on + 18 more book reviews
A fear more paralyzing than falling... the fear of yourself.
reviewed False Memory on + 171 more book reviews
COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN A THRILLER ABOUT MIND CONTROL THAT YOU CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE
reviewed False Memory on + 23 more book reviews
I personally could not get into this-the premise was really good.
But Koontz got very long winded at times-and I found myself thinking about other things and just not paying attention because I was bored. I could not even finish the book.
reviewed False Memory on + 134 more book reviews
Not the best work Koontz has ever done but still enjoyable.
reviewed False Memory on + 224 more book reviews
This is probably the best Dean Koontz story I have read. After the first 30-40 pages I hated to put it down.
reviewed False Memory on + 53 more book reviews
False Memory is a real psychological thriller! If you're a fan of Dean Koontz, you'll really enjoy this one of the "human mind's capacity to tormet--and destroy--itself." Read with the lights on!
reviewed False Memory on + 17 more book reviews
Good mystery and an interesting take on conditioning and mind control.
reviewed False Memory on + 5 more book reviews
I have this book in hardback, paperback and on audio tape! What more can i say?
reviewed False Memory on + 209 more book reviews
Give me alzheimers any day!!!!!
Paul-RLT avatar reviewed False Memory on + 176 more book reviews
I like Koontz when his focus is on suspense and mystery and not too much "weird science". This book fits the bill...basically a story of an intelligent, evil mind manipulating innocent people.
Paul C.
reviewed False Memory on + 6 more book reviews
This story had me so engrossed I could hardly put it down. I am a big fan of Koontz anyway and this is one of his best.
reviewed False Memory on + 3 more book reviews
not generally a Koontz fan, but this was a very good read. will probably try more of his books based on having read this one.
reviewed False Memory on + 20 more book reviews
Wow - I was entranced by this book. I even went and read the Manchurian Candidate just to check facts... wow. This book rocks!
reviewed False Memory on + 11 more book reviews
Suspensful but a little gross in parts. This author has some imagination.
reviewed False Memory on + 35 more book reviews
Very good psychological thriller. Hard to put down.
reviewed False Memory on + 23 more book reviews
Koontz is a good mind-candy writer. I love his stuff!
reviewed False Memory on + 16 more book reviews
I do enjoy Dean Koontz a lot but felt this book was to slow moving. I never was able to finish it
reviewed False Memory on + 9 more book reviews
twisted, intriguing, and full of suspense!
buzzsaw avatar reviewed False Memory on + 5 more book reviews
You have heard many times that a book is too suspenseful to put down. This one is a little different. You do not want to turn to the next page for fear of what will happen next. Anyone who has read Dean Koontz knows the only thing for sure, is the hero/heroine will not die, that leaves a lot of room for other mischief.
reviewed False Memory on + 67 more book reviews
Not my favorite by Koontz, but not a bad read. I thought it was predictable, and not chilling so much as it was just ludicrous. Also was much too wordy.
reviewed False Memory on + 151 more book reviews
great book great author
jenvalet avatar reviewed False Memory on + 47 more book reviews
I couldn't put it down. Creepy as only Dean Koontz can be!
reviewed False Memory on + 31 more book reviews
Martie Rhodes is a young wife and successful video-game designer. Then one morning she experiences a sudden and inexplicable fear, a fleeting but disquieting terror of . . . her own shadow. Later she realizes that she is terrified to look in the morror and confront the reflection of her own face. As these traumatic episodes build, the lives of Martie and her hsband, Dustin, change drastically. Desperate todiscover the reasons for his wife's sudden descent into mental chaos, Dusty takes Martie to the renowned therapist who has been treating her best friend, and begins a frantic search for clues. As he comes closer to the shocking truth, Dusty finds himself afflicted with a condition even more fearsome than Martie's. Absolutely riveting!!
reviewed False Memory on + 11 more book reviews
Never had a chance to read this....but Dan Koontz is always a favorit of mine.
reviewed False Memory on + 2 more book reviews
It's a fear more paralyzing than falling. More terrifying than absolute darkness. More horrifying than anything you can imagine. It's the one fear you cannot escape, no matter where you run...No matter where you hide. Its the fear you yourself. It's real. It can happen to you. And facing it can be deadly.
nos4atu avatar reviewed False Memory on + 35 more book reviews
Martie Rhodes a successful video game designer,husband Dusty a house painter and brother-in-law Skeef an off and on recovering drug addict all experience fugues,unseemly terrors and irrational fears. They discover and unmask the reason behind their fears when Martie discovers the body of her bestfriend and discover that she too was one of them.
reviewed False Memory on
I really liked this book. But I like just about anything from Dean Koontz.
reviewed False Memory on + 115 more book reviews
A group of women, all seeing the same psychiatrist, begin to independently develop a series of very unusual phobias that soon threaten both their own sanity and the lives of those around them.
reviewed False Memory on + 16 more book reviews
intense!
reviewed False Memory on + 2 more book reviews
Its a fear more paralyzing, more terrifying and more horrifying
its the fear you can not escape.no matter where you run,where you hide its the fear of yourself,its real and can happen to you and facing it can be deadly.
reviewed False Memory on + 12 more book reviews
Very good book!
reviewed False Memory on + 57 more book reviews
Typical Koontz! Unbelievably good.
carriej73 avatar reviewed False Memory on + 34 more book reviews
I don't really remember this book, so I guess I didn't love it much :-). It's about fear of yourself - autophobia.
reviewed False Memory on + 4 more book reviews
Martie Rhodes is a successful young computer games designer with a loving husband, Dusty, and a seemingly normal life. Her best friend, Susan, however, suffers from agoraphobia, or a fear of open spaces, and relies on Martie to take her to weekly therapy sessions. Suddenly and inexplicably, Martie herself begins exhibiting worrying signs of a mental disorder, fearing herself capable of inflicting great harm on her loved ones. At the same time, Dusty's brother Skeet also succumbs to irrational mental behavior and tries to throw himself from a roof. It soon becomes clear that these four characters are involved in something much more than a sinister coincidence.
Ariadnae avatar reviewed False Memory on + 356 more book reviews
Very good and frightening read.
reviewed False Memory on + 97 more book reviews
Loved it!
reviewed False Memory on + 3 more book reviews
Thrilling Mystery.
reviewed False Memory on + 16 more book reviews
Riveting tale!!
reviewed False Memory on + 14 more book reviews
I gave up on Koontz before reading this one. From the back cover: It's a fear more paralyzing than falling. More terrifying than absolute darkness. More horrifying than anything you can imagine. It's the one fear you cannot escape, no matter where you run...no matter where you hide. It's the fear of yourself. It's real. It can happen to you. And facing it can be deadly. False Memory - fear for your mind.

Publishers Weekly says, "Viscerally exciting...an extended, tense tour de force...an expertly crafted, ornate suspenser...Koontz fans will love it."
KoontzJunkie avatar reviewed False Memory on + 43 more book reviews
My first Koontz book.

You should read it.

Yes you.
reviewed False Memory on + 31 more book reviews
Viscerally exciting an extented tour de force, and expertly crafted ornate suspencer Koontz fans will love it! (Off the back of the book, lol)
reviewed False Memory on + 84 more book reviews
It is the one fear you can't escape.No matter where you run.No matter where you hide.
reviewed False Memory on + 24 more book reviews
Matie Rhodes is a young wife and successful video-game designer. then on emorning she xepriences a sudden and inexplicable fear, a fleeting but disquieting terror of... her own shadow.late she realizes that she is terrified to look in teh mirror and confront teh refelciton of her own face. as these traumatic episodes build, the live of marti and her husband, dustin, change drastically. Desperate to discover the reasons for his wifes sudden descent into mental chaoe, dusty takes martie to the renownes therapist who has been treating her best friend, and begins a frantic search for clues. as he comes closer to the shocking truth, dusty finds himself afflicted with a condition even more fearsome than martie's. no fan of Dean Koontz or of classic psychological suspense with want to miss this extraodinary novel of the haumn min's capacity to torment-- and destroy-- itself.
reviewed False Memory on + 127 more book reviews
A great read!
mwelday avatar reviewed False Memory on + 148 more book reviews
"It's the one fear you cannot escape, no matter where you run...no matter where you hide. It's the fear of yourself...Fear for your mind." (from cover)
"A masterful thriller...Suspense worth remembering." -People Magazine
reviewed False Memory on + 44 more book reviews
Not read yet
reviewed False Memory on + 145 more book reviews
It's a fear more paralyzing than falling. More terrifying than darkness. More horrifying than anything you can imagine. It's the one fear you cannot escape, no matter where you run ... no matter where you hide. It's the fear of yourself. It's real. It can happen to you. And facing it can be deadly. Fear for your mind.
reviewed False Memory on + 27 more book reviews
I didn't read it, but I like most of his other stuff.