Koontz’s novels defy pigeon-holing in one genre. Part thrilling suspense, part science fiction, Koontz is a master of creating believable characters, and setting multiple plots in motion that converge and collide in unpredictable ways that keep the reader rapidly turning pages, craving a satisfactory end to the roller coaster ride. Beyond this, his books have a moral grounding, are thematically rooted with a particular philosophy. He is obviously a moral writer, without being preachy. Bad guys get the consequences they deserve, good guys typically succeed at thwarting evil, and protecting the innocent. He is not unrealistic, however; bad things happen to good people, and sometimes they have to pay a great price for their heroic efforts. See my earlier review of Koontz’s Jane Hawk series, as well.

In Devoted, Koontz explores the connection between dogs and man. He develops the idea of a telepathic connection between the species, evolving after our long relationship, aiding each others’ survival and well being. A golden retriever named Kipp meets a genius-level autistic boy named Woody Bookman, and their relationship propels the evolution of an extraordinary means of communicating. Known as the Mysterium, a special group of dogs have evolved human levels of intelligence, but with no verbal means to communicate. The Wire is a way that the dogs telepathically communicate over distances. Everything changes when Woody discovers that he, an autistic who has never spoken, can also communicate mentally, with Kipp. This has life-changing impacts for Woody and his mother, Megan.

Megan Bookman and Woody will need Kipp and his network very soon, since Woody’s web-based investigations into his father’s suspicious, lethal helicopter crash have gotten the attention of a Dark Web business of assassins, hired by his father’s former boss, billionaire Dorian Purcell. Purcell’s company was researching genetic alterations that would lead to trans-humans, or humans 2.0, who live hundreds of years and develop unheard of capabilities. Obsessed with all types of pleasure-seeking, and avoidance of death, Purcell ruthlessly allows 93 researchers to die when his facility has a release of a biological agent, killing all in a pre-staged destruction of the facility rather than let his research become public. Prior to this event, Megan’s husband was preparing to leave the company, but Purcell would not allow his secrets, or even suspicions, to go with him.

The CEO of this company, and yes-man to Purcell, Lee Shacket, does escape the horrific destruction, however, and is “becoming,” rapidly evolving the super-human qualities due to exposure of the biologic agent. He has a past with Megan, being the man whom she refused before meeting her husband. Shacket is pursuing Megan, determined to make her is own with his enhanced powers. The exposure is doing bizarre things to him, however, changing his mental processes, enhancing his nighttime vision, making him stronger, but ultimately killing him.

There are even more characters and plot twists than I can discuss here. Suffice to say, Koontz succeeds at keeping you riveted every minute, anxious to see our heroes win. His musings on the evolution of the dog-man relationship, the what and why of it, are very interesting. We each fulfill a need of the other; humans can voice thoughts and feelings, and dogs not only serve to protect, but in their innocence give unconditional affection and loyalty, beyond self-interest. Koontz is clearly a dog lover, and the seed of that love inspires a fascinating story. A must-read for dog lovers, or anyone who loves excellent suspense. Highly recommended. If you enjoy Koontz, he has a large body of excellent books to explore.