Ashley Bell

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY BOOKPAGE • The must-read thriller of the year, for readers of dark psychological suspense and modern classics of mystery and adventure This ebook edition contains a special preview of Dean Koontz’s The Silent Corner. The girl who said no to death. Bibi Blair is a fierce, funny, dauntless young woman—whose doctor says she has one year to live. She replies, “We’ll see.” Her sudden recovery astonishes medical science. An enigmatic woman convinces Bibi that she escaped death so that she can save someone else. Someone named Ashley Bell. But save her from what, from whom? And who is Ashley Bell? Where is she? Bibi’s obsession with finding Ashley sends her on the run from threats both mystical and worldly, including a rich and charismatic cult leader with terrifying ambitions. Here is an eloquent, riveting, brilliantly paced story with an exhilarating heroine and a twisting, ingenious plot filled with staggering surprises. Ashley Bell is a new milestone in literary suspense from the long-acclaimed master. Praise for Ashley Bell “A mind-bender filled with satisfying surprises.”—People (book of the week) “[With] lyrical writing and compelling characters . . . Koontz stands alone, and this novel is a prime example of literary suspense. . . . One of his best.”—Associated Press “Grabs you on page one and keeps you enthralled with ever widening loops of intrigue, spine-tingling plot twists, absorbing characters and emotional involvement . . . extraordinary.”—Bookreporter “Heart-pounding and mind boggling . . . a rarity of a thriller—one that asks big questions about life and destiny while succeeding in creating [an] eerie sense of reality.”—Shelf Awareness “Strap in and hold on. . . . When a writer has managed to catch this kind of lightning in a bottle, every reader should experience the full jolt.”—BookPage

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz comes the must-read thriller of the year, perfect for readers of dark psychological suspense and modern classics of mystery and adventure.

From #1 bestselling author Dean Koontz -- the must-read thriller of the year, for readers of dark psychological suspense and modern classics of mystery and adventure, about the girl who said no to death. Who is Ashley Bell? The only girl who can save her has no idea who she is ... Bibi Blair is a fierce, funny, dauntless young woman -- whose doctor says she has one year to live. She replies, "We'll see." When Bibi is miraculously cured of an inoperable brain tumour, it's only the beginning of a strange and terrifying journey. For Bibi believes that in exchange for being saved herself, she in turn must save the mysterious Ashley Bell. But first, she has to find her. Bibi's obsession with finding Ashley sends her on the run from threats both mystical and worldly, including a rich and charismatic cult leader with terrifying ambitions. Brilliantly paced, with an exhilarating heroine and a twisting, ingenious storyline, Ashley Bell is a new milestone in literary suspense from the long acclaimed master.

"Who is Ashley Bell? From #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz comes the must-read thriller of the year, perfect for readers of dark psychological suspense and modern classics of mystery and adventure. Brilliantly paced, with an exhilarating heroine and a twisting, ingenious storyline, Ashley Bell is a new milestone in literary suspense from the long-acclaimed master"--

A 2015 Newbery Honor Book & New York Times bestseller! Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest? That requires superpowers! In this funny, poignant graphic novel memoir, author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss at a young age and her subsequent experiences with the Phonic Ear, a very powerful—and very awkward—hearing aid. The Phonic Ear gives Cece the ability to hear—sometimes things she shouldn’t—but also isolates her from her classmates. She really just wants to fit in and find a true friend, someone who appreciates her as she is. After some trouble, she is finally able to harness the power of the Phonic Ear and become “El Deafo, Listener for All.” And more importantly, declare a place for herself in the world and find the friend she’s longed for.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Following Last Light comes Final Hour, the second of two standalone eBook original novellas leading in to Ashley Bell, the highly anticipated new novel of suspense from Dean Koontz! Just by touching others, Makani Hisoka-O’Brien can see the darkest secrets they keep. The troubling talent has made the Southern California surfer wary of casual contact. But while impulsively saving a stranger from an accident, she experiences her most disturbing vision. With only a good friend to help her, and mere traces of information to guide her, Makani must track down two mysterious women—one of them innocent, one not. But Makani is stepping into the path of an adversary more dangerous than she can imagine: a brutal predator behind a pretty face, who won’t go down without drawing blood. Acclaim for Dean Koontz “Dean Koontz is a prose stylist whose lyricism heightens malevolence and tension. [He creates] characters of unusual richness and depth . . . with a level of perception and sensitivity that is not merely convincing; it’s astonishing.”—The Seattle Times “Demanding much of itself, Koontz’s style bleaches out clichés while showing a genius for details. He leaves his competitors buried in the dust.”—Kirkus Reviews “A rarity among bestselling writers, Koontz continues to pursue new ways of telling stories, never content with repeating himself.”—Chicago Sun-Times “Tumbling, hallucinogenic prose. ‘Serious’ writers . . . might do well to examine his technique.”—The New York Times Book Review “[Koontz] has always had near-Dickensian powers of description, and an ability to yank us from one page to the next that few novelists can match.”—Los Angeles Times “Koontz is a superb plotter and wordsmith. He chronicles the hopes and fears of our time in broad strokes and fine detail, using popular fiction to explore the human condition.”—USA Today “Characters and the search for meaning, exquisitely crafted, are the soul of [Koontz’s] work. . . . One of the master storytellers of this or any age.”—The Tampa Tribune “A literary juggler.”—The Times (London)

If you have ever experienced the universal challenge of having a child who is scared to go to sleep at night, or had the desire to teach your child about gratitude, and make it part of your daily life,The Blessing Ball is the Book for you! You will find yourself whisked away by incredible creatures, fairies, and real magic in the captivating world of Brightland.This enchanting book is consciously written to be enjoyed as much by the reader, as it is by the listener. It is interactive and different each time you read it and count your blessings together. Join us as Catalinabright journeys through her day, looking for all the good things she can find, and counting them on her Blessing Ball. Bonus features include hidden numbers on the pages that correspond to the blessings counted by Catalinabright. As well as 12 pages of Character bios and an activity sheet for you to enjoy. Shift the focus of your family and loved ones to the many blessings around you each day. See the power of thankfulness work in your lives as The Blessing Ball becomes your favorite bedtime, or anytime story, to share together.

Warning This is an independent addition to Ashley Bell, meant to enhance your experience of the original book. If you have not yet bought the original copy, make sure to purchase it before buying this unofficial summary from aBookaDay. INTRODUCTION Ashley Bell, by Dean Koontz, is the tale of a vibrant and intriguing young woman who escapes death so that she can save the life of another young girl named Ashley Bell. Readers will find themselves quickly immersed in this engaging and exciting tale, wondering what is around each new turn of the plot. Koontz's tale unfolds through events that take place in both the present and the past, straddling the sometimes blurred lines between dreams and reality, exploring the ways the two intersect. SETTINGS The events of Ashley Bell take place primarily in Newport Beach, California, and its surrounding areas. The majority of the novel's events take place in the present (or very recent past); while others take place at various points in Bibi Blair's childhood. The author indicates the shift between present and past at the start of each pertinent chapter so the reader can easily keep track of time and events. There is no mention of specific dates or years in the chronology other than a passing reference to "a March day" or other such vague suggestions. STORY PLOT ANALYSIS Ashley Bell follows multiple narrative strands through the course of the novel. The primary story line is that of Bibi Blair from just before her cancer diagnosis until the end of the story. Most of the events in Bibi's story line occur in the present, but some shifts to events in her childhood do occur throughout. These shifts usually serve to provide background and explanation for events in the present timeline and are indicated in the chapter headings. A second strand - and a much less thorough one -follows Bibi's fiance, Paxton Thorpe, as he executes a mission as a U.S. Navy seal. Paxton's storyline ultimately integrates with Bibi's and the two strands remain joined for the rest of the novel. The story of Bibi's parents' past is briefly explored in some detail, but more as background information rather than a true separate narrative strand. Available on PC, Mac, smart phone, tablet or Kindle device. (c) 2015 All Rights Reserved"

From bestselling author Dean Koontz comes an eBook original novella, the first of two tales that pave the way for Ashley Bell, his new novel of dark suspense! A woman with a good heart and a troubling gift. A man with a twisted soul and a terrifying talent. In this literal war of wills, only one can survive. With just a touch, Makani Hisoka-O’Brien can see the deepest secrets that others conceal—and it frightens her. There’s danger in the terrible knowledge that floods her mind and haunts her conscience. With just a touch, Rainer Sparks can learn the biggest problems that others bear—and it thrills him. There’s profit to be made making problems go away, by any means . . . including murder. In a place as big as Southern California, these two might have never met and discovered one another’s chilling abilities. But good and evil have a way of colliding . . . with shattering consequences. Acclaim for Dean Koontz “Dean Koontz is a prose stylist whose lyricism heightens malevolence and tension. [He creates] characters of unusual richness and depth . . . with a level of perception and sensitivity that is not merely convincing; it’s astonishing.”—The Seattle Times “Demanding much of itself, Koontz’s style bleaches out clichés while showing a genius for details. He leaves his competitors buried in the dust.”—Kirkus Reviews “A rarity among bestselling writers, Koontz continues to pursue new ways of telling stories, never content with repeating himself.”—Chicago Sun-Times “Tumbling, hallucinogenic prose. ‘Serious’ writers . . . might do well to examine his technique.”—The New York Times Book Review “[Koontz] has always had near-Dickensian powers of description, and an ability to yank us from one page to the next that few novelists can match.”—Los Angeles Times “Koontz is a superb plotter and wordsmith. He chronicles the hopes and fears of our time in broad strokes and fine detail, using popular fiction to explore the human condition.”—USA Today “Characters and the search for meaning, exquisitely crafted, are the soul of [Koontz’s] work. . . . One of the master storytellers of this or any age.”—The Tampa Tribune “A literary juggler.”—The Times (London)

Released for the first time in paperback, this landmark social and political volume on feminism is credited with being responsible for raising awareness, liberating both sexes, and triggering major advances in the feminist movement. Reprint.

Who is Ashley Bell? From #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz comes the must - read thriller of the year, perfect for readers of dark psychological suspense and modern classics of mystery and adventure. The girl who said no to death. Bibi Blair is a fierce, funny, dauntless young woman - whose doctor says she has one year to live. She replies, ''''We'll see.'''' When Bibi is miraculously cured of an inoperable brain tumour, it's only the beginning of a strange and terrifying journey. For Bibi believes that in exchange for being saved herself, she in turn must save the mysterious Ashley Bell. But first, she has to find her. Bibi's obsession with finding Ashley sends her on the run from threats both mystical and worldly, including a rich and charismatic cult leader with terrifying ambitions. Brilliantly paced, with an exhilarating heroine and a twisting, ingenious storyline, Ashley Bell is a new milestone in literary suspense from the long acclaimed master.

"Who is Ashley Bell? From #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz comes the must-read thriller of the year, perfect for readers of dark psychological suspense and modern classics of mystery and adventure. Brilliantly paced, with an exhilarating heroine and a twisting, ingenious storyline, Ashley Bell is a new milestone in literary suspense from the long-acclaimed master"--

A gifted musician relates the events of 1967 that impacted his family and friends, from his indomitable "piano man" grandfather and struggling singer single mother to the everyday saints and sinners who shaped his life.

Who is Ashley Bell? From #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz comes the must-read thriller of the year, perfect for readers of dark psychological suspense and modern classics of mystery and adventure. The girl who said no to death. Bibi Blair is a fierce, funny, dauntless young woman-whose doctor says she has one year to live. She replies, "We'll see." When Bibi is miraculously cured of an inoperable brain tumour, it's only the beginning of a strange and terrifying journey. For Bibi believes that in exchange for being saved herself, she in turn must save the mysterious Ashley Bell. But first, she has to find her. Bibi's obsession with finding Ashley sends her on the run from threats both mystical and worldly, including a rich and charismatic cult leader with terrifying ambitions. Brilliantly paced, with an exhilarating heroine and a twisting, ingenious storyline, Ashley Bell is a new milestone in literary suspense from the long acclaimed master.

In this chilling original stand-alone novella, available exclusively as an eBook, #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz offers a taste of what’s to come in his new novel, 77 Shadow Street, with a mesmerizing tale of a homeless boy at large in a city fraught with threats . . . both human and otherwise. Twelve-year-old Crispin has lived on the streets since he was nine—with only his wits and his daring to sustain him, and only his silent dog, Harley, to call his friend. He is always on the move, never lingering in any one place long enough to risk being discovered. Still, there are certain places he returns to. In the midst of the tumultuous city, they are havens of solitude: like the hushed environs of St. Mary Salome Cemetery, a place where Crispin can feel at peace—safe, at least for a while, from the fearsome memories that plague him . . . and seep into his darkest nightmares. But not only his dreams are haunted. The city he roams with Harley has secrets and mysteries, things unexplainable and maybe unimaginable. Crispin has seen ghosts in the dead of night, and sensed dimensions beyond reason in broad daylight. Hints of things disturbing and strange nibble at the edges of his existence, even as dangers wholly natural and earthbound cast their shadows across his path. Alone, drifting, and scavenging to survive is no life for a boy. But the life Crispin has left behind, and is still running scared from, is an unspeakable alternative . . . that may yet catch up with him. There is more to this world, and its darkest corners yet to be encountered, in this eBook’s special bonus: a spine-tingling excerpt from Dean Koontz’s forthcoming novel, 77 Shadow Street.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Annie Proulx’s The Shipping News is a vigorous, darkly comic, and at times magical portrait of the contemporary North American family. Quoyle, a third-rate newspaper hack, with a “head shaped like a crenshaw, no neck, reddish hair...features as bunched as kissed fingertips,” is wrenched violently out of his workaday life when his two-timing wife meets her just desserts. An aunt convinces Quoyle and his two emotionally disturbed daughters to return with her to the starkly beautiful coastal landscape of their ancestral home in Newfoundland. Here, on desolate Quoyle’s Point, in a house empty except for a few mementos of the family’s unsavory past, the battered members of three generations try to cobble up new lives. Newfoundland is a country of coast and cove where the mercury rarely rises above seventy degrees, the local culinary delicacy is cod cheeks, and it’s easier to travel by boat and snowmobile than on anything with wheels. In this harsh place of cruel storms, a collapsing fishery, and chronic unemployment, the aunt sets up as a yacht upholsterer in nearby Killick-Claw, and Quoyle finds a job reporting the shipping news for the local weekly, the Gammy Bird (a paper that specializes in sexual-abuse stories and grisly photos of car accidents). As the long winter closes its jaws of ice, each of the Quoyles confronts private demons, reels from catastrophe to minor triumph—in the company of the obsequious Mavis Bangs; Diddy Shovel the strongman; drowned Herald Prowse; cane-twirling Beety; Nutbeem, who steals foreign news from the radio; a demented cousin the aunt refuses to recognize; the much-zippered Alvin Yark; silent Wavey; and old Billy Pretty, with his bag of secrets. By the time of the spring storms Quoyle has learned how to gut cod, to escape from a pickle jar, and to tie a true lover’s knot.

A cursed bloodline. A bloodthirsty beast. A single bite. The only thing Loren Bell cared about was passing all of her college finals and getting some much-needed sleep. She didn’t account for having a dropped-down, dragged-out fight for her life with a mythical creature (who by all accounts shouldn’t exist). Hanging on by a thread, she ended up in the clutches of a mysterious man named Solomon Kane and his team of hunters known only as “spiders.” In an attempt to escape, Loren comes face to face with another prisoner, Niklaus Grimm—a Lycan who was losing the battle with his beast. The unlikely pair formed an alliance, leaving Niklaus to help Loren as the bite she received awakens the Lycan gene in her body. As they navigate their fragile bond, things become more complicated as old friends turn to enemies and insidious plans begin to unfurl around them. Niklaus knows that his only weakness now is the fragile female with hair as fiery as her tongue. He can only hope that he has the power to protect her because their enemies are willing to destroy her if it means getting what they want.

"I had to constantly remind myself to breathe. Shelly Bell packs a powerful punch with her flawless writing and suspenseful, passionate love story." --- #1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Ellen Malpas on At His Mercy Fate brought them together. Family could tear them apart. Ryder McKay may be a playboy, but he's never been a fool. Not until he met the woman he simply knew as Jane. For one night, he dropped his guard, but in the morning she disappeared---along with a copy of his top secret technology. When it ends up in the hands of his biggest enemy---his father---Ryder knows without a doubt he's been betrayed. And when he finds Jane again, a year later, he can't decide what's worse---that her mother is marrying his brother, or that he still finds Jane irresistible, despite the fact that she's a liar, a thief, and his father's latest protégé. Jane Cooper does have a secret, but it's not the one Ryder thinks. As their rekindled passion changes into something deeper, they'll have to work together to untangle a web of lies and corruption that will shatter everything they thought they knew about their pasts. Because Jane's not the only one with a secret---and this secret is getting people killed.