I can’t say enough good about this series. I love all of the characters. I always am holding by breath when I am reading because of all of the suspense. Can’t wait for the next one!

Jane Hawk is my hero and now there are others who have joined her in the quest to defeat the Arcadians. This book is definitely better than the third and could be my favorite so far. I like the development of the story related to the "bad guys" and I like the use of the landscape and terrain as "characters" in the book.

It could be a stand alone book but I recommend reading the series for the full effect of this thrilling and suspenseful story!

Many thanks to Random House Publishing – Ballantine and NetGalley for an ARC of this new book. I requested the book as I remembered how much I had enjoyed the initial appearance of Jane Hawk in “The Crooked Staircase.” I had forgotten the negative issues in that book: the excessive and explicit torture and gore, the Techno Arcadians with legitimate credentials (and paychecks!) from Homeland Security, the FBI and the NSA while plotting the overthrow of the USA, and lastly the fact that there was no wrapping up at the end. It simply quit and gave the reader a teaser for the next book in the series.

Just 4 chapters into “The Forbidden Door” I was reminded of the above and chose to stop right there.

Jane Hawk is a fantastic heroine and I’m sure the suspense and action will be superb. Sadly, not my type of book.

This review will be published immediately to GoodReads and on Amazon after publication.

The movie Mission Impossible just came out in theater yesterday and I picked up this book to read the day after. The scene where Jane asked Bernie for help suddenly I felt the book was taking me that way, the way of Mission Impossible. Don't be mistaken into thinking the story line is anything like that. However, this book is adrenaline fuel and I couldn't put it down. This should be made into an amazing action movie with a real badass woman heroine. However, the ending lack the charismatic of Dean Koontz signature writing.

The Techno Arcadians are back with their mind-bending injections and relentless pursuit of world domination. Dean Koontz, in “The Forbidden Door,” has once again placed Jane Hawk in their path, and as target of their hatred. The story is relentless with innumerable characters, countless dry and hot locations, and a myriad of technological weapons being deployed in sinister fashion.

The chase continues with Jane either running from or chasing the bad guys. Koontz is a master at creating realistic scenarios where no one is safe or hidden. The plot is the same as his first Jane Hawk book. Exotic vehicles carry brilliant killers through the Anza-Borrego Desert searching for the elusive Hawk and her followers, determined to inject mind-altering drugs into them, and change them into mindless creatures who will follow orders to the end (of either them or the movement to which they are directed).

Koontz has a magical imagination and he is able to get it into words that have, through the years, entranced millions of readers. I find a little too much flora in his writing. For instance, conclusions are not only violent, they are Wagnerian. Stricken faces seem “as patient as spectral voyagers waiting on the bank of that final, black river for the ferry that forever conveyed travelers in only one direction.” There are many more equally grand lines in his writing that could be reduced and shorten his book.

Another slightly annoying tendency is Koontz’ conjuring up innumerable people being connected either with Hawk or the Techno Arcadians. Trying to keep them sorted is a never-ending effort and I finally end up just ignoring them. But, aside from being picky about flowers, I went without many a cheese sandwich and glass of milk to keep reading the book.

As expected, the book ended abruptly with nothing being solved and a preview of the next installment included as a finale. Koontz has made sure I’ll be nosed into his next novel about Jane Hawk and her endless trials.

LOVE, this series. This story seemed to be more about Egon Gottfrey and the "unknown playwright". Enjoyed the relationship between Travis and Cornell. There was not much action involving Jane. This was less action packed then the other three stories, so in that way a little disappointing, but still great reading. Anxiously awaiting the next story. Thank you netgalley for the privilege of reading this uncorrected proof.

I love this book, characters were well developed. The plot had many twist and turns. Great read., cannot wait for the next book..

I thought it was impossible ... but Koontz "Quadruples" my pleasure with his fourth installment of the "Jane Hawk" series. This is another relentless, non-stop thriller feauturing the rogue FBI agent, Jane Hawk. Jane's badass temperament and investigative prowess was first introduced in "The Silent Corner" and then reprised in "The Whispering Room" and "The Crooked Staircase" Although each novel could stand alone ... the reader cannot help but delve into the earlier books to experience the full and detailed journey as Jane attempts to expose the secret cabal operating independently amongst our government.
Jane "went off the grid" to investigate the inexplicable suicide of her beloved husband and war hero, Nick. She uncovers incontrovertible evidence of a conspiracy leading to multiple unexpected suicides. Her coast to coast journey uncovers intel pointing to a cabal of highly placed people responsible for these events. Their ultimate goal is to remake our nation into a "desirable" utopia. They rely on a computer model to target "undesirable" individuals in the arts, sciences, journalism, academia, politics and military for placement on their "Hamlet List" .... to be either "adjusted" and controlled or eliminated by suicide. Those on the list are injected with a nanomachine which ultimately crosses the blood-brain barrier and sets up a weblike interface that allows their control like a mindless marionette. (Shades of the "Manchurian Candidate" book and movie)
Jane is forced to construct an intricate plot to rescue her son Travis from the clutches of the cabal. Their plan is to find and kill Travis to demoralize Jane and hopefully capture her to end her relentless pursuit. The denouement ratchets up the tension to near bursting levels. This wonderfully plotted and character driven novel in impossible to put down.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for providing an Uncorrected Proof of this marvelous read in exchange for an honest review. I would love to see Jennifer Garner play the role of Jane if this is ever dramatized

I honestly don’t even know what to say after finishing this book! I’m so happy Dubose and Jergen are out of the picture, and that Gottfrey may soon be out of the way finally. I’m also thrilled that Travis is still ok and I LOVE that Cornell has joined Jane’s motley crew of misfits...that Clare and Ancel are not going down without a fight is PERFECT as well! Seeing Bernie (probably my favorite character since he is just the cutest thing ever) turn all kickass was a pleasant surprise too.
This book had so many twists and turns and I have to say that after the devastating losses of the last book, Koontz has definitely redeemed himself by evening the score somewhat. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Page turner that would not let go. The series that never stops scaring. Book number three is fast paced the same as all the Jane Hawk novels. This series always brings out the “cheat and turn to the last page “ feeling in me. I fight it but it takes serious willpower not to wonder at the outcome of our beloved characters that appear on the Hamlet list. To know what I’m referring ; pick up any of the novels and discover the “Door “ jargon. A whole language and diction that keeps growing with each book. This book was more family reunion and linked Jane’s in laws with other resources and various characters. Loved each and every character especially her son and his friend/protector Cornell. He was a well fleshed empowering individual who’s mental limitations only brought out the best. Thank you Dean Koontz for sharing so much light while reminding us to stay vigilant. The darkness fears and hides from the beauty and joy that light brings;always wanting to destroy what it does not understand. Additional thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and share feedback on this series.

Jane Hawk is back and doing what she does best. Kicking a$$! Dean Koontz has woven a tale so realistic it gives me creeps. I sit on the edge of my seat from page one. Jane is in a race to save her son this time. The Forbidden Door is full of action and drama that keeps me turning pages. I cant read it fast enough. Another excellent installment in the Jane Hawk series!

Love Jane Hawk!!Love this book! She is right up there with Odd Thomas as one of my favorite Dean Koontz characters. This book is intense and I simply could not put it down. I think think this is my fave in this series so far!

After finding the last book in this series rather disappointing, this was another five-star by the author. Great writing style and use of words with a lot of action and suspense. I was, however, hoping that this was the last book in this series because I can see future books in this series becoming rather repetitive with the same theme just reinventing itself. I certainly hope I am wrong.

Dean Koontz never fails in delivering a fast pased, smart main character book. In his fourth Jane Hawk novel she saves her son with the help of some interesting characters. I don’t know how Dean Koontz does it book after book but his novels are very suspenseful and yet at times very funny. I don’t know how many more Jane Hawk books he has up his sleeve but I do wonder how long this poor character can hang on....

THE FORBIDDEN DOOR is the fourth in Dean Koontz's Jane Hawk Series, and is absolutely filled with unexpected dilemmas Mr. Koontz has done it again wherein you feel that the story was taken out of the news because it is something that can happen. Can't wait until the next book because you know that there will be one.

I’ve always enjoyed this author’s ability to paint pictures with his use of language. This one is a bit too evil for me as I read before bed🙈. I love the relationship between Cornell and Jane’s son & dogs—a bit of levity. Cornell plays his part beautifully as do all the ‘good’ characters. I enjoy their plan, its execution and the different people who come together to help Jane get her son back. It’s worth the read even though I want the storyline finished and see Jane & friends work other things

Dean Koontz is a genius. Jane Hawk is my all time favorite character of his. While I enjoyed all 3 previous installment of the series, this was by far my favorite. And I'm on pins and needles waiting for the final chapters!!!

The Forbidden Door shares a lot of the same issues that The Crooked Staircase did. It mostly filler a book spread out that could be easily dealt with fewer pages.
In The Forbidden Door, Jane picks off where she left off, going to save her son from the Arcadians. She must be smart and stay a step ahead. Jane must depend on the help of several people she comes across in her previous journey to ensure that her son is safe from the conspiracy that she is unraveling.
The good part of the book is that it brings back characters that were abruptly dropped as well as adds new characters that you adapt with. This makes it better than the last book.
Here is the problem, we spend to much time with the bad guys. In fact, there is a whole section that Jane isn't even in!
The Forbidden Door and The Crooked Staircase should have been combined into one book cutting back on needless exposition with no real story enhancement.

Jane Hawk is one of my all-time favorite Dean Koontz characters. I was hooked when I read The Silent Corner and the books have only gotten better. The Forbidden Door did not disappoint as the story picks up where The Crooked Staircase ended.
Jane is a widow, a former FBI agent, and a mother. Her husband Nick died tragically and the facts leave little doubt that he committed suicide. Jane knew her husband though and believed there was more to the story. She sent her young son Travis to what she hoped was a safe place and began her quest to find those responsible for Nick's death. She has uncovered a dark conspiracy where mind control is being used by those in positions of power and privilege to further their twisted agenda. Jane is now #1 on the Most Wanted Fugitive List and she has to use all of her skills to stay hidden in a world where cameras, drones, and facial recognition technology are everywhere.
Multiple stories weave together seamlessly as Jane attempts to reunite with her son Travis. Nick's parents and close friends, as well as anyone, believed to have assisted Jane are targeted as the evil Arcadians(aka The Really Bad Guys) search for information that will lead them to Jane( so they can silence her for good). There isn't any downtime as this was a fast paced read that kept me flipping pages and hoping Jane could keep one step ahead of the 'bad guys' and their mind altered cohorts.
No spoilers here, you will want to lose yourself in this well-written story. I wouldn't recommend this as a standalone since each of the prior books provide vital information that explains how Jane came to be in her current situation. This was my favorite book in the series, so what can I say except “More Jane Hawk”. ( Dean Koontz recently stated that he had finished the fifth book, The Night Window.)
I received a digital review edition from Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine through NetGalley.

Review: THE FORBIDDEN DOOR by Dean Koontz
(Jane Hawk #4)

THE FORBIDDEN DOOR is the fourth in Dean Koontz's Jane Hawk Series, and is absolutely the BEST yet. Heartwrenching, scary, tension ratcheted to the max--THE FORBIDDEN DOOR has it all and Dean Koontz delivers! I stayed on the metaphorical edge of my seat from first page to last, alternately shouting "Oh no!" And "Right on" (mentally). Mr. Koontz goes over-the-wall in this novel, and on a realistic (all too possible) foundation of Conspiracy, he segues into both psychology and philosophy, with several excursions of a metaphysical bent (a tendency of this author I have witnessed since his novel THE TAKING). I was particularly impressed with the philosophy of one character, which the author terms "radical philosophical nihilism," and which I first became aware of in 8th grade (I've been an aficionado of Speculative fiction since early childhood) as the philosophy of "theoretical solipsism." How this plays out with this particular character I found absolutely fascinating, and thought-provoking. I also marveled at the way in which the author peeled the masks from several characters, and the arcs of character evolution. I am chomping at the bit for Book 5.