I'm not surprised by the overwhelming acclaim for this little known author. I first read "HYDE" over 12 years ago, and it remains the most horrifying and enthrawling tale I've ever read. From the opening pages of the prologue, the suspense builds thru the cycles of the moon, climaxing first on an unforgettable Halloween that haunts me even today at any roadstop. Yet that is only the beginning. What follows defines terror, as Vance captures the essence of fear -- helplessness -- the thing nightmares are made of, when the indiscriminate violence unleashes its fury in Part Two. This book is stand alone, although it's sequel "Shapes" provides more insight into the characters. Film prospects have been discussed, but no movie could possibly do these 400 pages justice. Vance sets himself apart, proving himself amongst the best of Koontz and King.