Joan Kotker – författare

Since the publication and cinematic success of 1992's Along Came a Spider, James Patterson seems to have taken up permanent residence on the bestseller lists. In the ensuing decade, his hit detective novels, with memorable nursery rhyme titles like Cat and Mouse, (1997) and Pop! Goes the Weasel (1999), came in rapid-fire succession and generated similar popularity and praise. His Alex Cross series created one of the most recognizable detectives in literature, and one of the first urban African American detectives to appeal, on such a grand scale, to audiences of all demographics. With full literary analyses of ten of his most popular works of fiction, this critical companion offers readers a chance to more fully explore Patterson's writings. Beginning with his 1976 bestseller The Thomas Berryman Number and moving chronologically to 2002's 2nd Chance, each chapter examines elements of plot, character development, theme, and critical perspectives.A full chapter offers a delving biographical study of Patterson, including a brief timeline, that traces his early literary and personal interests and later professional achievements. Another chapter discusses the genres of detective and mystery writing, and situates Patterson 's contributions within this framework. Patterson's sociological writings are also considered. Whether for personal pursuits or school assignments, this volume provides ample insight and extensive bibliographic information on Patterson's work, including critical sources and reviews.

One of the most prolific and popular contemporary novelists, Dean Koontz has captivated both young and mature readers alike. This critical companion examines his mature fiction, including his most popular recent novels, Watchers, Lightning, Dark Rivers of the Heart, and Intensity. Its intention is to provide both conventional and alternative readings so that students and readers who love Koontz's fiction can develop their critical skills. Other novels examined in depth are Phantoms, Strangers, IMidnight, ^IThe Bad Place, and Mr. Murder. Seven other Dean Koontz novels are examined in comparison to these as well.A biographical chapter sketches Dean Koontz's background and suggests ways in which growing up as the child of an abusive alcoholic has affected his work. A chapter on genre shows that Koontz combines elements from a number of genres in his writing and that his novels are moving in the direction of mainstream fiction. Kotker's discussion of Koontz's increasingly somber world view shows him to be a writer deeply concerned with issues of individual freedom. Each chapter deals with one novel in depth while making comparisons to other novels in his canon. Plot, character development, setting, point of view, and thematic issues are discussed for each novel. Kotker also examines each novel from an alternative critical approach, providing the reader with an additional perspective. Because of its easy-to-use format and thorough critical approach, this book will be a key purchase for school and public libraries whose students and patrons read Dean Koontz.