Wilderness and Other Stories Audiobook

“The world is a machine that produces endless surprises and mysteries layered on mysteries.”

"Wilderness," a darkly intriguing short story first published as an e-book original, was written as prelude to Dean Koontz’s novel of mystery, suspense, and strange wonder—Innocence.

Addison Goodheart was born in an isolated home surrounded by a deep forest, never known to his father, kept secret from everyone but his mother, who barely accepts him. Only in the woods, among the wildlife, is Addison truly welcome. Only there can he be at peace. Until the day he first knows terror, the day when his life changes radically and forever....

Twelve of the other fourteen short stories and novelettes included in this audio anthology were most recently reissued in a print collection entitled Strange Highways, published by Warner Books (1995). The other two—"The Scariest Thing I Know" (2000) first published in Martha Stewart Living magazine and "Hostage Situation" (2009) in The New York Times Summer Thriller series.

Only the short work "Down in the Darkness," has ever been produced for audio.

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“Listening to the short stories and novellas that comprise this audiobook is like eating a box of assorted chocolates—each is a small delight that increases one’s anticipation for the next. Fans of Dean Koontz will love this collection, whether it’s the account of a bear that possesses human intelligence or a darker tale about genetically modified rats. Dick Hill narrates the title story about young Addison Goodheart’s life in the wilderness in a way that highlights the bizarre world that Koontz’s characters inhabit. Hill and the other narrators—MacLeod Andrews, Will Damron, and Tanya Eby—excel with each of the other thirteen stories and novellas as well. Their diverse methods of presentation demonstrate not only their uniqueness but also their ability to transform dialogue from mere words to voices that will haunt listeners.”

— AudioFile