Abduction at center of Koontz thriller

A young husband must pay $2 million, or his wife will die.
By CAROL DEEGAN
ASSOCIATED PRESS
In Dean Koontz's fast-paced new thriller, "The Husband," Mitch Rafferty's life changes dramatically -- and not for the better -- when his wife, Holly, is kidnapped and held for $2 million ransom.
If Mitch doesn't make the payment within 60 hours, he will be a widower; and if he goes to the police, he'll be framed for her murder.
Is Mitch some wealthy entrepreneur who can come up with $2 million as easily as buying a pack of chewing gum at the drugstore? Far from it. Mitch, 27, started his own landscaping business nine years ago. His company consists of two employees, including himself.
His nightmare begins with a call to his cell phone while he is working on a rich client's lawn. The kidnappers state their demands, and to prove they're serious, they shoot and kill a dog walker as Mitch watches from across the street.
The kidnappers, who give no reason why Holly is being held, know that Mitch can't come up with the money. So why kidnap her? For the thrill of killing her? Mitch doesn't think anyone in his family will be able -- or willing -- to help. Then his brother, Anson, offers to come to his rescue.
With time on fire and minutes burning, Mitch begins to panic. It seems the kidnappers are aware of his every thought and move. "There's a very thin line between sensible caution and paranoia," Anson tells him. Replies Mitch: "I passed that line hours ago, and for me there's no going back."
Twists
Koontz, whose best-sellers include "Velocity" and "Life Expectancy," often pulls the rug out from under his readers' assumptions about his characters and their motives. In "The Husband," the reason for Holly's kidnapping is closer than Mitch could ever imagine, and it's a twist that comes with deadly consequences.
Will Holly live to see her husband celebrate his 28th birthday? With Koontz, a happy ending isn't guaranteed.
However, one thing is known: The bond of love between Holly and Mitch is so strong, it cannot be broken, no matter how terrifying the circumstances.
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