High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Dean Ray Koontz (born July 9, 1945) is a prolific American author best known for his novels which could be described broadly as suspense thrillers. He also frequently incorporates elements of horror, science fiction, mystery, and satire. A number of his books have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List, with 12 hardcovers and 14 paperbacks reaching the number one slot. Early in his career, Koontz wrote under an array of pen names, such as David Axton, and Brian Coffey.