Dean Koontz is one of my favorite writers, a true wordsmith and a master at creating characters and plots that grab readers and keep their attention for the length of the book. His track record speaks for itself -- dozens and dozens of best sellers. He is an inspiration to me.

I sent Mr. Koontz a copy of my book, with a few words about how highly I regard his writing and that I hoped he might find my book of interest. I felt like a bush-league ballplayer writing to a hall-of-famer, but I went ahead anyway, not expecting a reply. But yesterday, a package arrived at my home, with a personally written note from Dean and a signed copy of his book, "The Husband," which he graciously said was "by way of a trade" for the book I sent him.

I was honored that he even read my book. And then he added a note, which I've included below, which expresses the thoughts of many people I have spoken with since the book was published -- that the story is amazing and also extremely disturbing:

Here is an excerpt from Dean Koontz's comment about "Sin, Shame & Secrets":

"What a horrendous story! I kept thinking of John Paul II and his fascination with the miracles and revelations at Fatima. The girls at Fatima said that the Holy Mother told them that many priests and cardinals, and even some popes, were in Hell. Your book suggests that road is still being paved. As a Catholic, I sometimes despair."

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I've been giving a lot of thought to my next book and have decided to write a novel that would be considered uplifting. I didn't particularly enjoy writing about the evil reported in "Sin, Shame & Secrets." That is not my nature, not my fascination, and not what I want to be known for. I believe the story needed to be told and am glad I did it. But now, I'm ready for something more cheerful, positive, and spiritually uplifting. I will begin writing the novel shortly.

Toledo, Ohio, December 10, 2006.