I'm looking for a quick-read, ala Stephen King?

Have you read Stephen Kings other books? My favorite is The Stand.

I second @chyna‘s suggestion of reading other Stephen King books. I’d specifically recommend one I really like called Cell, it’s really interesting.

That’s what I was going to say: why not more Stephen King? You know you like his writing and it’s exactly the kind of read that suits you now, it seems. King is nothing if not prolific so there’s plenty of his stuff out there.

Quick Read? Night Shift or one of the First three of the Dark Tower Series (they’re the best out of the series as well). Also look at some of his Richard Bachman novels, The Long Walk is GREAT (as well as Thinner, Regulators, etc.)

Oops. Should have clarified! I’ve read most King. D’oh! Anyone else?

Look at some of James Patterson’s books. They may interest you.

I think the most rewarding quick read by Stephen King is the Green Mile.
That book is just a pleasure!

Check out The Ridge by Michael Koryta. And I know you’re wary of Koontz but I enjoyed The Watchers. It’s pretty good. I got wind of it here in Fluther. Also, I’m reading 11/22/63 right now. : )

You want something a little different check out Christopher Moore. He writes some wild stuff.

If you like Stephen King, you may also like Peter Straub, with whom King has collaborated on occasion. Straub and King have complementary skills. King can plot reasonably well, but his writing style is pedestrian, assembling sentences the way a bricklayer builds a wall. Straub, on the other hand, has laughably awful plots, but is a stonemason to King’s bricklayer when it comes to assembling words.

You should also have a look at the horror of Tabitha King, Stephen King’s wife (and a better writer than her husband, AFAIC). “Small World” in particular is very enjoyable, as is “The Trap.”

Maybe you could check out some stuff by John Saul. His writing is pretty wild, and you actually have to get used to it. But otherwise, he’s a lot like King when it comes to character and plot development. As for the stories themselves, well you’ll have to decide if you like them or not. He deals a lot with hauntings, demonic possession and shit like that. I like him a lot.
As I say the writing style may not be what you seek, but if you get used to it, it flows really well.

Also, though you said you’re not a huge fan of Koontz, I really like “Tick Tock” by him, you should give it a try if you haven’t read it before!

Bentley Little is a good mystery/horror writer. Most of his writing is realistic in that it could happen in real life but a few books are over the top.

I have most of his books. My favorites are The Store, The Resort, The Policy and The Association.

I recently read and greatly enjoyed “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins. I am currently reading the 2nd book in the 3 book series, and that is great as well.

I agree with @filmfann in that “The Hunger Games” is fantastic, I’ve read the whole series several times and it’s one of my favorites! :-)

@filmfann
I absolutely loved “The Hunger Games”! I think the general suggestions are great. I’m going to head down to the library when I get the chance and sample some of these authors. Thanks!

Hi Gang. I’ve had this – Oryx & Crake by Maragaret Atwood sitting on my bookshelf, and on a whim I picked it up, and I think I found my read. I tried Patterson, but he seemed too dry. The characters weren’t fleshed out well. Which is a shame, considering he authors them with other people; you think with the extra manpower, he could throw in a simile or too.”
Anyway, the Atwood book is literally dripping with color; has the Hunger Games apocalyptic feel, and so far, is really enjoyable.