Book Review: Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

Author: Dean Koontz

Title: Odd Thomas

(Odd Thomas #1)

Genre: Mystery, UF, Thriller, Horror, Paranormal, Fantasy

Format: ebook

Published: 2003

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

The dead don't talk. I don't know why. But they do try to communicate, with a short-order cook in a small desert town serving as their reluctant confidant. Sometimes the silent souls who seek out Odd want justice. Occasionally their otherworldly tips help him prevent a crime. But this time it’s different.

A stranger comes to Pico Mundo, accompanied by a horde of hyena-like shades who herald an imminent catastrophe. Aided by his soul mate, Stormy Llewellyn, and an unlikely community of allies that includes the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, Odd will race against time to thwart the gathering evil. His account of these shattering hours, in which past and present, fate and destiny, converge, is a testament by which to live—an unforgettable fable for our time destined to rank among Dean Koontz’s most enduring works.

Review:

For October we did three books for book club (we each picked a book we read in the past and want the other two to read). I was excited to read this one because how different it looks and sounds. 

We follow Odd who is a short-order cook in a small desert town who has a big secret. He can see ghosts. The dead don't talk and he doesn't know why, but they looks to him to help seek out justice. Sometimes their tips can help him solve or prevent a crime, but this time...it's different A stranger comes to town accompanied by a horde of shades who herald an imminent catastrophe. Aided by his soul mate and an unlikely community of allies, Odd will race against time to figure out what is about to hit the town. 

I adored Odd and his gal Stormy. They were freakin' adorable. Awkward and weird and different, but omigosh did I love them. 

I also loved their friends. All unlikely and different and weird. 

His landlord's story broke my heart. Poor lady. I hope she can find peace. So sad.

The mystery and the fantasy elements blended together wonderfully. There is a touch of romance, but it is not at all the main focus. It blended nicely with the mystery, fantasy, supernatural elements. 

Okay - so the beginning had me hooked right. Now....there were a few lulls here and there that had me yawning and needing to return back later. Pushing through those lulls were totally worth it. I had to know how everything was going to end. 

OoooOOOoOOoOOOO that ending. TEARS. MY POOR LITTLE HEART. I can't spoil anything. I had a bad feeling....and I was hoping I was wrong...but then I was right and omg my heart when the reveal was...well...revealed 

In the end, there are some lulls, but overall I really enjoyed this. A great set of characters and a great mystery. Totally recommend it. I'll give this 4 stars.