Odd Thomas: An Odd Thomas Novel

With Odd Thomas, Dean Koontz presents an entertaining blend of mystery, suspense, horror and humor. The main character, Odd Thomas, is a twenty-year-old fry cook living in the town of Pico Mundo. Oddie, as he Is referred to by his closest friends, is afflicted with a "gift" of being able to see dead people who have not moved on to the next realm, as well as shadowy malevolent spirits called bod aches. He takes it upon himself to use these visions to try to prevent bad things from happening in Pico Mundo and helping the dead resolve their unfinished business. This premise may sound familiar, but Odd Thomas is unique in its approach, and is a great read. The first few chapters are kind of all over the place, but with each subsequent chapter, the characters become more developed and the plot converges to the point of drawing the reader in and making it difficult to put the book down. I read the last 300 pages in one night. Odd Thomas' relationship with his girlfriend, Storny, is a sweet and sorrowful divergence from his exploits as a supernatural superhero, and makes the novel a well-rounded gem. I have to admit that I picked up on the foreboding early in the story and had a good idea off what the plot twists were going to be, but this didn't detract from the enjoyment in reading the story. Koontz even interjects some great thought-provoking narrative like in Chapter 24, where he writes: "They are also frightened, often unconsciously, by the prospect of opening their minds and hearts to the truth of a universe far more complex and meaningful than the material world that their education tells them is the sum of all things." Koontz adds tongue-in-cheek humor throughout the novel like in Chapter 59, where he writes: "I hate violence. I hate injustice more. I just want to be a fry cook, but the world demands more of me than eggs and pancakes." I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and look forward to reading the next in the series.

Well, seeing that this is the first Dean Koontz book I have read, I have very little to compare against. With that said, I will state that I enjoyed this book overall and was very intrigued to keep reading. I would often continue on a couple chapters after I said I was going to stop for the night. Of course, the chapters are short, so it's not like I read THAT much more. As one who enjoys the styling of short chapter novels, I found this to be an easy read that constantly kept your attention. Books with long, drawn out chapters tend to lose some momentum, with me at least, so I was happy to see that most chapters were 4 pages at most. Seeing dead people... ever since the Sixth Sense, this fictional topic may come off as repetitive, if not boring. I must say that I expected that in the beginning. I was pleasently surprised to find that Koontz did something interesting with it at least and especially liked the "creepiness" of the bodachs. I was just WAITING to find some sort of link between Elvis' death, his mother's death, and the events that unfold, but Koontz never meaningfully relates them in the end. It's as if Elvis were put in there for a nostalgic laugh (which is probably true), but other than that, he served no purpose when in fact I thought he would. The characters are enjoyable, but could have used a bit more developing. The ending was somewhat predictable, but fitting in a way. With all of that said, let me hit on some critiques. First and foremost, I was slightly shocked to find Dean Koontz using the events of 9/11 as a part of his story in which Rosalia's family was involved. I mean, he could have easily used some pseudo-accident or event, but he rather chose to use these horrific events. I think it was a ploy to really get the reader to feel bad for Rosalia, but I personally found it tasteless on Koontz's part. Placing fictional characters aboard the airplanes in which real people died is inappropriate in my mind. Furthermore, I find Koontz's style of narration a little too "much" sometimes. This is especially true when he explains scenery. He goes WAY over the top with similes and metaphors to explain things such as the Mojave desert, the sun, the heat, and other natural phenomena. I could almost laugh at some of his similes... they are a bit eccentric. Overall, the story had a good vibe and was enjoyable despite these "flaws." There was no real DEEP meaning or message to it. I suppose the most apparent thing is that trying to alter the future and certain people's plans for it can come around to kick you in the [...]. I really didn't pull anything too much deeper than that from it. But, it was an enjoyable read, and I would recommend checking it out.

I don't need to say anything to Koontz fans, cause you already read this and loved it, right? Everyone else: Read it. If you like supernatural-suspense with an engaging, likable protagonist and characters you care about and want to be safe in the most horrible of situations--and big bads that are truly evil--here you go. The protagonist (Odd is his first name, not just a trait) can see the dead. He is a good guy with a good heart and a true love, but he feels the burden of his gift and tries to make it as much of a blessing as his 20-year old, poor-guy limitations can offer. In this novel of the series, the "apocalypse" in one of its very human forms--no, not the devil and his minions, but the evil that MEN do-- is coming to Pico Mundo (his town). He uses his ability to try and stop the coming carnage. The clock ticks inexorably. Everyone he loves is in danger. He himself might die. And off we go, reading page by page, loving Odd more, and his delightful girlfriend Stormy, and those who care about him. And those who would rather see him out of the picture. The story is told in first person (Odd narrates) and you like being in his head and heart. We all want good folks to be heroes, and Odd is good, if haunted by a horrendous childhood. It's not till the latter part of the novel that you learn just how awful his childhood was, and the scene where Koontz delivers this is chilling and heartbreaking. Koontz knows how to depict evil--both human and inhuman-- and he knows how to depict good--both mortal and immortal. We get both the dark and light of humanity here. The supernatural component includes, of course, ghosts (and Elvis hangs out with Odd), but also another type of being that only Odd can see. Fortunately, Odd is one of the lights in a darkening world. Terrific supernatural-suspense novel. A page-turner. Don't start reading it until Friday so you can stay up all night. :D

I watched Odd Thomas the movie and found it to be an fascinating movie. I watched the movie paying attention to the sequence of events. I then bought the book and read it. I was not disappointed by the book. I was not looking for a movie that was a line for line version of the movie. I would have found that to be a boring book and been disappointed in Dean Koontz. I found that reading a novel that is written in first person to be an enjoyable novel. A nice twist from the normal novels being written. I find that Odd is well love young man, his boss loves because he makes great food as a short cook. The sheriff likes him, and loves him like the son he never had. Plus the heart felt care that he has for his land lady. He sees her everyday to ensure that she is alright and is still visible. Fungus Man is the antagonist of this story. He is the man that sets everything into motion,. For he has the Bodachs (evil creatures) following him. When they appear in increasing numbers Odd knows that something is wrong . I do not want to spoil the book for it is a great read and is one happenstance after another propelling Odd along his chosen path. Odd is loved by many people in his town. They enjoy eating at the café where he works. Only a few know his secret. All of this being said. I recommend that you buy the book and enjoy the series. It is well written and it is written in the first person; I find adds to the story. Read it and enjoy the story. Then watch the movie and enjoy it; both are worth the time needed to read the book and enjoy the movie.

This is one of the best books I have ever read! It is also the first Dean Koontz novel I have ever read. This story sends electricity surging down your spine from the very first page. Odd Thomas is an ordinary fry cook at the Pico Mundo grill, who's main ambition is to become a tire salesman at the local tire store. Odd see's the dead. He claims the dead don't talk, but they sure did to me in this electrifying story. The spirits of the lingering dead seek Odd's assistance to cross over into the everlasting if they have been murdered or killed in some otherwise "strange" nature. Odd is a very kind, compassionate person who has mercy on them and helps them to "move on". One of the bonuses of this wondeful book, is that Mr. Koontz has added Elvis Presley as a main character and friend to Odd. He constantly seeks to entertain and amuse the protagonist (and the reader)with the same wit and demeanor as he did in life. I think it made this story so much more fun to read because of this humorous addition. (I'm with Mr. Koontz-Elvis will never really be gone!) With the help of Odd's beautiful, Egyption looking girlfriend, Stormy Llewelyn, he uncovers a plot to destroy the Pico Mundo Mall and everyone in it. Needless to say, Odd becomes the town hero, but with devastating consequences that will forever change his life. I found this book to be thrilling, suspenseful, mysterious, and wonderfully romantic all in one. I honestly have to say that this is one of the best books I have ever read, and therefore, I give it five stars(very well deserved)and recommend this quickly read novel to everyone. I am now an official Dean Koontz fan!

First published back in 2004, Volume One of the Odd Thomas series has deservedly earned the title of Supernatural Classic. Describing the book’s plot to a friend who is not overly familiar with either Dean Koontz or the horror genre, she quickly surmised the book to be a mystery. And it is, sort of. But not really. It all boils down to the fact that Odd Thomas can see dead people. But as Mr Koontz says in his own words, "... he [Odd] actually DOES something about it...”. It is a good thing, therefore, as an incredibly bold (or is that naive?) twenty one year old, that he has strong connections with the town Sheriff. And that in the context of this story, his girlfriend - Stormy Lleweyn - is the niece of the village Catholic Priest. As i approach the halfway mark, I am yet to meet the entire cast of characters, but those that have been introduced to the reader are full of depth, humour, intelligence and to summarise, are all beautifully and immaculately presented. My favourite is the amateur mystery novelist Ollie, who is so overweight that the term “obese” does not even fit his literary persona. But what an amazingly intellectual mind he has! And with such friendship and plutonic love he holds for Odd, he is almost like the Father Odd never knew. There is a plethora of supporting characters, too, which are a joy to meet, but I won’t ruin the surprise for any of those that have not completed this supernatural fantasy by mentioning them here. But brace yourself. *grins* And speaking of the bad guys - which I wasn’t - but I am now - they too are as delightful and fun to read about as they were for Mr Koontz to write about. The main antagonist for Odd is a “gentleman” called the Fungus Man - who not only turns out to be a devoted follower of some of the most evil men in history but also possesses the rare (and unwanted) talent of attracting sentient voids of the universe (aka “bodachs”) just about anywhere he goes. And of course the Fungus Man has an almost supernatural ability to “be” just about anywhere he “needs” to be virtually at will. For readers who are interested, there are a couple of phrases inserted into the body of the book that could almost be described as Mr Koontz being autobiographical. For example, taken from location 1504 of the kindle version: “Ozzie’s success doesn’t in the least surprise me. He likes people and he listens to them, and that love of humanity shines out of his pages.” The quintessential Koontzanism? I think so. So what is the book really about? Is it a standalone novel? Or merely the prologue to arguably the first and greatest supernatural fantasy series of all time? Well in my opinion, it is both. Clearly the Fungus Man must be stopped. He is bad. Odd Thomas (and his small army of friends) represent the forces of good in the tiny town of Pico Mundo and they will (of course) do their darnedest to protect its integrity. So our role as readers, of course, is to sit on the sidelines, cheer on the good guys, and hope for the outcome we all want. Because if Mr Odd fails to overcome the invading evil and achieve his destiny, how on earth is Mr Koontz going to write eight more fantastic books to read? I hereby award this book a very solid four stars, despite its status as the opening stanza to a legendary series. I cant wait to see how this story finishes, and of course i can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the books and start devouring them like a vampire devouring virginal blood. But just don’t let Odd Thomas see me! BFN Greggorio!

One of the best books I've read. Action is constant and the Dean Koontz takes you from excited to emotionally touched like a switch back road.

Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas is whimsical, endearingly earnest, and yet quite dark. The first-person narrative voice is lovely, gorgeously communicating the one-of-a-kind personalities that inhabit Pico Mundo. The book is also incredibly quotable. The plot is fascinating and includes a number of wild twists and turns; I even cried at one point. One plot trope I’m not overly fond of these days is the one where a character ‘earns’ a girlfriend–as though she’s some sort of object/prize to be won. Therefore I just love that Odd starts out dating his soulmate, Stormy. They have a fantastic relationship with a great deal of strength from both of them. Yay! The paranormal milieu of the Odd Thomas books is unique and unusual. Odd Thomas sees dead people but he can’t hear them; he helps them move on to the next world. He can hold a person in his mind and start wandering, and he’ll find them via his ‘psychic magnetism’. He also sometimes sees bodachs, creepy bogeymen who presage disaster. The number of bodachs showing up in little Pico Mundo means he has only a little time in which to avert a lot of deaths, and he is just a fry cook, after all. Luckily he’s helped the police chief before, meaning that the chief trusts him and his abilities–but the rest of the police department finds his involvement in so many crimes to be just a tad suspicious. It’s going to take all of Odd’s intuition and resourcefulness to track down the bad guys, figure out what their plans are, and save the town!

Perfecto.

thanx.for prompt supply,nd quality of item sent,great going Amazon. Firstly I thought that it would take a month,s time but I was surprised to receive my book so early. well that,s the way Amazon works.

Very good read really enjoyed it.

Like a kayaker seeking the challenging rapids or the mountaineer wanting too conquer the steep face, Mr Koontz selected a reasonably involved subject to cut his literary teeth on. The main characters and location were delivered uncomplicated. The only complex personalities are given a short visit, viz a viz Odd' s parents. So the plot was the main focus. The author also, almost successfully made the supernatural occurrences very believable. We all know people we trust who claim some supernatural or unexplainable occurrence. That one does not know where the beginning is going proved a good thing to me. Thanks Dean.

I love the Odd Thomas series and have ready it through twice and am just starting my 3rd run through. It';s hard to believe it's Dean Koontz, but that is not a negative remark. I've sandwiched it between Stehpen King and Tom Clancy. The fit is perfect. Get the whole set.