This was a great book, I was depressed for a week or two after reading it but it was really good lol

Wonderful writing, likable main character, fascinating story

Once, watching the movie that is the closest I have ever seen a movie stick to the substance & emotion of a book, & the 2nd after reading the book having already seen the movie first. Still, I cried. I wish all his books were this good. Not everyone bats 1000. I sure as heck wish all other authors who *think* their work surpasses Koontz would take notes from this effort—if so, maybe a portion of their books could hope to be as good & pure of emotion in writing as this. Books don’t have to be full of gratuitous sex or mindless bloodletting to tell a story of mystery & terror, & also tell that story with such love & purpose as Odd Thomas.

You don’t know what to expect when you start a Dean Koontz novel and “Odd Thomas” is no exception! Starting slowly but building to a charged and unexpected middle and ending, the book tightly holds your attention. It surprises you repeatedly and leaves you wanting to read more about this ‘fry cook.’

I didn’t know if I wanted to read Odd Thomas since it was the first book in a series. But I decided that I would either read the book if I found it for sale somewhere(I only read print books, usually paperbacks), which would help me determine whether or not to read the rest of the series, or if it was turned into a movie, and I happened to like the movie a lot. I buy books from thrift stores, but because the book was hard to find, I wound up watching the movie on Netflix. I loved it! I wish I owned the movie on DVD so I could watch whenever I want to! Eventually, I finally found the book for sale, and after reading it, I loved it just as much! Even though the movie adaptation was surprisingly faithful, it’s not surprising that the book was better! Everything Koontz’s fans love in his books, plus the most endearing hero he’s ever created! Odd Thomas has it all: horror, mystery, suspense, romance, humor, supernatural intrigue, a fast-paced plot, uplifting characters who remind us of the best virtues of humanity. The only downside to this book is the downbeat ending, but don’t let that stop you! An ending that is definitely somewhat sad doesn’t keep the journey from being one of the most terrifying, exciting, wonderful excursions you could ever experience! Don’t miss out! Discover why Odd Thomas has captured the hearts of millions!!!

Synopsis:

Odd Thomas has a way with the dead. They never talk to him, but they do try to communicate. Short-order cook is his day job. Other times he is trying to do right by the dead souls who come to him. Sometimes they seek justice. Sometimes they want to help prevent a disaster.

When a mysterious man comes to town, Odd finds a pack of hyena-like shades following him. Further investigation shows the man has an interest in mass killings. There is also an ominous date added to the mix, leaving Odd 24 hours before evil strikes. With Stormy Llewellyn, his beloved, the ghost of Elvis, and a host of other friends, Odd must stand between evil and his home of Pico Mundo.

Review:

Odd Thomas is set in a desert community of Pico Mundo and centers on a psychic named Odd Thomas. When a large man enters the Pico Mundo Grill where Odd works, Odd immediately notices shadow creatures around him: harbingers of a looming cataclysm. The story is told in the first person. The elements of the story should make it interesting. However, the first person nature of the story causes Mr. Koontz to delve into long expositions. These are explanations the reader will likely find confusing. The result is a book that is hard to follow.

I have yet to pick up a Koontz book that I can set down easily. He stories draw me in from the first word. I will read late into the night. Love all his books. Can't wait to start the next one.

Nobody can write like Koontz. This is a superb book. Thomas is a different type of hero for Koontz, but just as mesmerizing as all of his others, along with the creepiness and terror that live in Koontz's books. I truly enjoyed this book.

Good book worth reading until ending.didnt have to end like that.good read didn't have to have sad ending.makes me not want read rest of books!

This is my number one book for feels! I will never forget this book and I will read the next one!!!! I highly recommend this book, just my opinion.

Love the book I couldn't put the book down

One of my fav all time books. Take a chance and fall in love with Oddy.

One of the best books I have read. I have now read it maybe, lets just say 5 times so I don't seem completely crazy. The plot us sublime, and really highlights the good and evil in this world, and the abilities that lie within everyone.

Classic Koontz, mixing seriousness with periods of comic relief to keep the reader from getting too blue. Odd Thomas is an amazing character that grew up too fast and missed out on his childhood. His character really shows an inner depth that is lacking in characters from numerous other authors.

Now, to those people who consider the subject of ghosts and other anomalies just malarkey probably put it back at their local bookstore after reading the back saying "What garbage is this! This sounds like some type of Twilight crap!" I want to say this. You can't judge a book by its cover, especially this one. Now, I would say more, but I'm afraid I might let something slip that would ruin the book. Lets just say, has Koontz ever let you down before? This series comes HIGHLY recommended by myself and at the time of this post, all but one other commenter.

Yours Truly, A Big Fan

This was the first Dean Koontz book I ever read and it was great. I couldn't put it down. After this I started reading the other Odd books. Great reads!

I love Odd. I love these characters. The story could move faster. Who wouldn't love to see the people Odd has the privilege of enter acting with? The only passed over people I see are angry men. Women are more helpful than scared.

Love this series.

This book was a very good book. Despite the fact that it took a long time to reach the climax and it dwelled on all the little details, a lot of good and thrilling events occurred. It was written brilliantly and I must say that it was amazing. I am warning you that the ending is sad and shocking. I almost cried, but I loved it!

Thrilling.

One of my favorite books of all times. It's a must read!

The original Odd Thomas stories is one of my favorite novels of all time. A true classic.

I have been a fan of Koontx for decades. Love "The Watchers," and have been devoruing his books....however, I felt compelled to write this is the silliest book he has written. Ghost of Elvis following him around? Elvis walking on water? It is just too much, akin to "Beetlejuice," or a low budget horror movie - a bad one. Tried hard to keep reading, becuase I was hoodwinked into buying the three books (oh joy) for $39. I wish I had never bought any of them...time to go back to Stephen King.

Perfectly written, perfectly paced. If you are a fan of fantasy or sci-fi or crime/thrillers you will absolutely enjoy this.

This book is Mr K's finest! It is my all time favorite book. I could really feel the characters and was totally engrossed!

Since my husband had passed away, I really couldn't concentrate long enough to read a chapter never mind a book, but, I just couldn't get enough of Odd!

Thank you Mr. K!!!

Simply one of his best works; except for the end.…just not fair!!!

This was an amazing book! I couldn't put it down read it in three nights. Shocking ending A real masterpiece !!! Koontz delivers again

Just Odd enough.

My favorite of all fictional characters. I miss him and wish he'd show up again soon.

Don't read very often. But this book hands down is my favorite! Getting the next one right now ! Wow!!

I read this book six years ago , decided to buy it and the entire series for the iPad .

This by far is Koontz's best writing , tongue and cheek humor that will have you laughing out loud . Mystery and thrills , but most of all a warm fuzzy feeling . The Odd series is the type of book you can read over and over again and still come out wanting more .

Here's hoping IBooks gets the fifth book in the Odd series .

A must read even for those who do not care for mystery-thrillers .

Five stars. Hands down, one of the top 3 best books I have ever read.

This was literally the most enjoyable book I think I've ever read. The rest of this series is good as well but the first one really stands out

This is one of my favorite books of all time! A very quick and enjoyable, page-turner. I fell in love with the characters in this novel and I think anyone who reads it does as well.

Great and amazing story! This was my second book from dean and I was very pleased with what I was reading about. His characters are great and the story flowed well. I would totally recommend this story. I also enjoyed reading the rest of the series as well.

This was the first Dean Koontz book I ever read, and it was amazing! I loved the entire book. This is a must read for anyone. I loved this book so much that I read the rest of the series in a matter of days. The series was great, but this book was the best of the four. Great characters and an excellent story!

I have loved deans books. Particularly ones that are shrouded in dark mystery. This read very fast and is a must read for anyone who liked whispers.