”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.
This was the first audio book I ever listened to. I had a long commute at the time. Then took a trip with my folks that had a two day drive and talked them into listening to it. My dad wasn’t a reader, but they loved it and were hooked. Any long drive they had they’d go to the library and get a couple audio books.
Guess this doesn’t really help the topic other than to say it is an enjoyable book. I’ve since read it as well.
I read the first few and I really enjoyed them. After that I think the format got old to me so I didn’t keep it up.
Dean Koontz is very light reading. If you’ve read a few of his books you’ve read them all, but if you want an entertaining story that usually has a reasonably positive outcome, you could do worse.
If you don’t like golden retrievers, art deco or California though, you may want to pass. 😀
I haven’t read a ton of his stuff, but what I have I have enjoyed. Forgetting the name, but the one where the main character can only go out at night was enjoyable in a similar way to the first few Odd Thomas books for me.
You’re right that his stuff feels lighter and that can be good depending on your mood. I enjoy King, but have to be in the right frame of mind because his stuff often feels a bit padded for me. I guess maybe I like a happy medium between the two.
This entire series is amazing, with what may be the best series ending I’ve read.
There’s little flaws here and there, but they kinda make it all more engaging rather than breaking immersion. I tend to view it as Koontz’ best work overall.
Seriously, the ending of the last book? I’m a cynical, crusty old bastard and I cried like a baby.
