Koontz, Dean (2006). Odd Thomas. New York, New York: Bantam Books. ISBN: 9780553384284
400 pages
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Mystery
Age Level: 15-19
Stars: 4 stars
Subjects: Relationships, Death, Crime, Mystery, Investigation
Reader's Annotation
20-year-old Odd Thomas lives a fairly normal life in Pico Mundo, California, with little ambition and little special about him- except for the fact that he sees and converses with ghosts, a talent that draws him into a mysterious event that will happen in his town unless he can prevent it in time.
Summary
This is a book that skips along at a swift pace, with enough character description for readers to feel like they are at home in Pico Mundo, California and enough mystery to keep them turning pages. It tells the story of Odd Thomas, a 20-year-old fry cook who has no ambition and little talent, except for writing, but he can't put pen to paper long enough to finish a project. His one unique gift- one that makes him truly odd- is his ability to see and converse with ghosts, and through this and his relationship with the beautiful Chief of Police, solve crimes. He also sees "bodachs", which are small, evil creatures that feed on carnage, and when he spots these gathering around one man in particular, he realizes that something horrific might be about to happen in his hometown. As he explores further, it becomes a race against time as he attempts to avert disaster and avoid detection and save the town.
Other Information
Koontz has an impressive list of thrillers that will keep readers guessing and turning pages. If you enjoyed Odd Thomas, check out others by Dean Koontz.
Author Information
