BOOK REVIEW: Flying By The Seat Of His Otherworldly Pants

(Originally Published 2003, Mass Market Paperback 446)

Mr. Koontz has created a highly likable character in Odd Thomas. He is accurately described by his girlfriend, Stormy, as a combination of "brains and innocence. Wisdom and naivete. Sharp wit and genuine sweetness." The twenty-year-old is cursed with the ability of seeing and touching dead spirits. They can't speak, but do interact with Odd in various creative ways. The young man would have liked nothing better in the world than to not have this "gift." He takes measures to reduce his contact with the dead by simplifying his life as much possible. Odd lives in a medium-sized, southern California town named Pico Mundo. Only a few people know of his abilities. Odd is a short-order cook at a small eatery and is just fine and dandy with it being his world. However, the dead and mysterious entities he calls bodaches keep mucking up his self-contained world. Hence, Odd continually winds up making decisions based upon correcting injustices while trying to avoid leaving any clues to his involvement. The poor guy bumbles around and bases many of his decisions on gut feelings or suppositions. He has no special training in fighting, using  weapons or whatnot. In fact, Odd hasn't even a clue as to why he has this weird trait. It makes for an odd premise to a book, but the author pulls it off in grand style.

The story is written in the first-person narrative and takes place within a two-day period (August 14 & 15.) It is loaded with amusing wordplay, mystery, playful banter, suspense, and humor. Mr. Koontz also peppers his story with just the right amount of quirky characters. Heck, it's nearly impossible not to like a book where a dead Elvis even makes a few cameos.  "Odd Thomas" is not high-brow reading, but simply fun entertainment which kept me completely engaged throughout the story. A great summer, beach read.

(Meyers - A few years ago, I started writing, under the pseudonym Franklin the Mouse, short reviews at Amazon's web site. This is my most recent review #364)