Odd Thomas book series review

Odd Thomas novels are a series of suspenseful, white-knuckle stories written by Dean Koontz, a New York Times bestselling author. The novels follow the exploits of his eponymous hero, a cook with paranormal abilities that let him solve mysteries and help dead people and other supernatural entities find peace on the other side. Koontz’s stories are a captivating mix of suspense, mystery, and horror, and they speak to the everyman caught up in unbelievable events.

Who is Odd Thomas from Dean Koontz’s mystery thriller?

The everyman caught up in unbelievable events—what does that mean? Who is Odd Thomas, and what makes him so relatable?

Odd Thomas is a young fry cook from the town of Pico Mundo in California—and he has paranormal gifts. He’s a psychic and a medium, he can talk to the dead, and he uses his abilities to solve supernatural crimes.

Throughout the series, he navigates both the straits of small-town life and the traps set up by malicious spirits who, often working with corporeal villains, strive to turn Odd’s world into a living hell.

The appeal? Odd’s not a typical noir detective since his problems have roots outside smoky joints and dimly lit alleyways. His unique abilities and breathtaking adventures make each of his stories a page-turner.

Despite his powers, Odd’s also one of us. He’s a down-to-earth bloke, a short-order cook trying to make the most out of the situation and protect his California desert town. He’s sharp, witty, and easy to love, and his charming personality wins the reader’s sympathy every time.

The Odd Thomas book series

Odd’s been the protagonist of seven books so far, each more suspenseful and humorous than the one before. Each volume can be read as a standalone piece, although some narrative threads do permeate them all.

The series has also inspired a movie adaptation directed by Stephen Sommers, starring Anton Yelchin as Odd, Shuler Hensley as Fungus Bob, Willem Dafoe as Wyatt Porter, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Viola, and Nico Tortorella as police chief Simon Varner, as as well as Addison Timlin, Patton Oswalt, and Nico Tortorella as other supporting characters. The movie’s release date was February 28, 2014. It’s available on Blu-ray, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video, and it can be a good introduction to the world of Koontz’s imagination.

Odd Thomas (2003)

Odd Thomas is the first of the seven novels. It introduces Odd Thomas, the eponymous hero of the story, together with a whole cast of supporting characters, such as Odd’s partner Stormy Llewellyn, their problems, and their mysteries. The plot begins properly when Odd comes across an obscure figure presaging the arrival of a dark force ready to devour the town of Pico Mundo. The novel is witty and excellently paced, and Koontz’s sense of humor wins it a spot as one of the most beloved thrillers of today.

Forever Odd (2005)

In Forever Odd, Koontz takes off where he left off in the previous installment. This time, Odd is on the run, trying to hide from evil forces that have suddenly come into his life. On his journey, Odd comes across new characters and forms unlikely alliances that help them discover his true potential and rethink his own role in the world.

Brother Odd (2006)

In Brother Odd, we find Odd in an abbey, seeking inner peace and tranquillity more than half a year after the events of the second novel. The catch? The monastery is not as peaceful as he had thought, as there’s a bodach straight out of a horror movie haunting the grounds and threatening to destroy the peaceful life he had found. This novel has it all: ghost monks, a cute puppy, and real science-fiction spookiness.

Odd Hours (2008)

Odd Hours is just as wild. After his “break” at St. Bartholomew’s Abbey, Odd returns to Pico Mundo for another showdown with the arcane. There’s a lot of pressure on him, as he’s the only one who can protect his friends, and the fast-paced narrative reflects the urgency of his situation.

Odd Apocalypse (2012)

Odd Apocalypse delivers what its title promises: total mayhem. Odd finds himself at a billionaire’s estate, but there is something sinister cooking—something threatening to devour the outside world. Odd teams up with Annamaria, his traveling companion, and sets out to solve the mystery.

Deeply Odd (2013)

Deeply Odd continues with the bizarre developments in Odd’s life. This time, he meets a crazy truck driver whose presence results in visions of gruesome libericide. Deeply Odd has Odd work undercover, infiltrate secret cults, and fight his way through the ranks of wicked forces the old-fashioned way.

Saint Odd (2015)

Odd has no piece n the seventh and final installment of the Odd Thomas series. He’s back to Pico Mundo, but the Satanic forces he tried to battle in Deeply Odd give him no rest. His house is under siege, demonic forces keep assailing him, and there’s a deadly virus about to go wild. All in all, Saint Odd is a satisfying conclusion to Odd’s bizarre adventures, and it will not leave you hanging.

Odd Thomas’s popularity and significance in literature

We’ve all had a fair share of thrillers and who-done-it mysteries, so it’s always refreshing to see a fresh take on the old tropes. Koontz’s postmodern, fantasy takes on detective fiction remind one of the beloved stories such as those by Paul Auster, especially his New York Trilogy, but they also introduce fantastical elements we came to love in The Mummy, Constantine, and Van Helsing, as well as TV shows like Supernatural. 

Odd Thomas is both a relatable and adaptable character. He fits easily in the clique of other iconic figures of the young adult and horror genres, such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Dean Winchester, and so his presence is palpable even on the pages of many other authors writing stories in the same vein.

Listen to your favorite mystery characters with Speechify audiobooks

New York Times best-selling author, Dean Koontz and his Odd Thomas series is full of thrilling and supernatural adventures that are sure to keep you entertained. This mystery-based series has turned into film productions in the United States. Throughout the course of the series, Odd must not only manage the challenges of life in a tiny village, but also escape the traps created by demonic creatures. Odd has been the main character of seven books so far, each of which has been increasingly suspenseful and hilarious.

You can check out other books by Dean Koontz such as The Silent Corner, Ashley Bell, The Whispering Room, and The City with Speechify audiobooks.

FAQ

What disease did Odd Thomas have?

Odd does not suffer from any disease, but his buddy, Danny, suffers from bone loss.

Is Odd Thomas a good movie?

Odd Thomas received mixed reviews. It has a 6.8/10 score on IMDB and sits at about 40% at Rotten Tomatoes.