Rating: 
Summary: A bit of satire
Review: Okay, I'll admit it. I read this book because the ghost of Elvis was supposed to be a character. Elvis doesn't get to do much. He doesn't even talk, so that's a big let down.
Odd Thomas, the protagonist, not only communes with Elvis but also sees many different dead people, including a potential mass murderer who has targeted Pico Mundo for a wholesale slaughter. When Odd first notices the man, he is alive but is being followed by strange creatures called bodachs, who portend violent atrocities. Later, he finds the man's body in his bathroom and this leads Odd on a wild chase to find the man's accomplices.
Most interesting for me was how Dean Koontz deals with suspension of disbelief. Although he is a short order cook and has no greater ambition than to work in a tire store, everyone in Pico Mundo respects Odd Thomas, including chief of police Wyatt Porter, who has learned from experience not to doubt Odd. So, if everyone in the story accepts what's happening as the status quo, why not the reader?
Being the cynic that I am, I was less than enthusiastic until Odd's parents are introduced towards the end of the book. Both of them are sociopathic. Odd's mother is especially menacing, threatening Odd with a gun when he asks her for help. I began to think that this might be a psychological mystery, until things reverted to form with a rather typical team of killers being revealed. They're introduced earlier in the book, but you'll never be able to pick them out. Believe me.
Another interesting and original element of the book was when Odd speculates that the bodachs might be creatures from the future whose "bodies" could not make the trip. A bit of satire, since they're enthralled by violence, just like we are.
Rating: 
Summary: Alot to Like in "Odd"
Review: Dean Koontz has come up w/some memorable heroes in his books, but Odd Thomas is one of the best. From Chris Snow, who could not go out in daylight, to the talking dog in "Watchers", Mr. Koontz really gets into the minds of his characters.I was hooked on this book from the first page and read it all in a day. If you like horror, suspense and mystery type books, I think you'll really enjoy "Odd Thomas". Highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellect reading, interesting characters
Review: I haven't read a Koontz book in years. I use to read his work a lot when I was a teenager. The title and cover on "Odd Thomas" caught my eye, so I thought to give him another chance. I am glad I did. The characters are memorable. The story went into Hollywood action scenes a little, but you are so emphatic with the character at that point you can brush it off. I didn't figure out the entire plot before it was over, which always is a plus. I actually enjoyed the characters so much; I didn't really care if there was a pivotal or climatic scene. I just like learning about Odd and his life and how he interacted with those around him. I listened to the CD of this book while commuting. The reader did an excellent job. He captured the voices of all the different characters well and made for a very convincing Odd Thomas. I highly recommend listening to the audio book on this one.
Rating:
Summary: Not his best, but still very much fun.
Review: This is not Dean Koontz's best book, and if you never read any of his stories - it's probably not the best one to start with. On the other hand, I did enjoy the book quite a bit. It has many typical "koontz" features present - colorful characters, intersting (although not very original) plot, and a social issue that he bring ups in an entertaining context. On the disappointing side: some of the book's ideas were streight out copied. Pure plagiarism that left a bad taste in my mouth. And the main character does remind me of Christopher Snow a lot, as someone else commented. The main social issue was copied yet from another one of his books, although it is presented a bit differently. On the other hand, some other ideas that sounded intersting and intriguing are underdeveloped and not explained. And the ending was a little bit of a bummer. So I'd give this book 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4), still recommend everyone to read it, and will hope that my favorite writer will come up with something more original and entertaining next time.
Rating:
Summary: Odd Thomas on Tape
Review: Probably one of the most interesting books on tape I have listened to. The narrator was fantastic how he read and immitated each of the characters voices in the book. I have a 30 to 45 minute commute to work each way and usually listen to radio, my family got me this tape for XMAS and I could hardly wait to listen to the tape on the way to and from work. I also am usually not interested in this kind of fiction, but the story, plot and they way each of the characters were described in the book will keep your interest, many times I sat in the garage listening for another 10 or 20 minutes before I could get out of my car. There are seven tapes with about 10 hours of listening so if you have time I highly recommend getting these tapes, reading the book could not due justice to how well this was done, making listening so enjoyable.
Rating:
Summary: Still a Master
Review: An Excellent book...vintage Koontz. Odd Thomas was a book I hated to finish and like all of his novels, the characters seem to leap off the pages. Highly recommended!!
Rating:
Summary: Good, but characters similar to other works...
Review: Odd Thomas can see dead people, but he can't hear them speak. His unique talents have helped him get to the bottom of several grizzly murders and strange occurrences in a small town in Southern California. But is it enough to stop a serial killer who draws his powers from the occult? I was prepared to really like Odd Thomas. After all, I like Koontz writing. But Thomas seemed to be a rather flat character, and worse, a Christopher Snow knockoff. Lessee: Christopher has the 'drop dead stunningly gorgeous super-unrealistic girlfriend' so does Thomas. Christopher has 'cop buddy', so does Thomas. Christopher has an 'eccentric animal loving friend'...So does Thomas.... Err... Overall, I thought the plot was rather stereotyped. The villains were the cookie cutter: "I'm so eeeeeevil variety," and the character of Thomas while meant to seem young and inexperienced instead suffered from 'superman' syndrome. (He can out-sleuth, out-skulldugger, even the smartest professionals in the book), <Yawn>. Overall, while I enjoyed Odd Thomas a lot of it seemed to be rehashed from earlier works... This was solid work...But it din't move me like other works have.
Rating:
Summary: A New Kind of Hero
Review: Koontz, a new kind of moralist! But don't go away; he packs as hard a punch as ever (just remember the action all happens late in the book). Odd Thomas is a guy who does not live off his materialistic, narcissistic father's wealth. He is satisfied with a simple life as a fry cook (best in the county), aided by the complete acceptance and unconditional love of the prettiest girl in the county, who, like Odd, believes that copulation for people truly in love takes place only after marriage. Even when she gives in to her feelings, fearing he will die before they can consumate their love, he still holds out for marriage and promises to be there. Well, as you can see, Odd Thomas, even neglecting his unusual gift, indeed lives up to his name in view of present day morals. (Forgot to mention, he talks to dead people and saves folks). Hurrah for Odd Koontz! More writers should use their talents to present heros with good basic morals - maybe that is not such an Odd idea. A great read - pay attention and hang in there for the first 2/3 of the book, then hang onto your hat!
Rating:
Summary: Great characters and a great read!
Review: I enjoy Koontz's work best when it's about this length--399 pages. His longer stories seem to always lose momentum. "Odd Thomas" though, is a fast read filled with quirky characters, a unique setting and some insights into Koontz's take on society, culture and writing if you're alert to them. Odd Thomas is an interesting, likeable character, (similar to Chris Snow from Seize the Night and Fear Nothing but I like Oddie even better.) Odd sees dead people, brings justice to their killers when he can and fries burgers for a living when he can't. For a switch this time, the hero is a lot more interesting than the villains. Odd's got a tender/tough girlfriend to deal with, a fatherly police chief to aid, dysfunctional parents to figure out and the spirit of Elvis lending an enigmatic hand. The other highlights of this book are the unpredictable story, the insight into Thomas' family life which is effective but not overdone, and some of the bizarre qualities of the small town of Pico Mundo. I think there's another story in this Odd Thomas, but I'm glad Koontz didn't try to drag this one out. It's a great read as is, better than most of his recent novels, and more like the classic Koontz.
Rating:
Summary: Loved every page of this book!!!
Review: I don't give out many 5 star ratings, but Odd Thomas had me hooked from page one, and more importantly, had me shocked by the last chapter - WOW, what an ending!! Wish there was more Little Ozzie, but that's fine. Loved Odd's "voice" - an incredibly memorable character who has to do the right thing, no matter what. A couple very terrifying scenes, especially the part in Ozzie's house. Makes me not want to see who's outside my house! Great story, great characters, great ending -makes for a 5 star book!! If you enjoyed reading this book, you should check out GHOSTS, by Noel Hynd. Equally as gripping with a similar ending.
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