Brother Odd by Dean Koontz: A Review

With the outstanding success of Odd Thomas and Forever Odd the first two Odd Thomas novels, was there any doubt whatsoever that there would be a third? Odd Thomas fans rejoice, for the odd one returns to "loop us in" as Stormy Llewellyn would say, in Brother Odd. And as always, we are looped in immediately.

The story is set, not in the usual haunts of Pico Mundo, California, but in the Sierra Nevada, at the site of St. Bartholomews's Abbey in the cool of winter. In this haven from the world, Odd Thomas thought that he would find rest away from the literal ghosts that continually sought his help. Not so, for even in this solitary sanctuary, there are those entities known to readers of Dean Koontz as the lingering dead. But there are other concerns here as well, for Odd Thomas is not the only guest at the abbey. There are bodachs.

Dean Koontz does a remarkable job of setting a fast pace in his works without creating jumpy or poorly written scenes. I usually find myself rapidly flipping pages to devour the story, while making mental notes to go back and revisit a particularly well turned phrase or gem of thought. Odd Thomas is not a static, cardboard cutout of a character, but is developing more and more of his personality as well as his powers with each new novel. Odd is weary of the demands put upon him by the restless spirits that only he can see, and is still very shattered by the loss of his true love, Stormy. The reader can feel the sorrow that haunts Odd as much as any of the dead that seek him out. How well would you be sleeping if dead people were visiting you at every chance? Yet, in his own way, Odd manages to face new challenges without being bitter. Indeed, he still places the blame for Stormy's death on himself, rather than on those who shot her down. Even though Stormy has been gone since the first novel, she is greatly missed by both Odd and the readers who follow his narrative. Maybe Koontz will address this in some way in the future? Who knows? There seem to be hints that something is afoot with Stormy, even yet.

Koontz adds to his colorful cast of characters in this tale. There are monks and nuns of course, including a very special Brother Knuckles. Ozzie Boone and Elvis make appearances, as well as a "nonhuman" character. Those alert readers who watch the Odd Thomas trailers on www.youtube.com will know what I'm referring to, but as for rest of you, no such luck. You will have to read the book. Maybe that is lucky enough.