About the Author

Dean Koontz is the author of more than a dozen New York Times No. 1 bestsellers. His books have sold over 500 million copies worldwide, and his work is published in 38 languages. He was born and raised in Pennsylvania and lives with his wife Gerda, and their dog Elsa, in southern California.
Dean Koontz is the author of more than a dozen New York Times No. 1 bestsellers. His books have sold over 500 million copies worldwide, and his work is published in 38 languages.

He was born and raised in Pennsylvania and lives with his wife Gerda, and their dog Elsa, in southern California.

Reviews

Praise for the Odd Thomas series: ‘One of his finest books, and Odd himself is a superb character’ Independent ‘Odd Thomas is a page-turner … A read-at-a-sitting novel with a terrific final twist’ Observer ‘Humour, humanity and horror, the classic Koontz concoction’ The Times Praise for Dean Koontz: ‘Dean Koontz is not just a master of our darkest dreams, but also a literary juggler’ The Times ‘A terrific pursuit story … clever, up-to-the-minute, and riveting’ Guardian ‘There’s surprise after surprise, including a killer finale … a read-in-one-go novel’ Independent on Sunday ‘Psychologically complex, masterly and satisfying’ The New York Times

At the start of bestseller Koontz's wry, offbeat fifth Odd Thomas novel (after 2008's Odd Hours), short-order cook Thomas, who has prophetic dreams and can "see the spirits of the lingering dead," has a vision while he's a guest at a California retreat known as Roseland-of a blonde woman in a white nightgown on a black horse. Though unable to speak, this ghostly woman is able to communicate that her son, who's also at Roseland, is in danger. Thomas embarks on a quest to avenge the woman's death that will involve brutish piglike creatures that walk erect and travel in packs as well as secret discoveries by the legendary Nikolas Tesla. This supernatural thriller surely ranks as one of the series' funniest. Even as Thomas fights the forces of darkness, he observes, "Of course, one must always remember that although The Sound of Music is the most feel-good movie musical of all time, it is crammed full of Nazis." (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Odd Thomas, a fry cook who can see dead people, was first introduced to readers as a teenager in 2003's Odd Thomas. An engaging young man who peppers his narratives (Brother Odd; Odd Hours) with wisecracks, he also seems to have a sagelike understanding of humanity. As we encounter him again in this new adventure, he is a guest at Roseland, a sinister Pacific Coast estate set farther from reality's borders than Odd has ventured in the past. Here he is compelled by one of the restless dead to rescue a young boy from the grips of Roseland before he, like its other inhabitants, is no longer able to leave. VERDICT With this offering Odd's fanbase with fantasy-horror devotees is certain to grow, while previous admirers of his quirky charms will not be disappointed. Odd's screen debut, starring Anton Yelchin and Willem Dafoe, later this fall is certain to attract new readers. [See Prepub Alert, 1/30/12.]-Nancy McNicol, Hamden P.L., CT (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.