Looking for a great summer read? Dig up Dean Koontz's foray into the world of the dead.

Let me begin this review by stating I am a Dean Koontz fan. If I have a choice between Stephen King and Deen Koontz, I will take the latter. For years people have looked at me strangely when I've described by preference for Koontz. 'He's the life affirming version of Stephen King.' Those of you who read Koontz's work know what I mean. The ending may not be sunshine and rainbows happy, but you are always left with hope.

That leads me to Odd Thomas. Odd Thomas is in fact odd. He sees the dead, but with a wink at the movie The Sixth Sense, Odd declares that he does something about it.

Odd Thomas is not the only quirky character in the story. As usual, Koontz has filled his story with Odd Thomas' unique friends. There is the 450 pound, best selling mystery writer, whose cow has exploded. Thomas' landlady needs to be reassured that she hasn't turned invisible. His boss at the local diner, where Odd Thomas is a fry cook, can tell you what happened on any day in Elvis Presley's life. These characters are balanced by "normal" folks that Odd Thomas knows and loves. The reader cares for these people because Odd Thomas does.

This is part of Dean Koontz's gift. He pulls the reader into an unlikely world where we willingly suspend our disbelief. The reader likes Odd Thomas and is ready to take his actions on faith. This protagonist isn't a recovering alcoholic, tormented ex-cop, or many of the other devices used in mysteries these days. (Koontz takes a swipe at these overdone machinations in a humorous manner.) Odd Thomas is a young man who has been given a gift. With this gift comes the responsibility to try and save the people and town he cares about.

Take the time to get to know Odd Thomas. He is someone you will like. Don't be surprised if you share a few tears with him.

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