How to write

Odd Thomas is back for his third adventure; a reluctant hero who is spiritually guided to places in dire need of a hero. He is now a houseman to a reclusive actor/author, Hutch living in the seaside town of Mystic Beach; his most pressing concern is the town’s misleading street names, until he meets a young pregnant woman on the pier. In a few strange moments, Odd is realizes Annamarie is in need of a protector, and despite his dream of living a stress free life, he steps up fill the position.

Almost immediately, Odd is confronted by a group of unsavory characters. When the leader of the group shoves Odd, they both experience a vision of a bloody apocalypse. The goons are suddenly very interested in learning more about Odd, and he is suddenly very interested in keeping all his fingernails. A chase ensues, in fact the remainder of the book is a chase, with various bad guys and narrow escapes. Along the way, we meet a couple of interesting characters, including: Blossom aka “The Happy Monster and Birdie who is mysteriously drawn to do good much the way Odd is drawn to no good. At first glance these new characters seem at least as colorful as the previous line up (Little Ozzie or Danny Jessup)

Annamarie hints at knowledge of what is to come, but even Odd can’t compete with her riddle-speak. I can see why he dumped her off at a friend’s house and took out on his own. I would be rid of her too. Odd spends his solo time unraveling a terrorist plot to smuggle nuclear weapons with the help of corrupt officials.

As always, Odd offers his unique perspective of a world in chaos. Koontz’s thinly veiled sermons could be heavy handed and off putting, if not for the innocence and well meaning protagonist. There is no judgment in Odd, only curiosity and a never ending well of hope for mankind.