Odd Thomas

An Odd Thomas Novel (Odd Thomas, Book 1)

By: Dean Koontz

Narrated by: David Aaron Baker

Length: 11 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Meet Odd Thomas, the unassuming young hero of Dean Koontz’s dazzling New York Times bestseller, a gallant sentinel at the crossroads of life and death who offers up his heart in these pages and will forever capture yours.

“The dead don’t talk. I don’t know why.” But they do try to communicate, with a short-order cook in a small desert town serving as their reluctant confidant. Sometimes the silent souls who seek out Odd want justice. Occasionally their otherworldly tips help him prevent a crime. But this time it’s different.

A stranger comes to Pico Mundo, accompanied by a horde of hyena-like shades who herald an imminent catastrophe. Aided by his soul mate, Stormy Llewellyn, and an unlikely community of allies that includes the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, Odd will race against time to thwart the gathering evil. His account of these shattering hours, in which past and present, fate and destiny, converge, is a testament by which to live—an unforgettable fable for our time destined to rank among Dean Koontz’s most enduring works.

©2003 Dean Koontz. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Once in a very great while, an author does everything right—as Koontz has in this marvelous novel.... the story, like most great stories, runs on character—and here Koontz has created a hero whose honest, humble voice will resonate with many.... This is Koontz working at his pinnacle, providing terrific entertainment that deals seriously with some of the deepest themes of human existence: the nature of evil, the grip of fate and the power of love."—Publishers Weekly

"Dean Koontz almost occupies a genre of his own. He is a master at building suspense and holding the reader spellbound."—Richmond Times-Dispatch

"Dean Koontz is not just a master of our darkest dreams, but also a literary juggler."—The Times (London)

Outstanding book

This is why people read books. Dean Koontz puts you in the the scene as well as anyone.
My favorite of his so far.

Odd all the way

Odd Thomas is such a fun read. The story is a great combination: supernatural, murder mystery, love story, and good ol’ fashioned page turner. This was the original, “I see dead people…” (actually I’m sure that award goes to some Greek author, but eh). This is an entertaining book that I’ve read, but since it was our book club’s choice for October I grabbed the audio. I’m glad I did. David Aaron Baker did a great job.

So well written

The lead character is a very unusual young man. He has certain powers, his “gift.” His story is compelling.

As I listened to his adventures, I was aware of the author’s beautiful writing. It was perfect in every way.

One of my favorite books of all time.

The Odd Thomas series is one of Dean Koontz very best. Odd is so well written and likable. I was concerned when I saw the book had been re-recorded because David Aaron Baker is the perfect Odd. I’m happy to see he’s still the narrator and this is a non-abridged version.

The characters

Some scenes included overly descriptive background that did not add to the story or color.

I love the odd one

I first fell in love with Odd Thomas because of the movie and after years. After years of procrastinating, I finally bought the audiobook! I absolutely love the book. The movie absolutely doesn’t do it justice. The narrator does such a good job voicing Odd. The character has so much depth.

Very Pleasantly Odd.

I have listened to all of the Odd series. This is really the beginning a part of the story that was never told in any detail. Well written and read Koontz and Baker are a perfect team for this series. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Great story.

This is a new twist to Ghost Whisperer. I enjoyed this story and loved the unique spins for being a clairvoyant. Odd Thomas is a lovable character and I can’t wait to read more.

Joint Classic

Old Classic Dean Koontz story you gotta love it. David Aaron Baker narration is a good fit for all characters.

Great book

loved the story, very good to catch you in right away and hold you all the way to the end. narrators does a great job of binging it to life