Odd Hours (Odd Thomas, #4)

Title: Odd Hours (Odd Thomas, #4)

Author: Dean Koontz

Published in: 2008

Date read: 30th October 2012

Score: 4/5

Genre: Supernatural, Thriller

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Odd Hours" by Dean Koontz, published in 2008, is the fourth novel in his "Odd Thomas" series. It continues the extraordinary journey of Odd Thomas, a young fry cook from Pico Mundo, California, who possesses a unique and unsettling psychic ability: he can see the lingering spirits of the dead (called "shining ones") and uses this gift to help them find justice, often leading him to prevent violent crimes.

The story finds Odd having left Pico Mundo after the tragic events of previous books. He's seeking a quieter life, hoping to escape the constant demands of his gift and the painful memories of those he's lost. He has found temporary refuge and a sense of purpose living in a monastery by the sea. He finds solace in the contemplative life and the kind presence of the monks, particularly Brother Knute.

However, Odd's peace is shattered when he begins to see a massive, increasing number of bodachs – malevolent, shadowy entities that feed on impending violence and death. The sheer number of them indicates an imminent, catastrophic event. This influx of bodachs points to a coming storm of unimaginable evil, far beyond anything Odd has encountered before.

His visions and the growing presence of bodachs lead him to the realisation that a significant threat is emerging from the sea itself, specifically connected to a mysterious, heavily guarded vessel anchored offshore. This vessel, an enigmatic, high-tech ship, seems to be the epicenter of the looming disaster.

Despite his desire for a normal life, Odd cannot ignore the warnings. He knows he must act. He leaves the monastery and, with the help of his quiet companion, Annamaria (a mysterious woman who seems to be more than she appears, possessing an unusual knowledge and calm presence), he sets out to investigate the ship and uncover the nature of the impending doom.

As Odd delves deeper, he uncovers a horrific conspiracy involving a secret society, advanced technology, and a plot of global devastation. He faces ruthless human adversaries and the ever-present, growing numbers of the malevolent bodachs. Odd must use his unique psychic abilities, his courage, and his unwavering sense of justice to confront the overwhelming evil and prevent a cataclysm that threatens countless lives.

"Odd Hours" is a blend of supernatural thriller, mystery, and philosophical contemplation. It explores themes of good versus evil, destiny, sacrifice, and Odd's ongoing struggle with his extraordinary gift and the loneliness it brings.

Comments:
I had to look up the plot to this story because I could not remember much about it. I scored it well and I did enjoy it.

Books that we've read by Dean Koontz (27):
Demon Seed (1973), Icebound (1976), The Voice of the Night (1980), Phantoms (1983), Darkness Comes (1984), Watchers (1987), Dragon Tears (1993), Mr. Murder (1993), Tick Tock (1996), False Memory (1999), The Face (2003), Odd Thomas (Odd Thomas, #1) (2003), The Taking (2004), Forever Odd (Odd Thomas, #2) (2005), Velocity (2005), Life Expectancy (2005), Brother Odd (Odd Thomas, #3) (2006), The Husband (2006), Odd Hours (Odd Thomas, #4) (2008), Breathless (2009), Relentless (2009), The Silent Corner (Jane Hawk, #1) (2017), The Whispering Room (Jane Hawk, #2) (2017), The Crooked Staircase (Jane Hawk, #3) (2018), The Forbidden Door (Jane Hawk, #4) (2018), The Night Window (Jane Hawk #5) (2019), The Other Emily (2021)