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I've been doing a lot of reading/re-reading of Henry James lately -- and decided that this weekend I needed a "fun" break -- which usually has me looking for a 'thriller' type of read.
So, I started reading Under the Dome, but the characters were so repugnant, I was actually cheering for the dome and hoping they all ate each other before being rescued. I stopped after reading approximately 1/4 of the book.
Then I made a marvelous discovery! Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz! I treasure books that contain a truly unique concept or character - finding both in one book was like hitting the jackpot. If you haven't discovered this series, it can be encapsulated in one quote: “I see dead people. But, then by God, I do something about it!” Koontz creates a clairvoyant (sort of) short order cook that is visited by the recently and not-so-recently dead (Elvis tags along quite a lot) who need help to "let go" and leave the earth. The writing is breezy - but with a brain. The plausibly improbable plot contains exploding Holsteins, 58-year-old cats, chaste romance, evil spirits, Granny Sugars, ..... and a really nasty mass murderer. Few writers can combine humor with really horrific violence and mayhem - and create an oddball narrator that can engage your interest & sympathy even as he utters such unforgettable bon mots as: “From time to time, I do consider that I might be mad. Like any self-respecting lunatic, however, I am always quick to dismiss any doubts about my sanity.”
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series, and fervently hope that the quality of humor and humanity is maintained.
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