Saint Odd by Dean Koontz: A Sad Farewell

My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

I’ve had this book since the day it came out, but couldn’t work up the nerve to read it. Of everything Dean Koontz has ever written (and I’m a huge fan), the Odd Thomas series has been my very favorite. I found Oddie to be one of the most endearing and special characters I’ve ever enjoyed reading about, so I’ve been very reluctant to read the final book in the series, knowing I would have to say goodbye. Finally, I worked up my nerve and plunged in headfirst.

As always, Koontz’s writing touches me deeply. No matter the nature of the bad guys, horror or alien, four-footed & furry or merely evil to the core, what Dean Koontz does best is remind us that there is nothing more powerful than love. That’s why he’s my favorite horror/ghost/urban fantasy writer of all time. Bar none. This series has been no exception, and anyone who was surprised at the ending of Saint Odd hasn’t been paying attention. It ended exactly the way it needed to, even though it broke my heart to read it.

If you have followed Oddie from the beginning, you’ll want to read this, and see him come full circle, doing everything he set out to do. If you haven’t read any of these books, you really should. There’s no other character out there quite like Odd Thomas. And I doubt there ever will be again. I’m going to miss him.

Saint Odd is definitely NOT a standalone story. Do yourself a favor. Start with Odd Thomas, and read the entire series.

Saint Odd

Odd Thomas

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Ghost in the Canteen by Jen Rasmussen

My Review: 5 of 5 Stars

This is a difficult review to write. How can I tell you how terrific Ghost in the Canteen is, without giving away anything of importance? Should be easy, but the trouble is, everything in this story is of importance. Nothing is a throw-away, and it all ties together so very nicely, I’m left floundering for something to say. (Alert the media! She has nothing to say!)

Okay, I do have a few things to say. First, Jen Rasmussen’s writing is first-rate. The story pulled me in immediately, and the characters were interesting and engaging, especially the snarky heroine, ghost hunter Lydia Trinket. Lydia’s been doing her job of sending recalcitrant spirits through to the Other Side for years. Or so she thinks. Turns out, Lydia has been somewhat misled about what she’s actually doing, and therein lies a tale. A really scary tale.

The canteen referred to in the title is a switchel ring–a clay container designed to slide over one’s arm to hold switchel, a very unusual drink you’ll learn more about when you read this book. Which I hope will be soon, because…did I mention?…it’s good. Lydia’s switchel ring is a portal through which ghosts can move on to their next stop. (Heaven or hell, presumably.) Or is it? Sometimes things are not what they seem. “A kiss is still a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh”…but a switchel ring might be more than a container for a cooling drink. And a portal…well, I think you should find out about that for yourself. Personally, I’ll never look at even a Thermos bottle the same way again. 😯

Along Lydia’s journey, you’ll meet all sorts of interesting and creepy…and downright terrifying…characters. I loved every single word of this book, and I suspect most of you will, as well. Go get it. But maybe leave all the lights on while you’re reading. And definitely be sure you’re not alone in the house.

I can’t wait for the next Lydia Trinket book, Peak of the Devil. (You gotta love the title.) And what are you waiting for? Click on the Buy Link below, and start reading Ghost in the Canteen today. You’ll be glad you did.

Ghost in the Canteen

What Are You Reading?

 

It’s not Friday…I missed that, sadly…but I figure it’s never too late to let you know what I’m reading, especially when it’s something really, really good. So, here it is. This week, I’m reading Jen Rasmussen’s Ghost in the Canteen, and it’s brilliant! Jen’s writing is strong, sharp, funny, and engaging. And great goobley-oobley! This story is scary! Horror fans will love it, for sure, and anyone who likes ghost stories, tales of the supernatural, and unique world building will, as well. Plus, you might learn a thing or two you didn’t know before. Like…what is a switchel ring? In fact, what is switchel? Do you know? I didn’t. But now I do!

Ghost in the Canteen is so good, I’m going to recommend you go right ahead and buy your copy today, even before my full review comes out next week. I don’t think you’ll be sorry.

Now, it’s your turn. What are YOU reading this week? Inquiring minds wanna know!

Exciting News About Wake-Robin Ridge!

I’m thrilled to say Wake-Robin Ridge moved up into the Top 100 Best Selling (PAID) Ghost stories this week. The best part about that, besides being able to refer to my book as an amazon best-seller, is that it is listed on the same page with books by Stephen King, Joe Hill, Heather  Graham, Anne Rice, and my very favorite, Dean Koontz! What a thrill to see my book alongside theirs, even if only due to a surge in sales this week. Next week might be different, but for now, I’m just thrilled. Thank you to everyone who has bought a copy of Wake-Robin Ridge. Hope you enjoyed it! And stay tuned for a new feature: Contest Saturday! Details upcoming.

Monday Giveaways: Jim Butcher and Dean Koontz

My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Happy Moon’s Day! Time once again for my Monday Giveaways.

The Room Beyond by Stephanie Elmas

My Rating: 3 for Writing, 4 for Creep Factor

This is a hard book to review. I was compelled to read the entire book, and really wanted to find out the explanation for the disturbing things going on, but at the same time, I felt the writing was often a bit heavy-handed. The dialog was not what I would have preferred, though I think some of the cheesy lines might have been intentional,

FREE-ky Friday!

FREE TODAY!

I have decided that Friday’s need to be more than just “What Are You Reading?” Days.  My plan is to have some sort of weekly promotion or giveaway or contest, though I may have to figure out the details as I go. But to start with, for today only, the first five people to email me will receive a free download of my book, Wake-Robin Ridge. If you like romantic suspense, with not one, but two, very different love stories, a decades old murder mystery, and the triumph of good over evil, let me know, and I’ll send you a free download of my book. Just click on the Contact Me button at the top of this page, and let me hear from you. If you are one of the first five responders, you can have Wake-Robin Ridge on your Kindle, iPad, smartphone or computer today. Did I mention Free? How can you go wrong?

Wake-Robin Ridge

Deeply Odd by Dean Koontz

My Rating 4 of 5 Stars

I have always enjoyed Dean Koontz more than any other writer of modern horror, bar none. In addition to his ability to scare the bejeebers out of me, he always writes with compassion, and with a great respect and love for the women in his stories. It never fails to convince me that Koontz is a man who actually understands both love and grace. The entire Odd Thomas series

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

 

My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Neil Gaiman says of himself, “I make things up and write them down.” What I say about him is that he does a darn fine job of it. At least he certainly does in The Graveyard Book. I read this book last year, and somehow