While I loved the first book involving the character Odd Thomas, I confess that I did not love this one, which is the fourth in the series of books featuring this character. Although the book offers some new, likable characters and is filled with screwball humor, the book itself falls flat. This is probably due to the plot, which somehow just does not make the cut. In fact, the entire book seems to drag, which is always a bad sign.

The book is also in need of a good editor, as there are some minor inconsistencies. The plot also seems unfocused and less than compelling. While some of the characters are intriguing, they are never fleshed out and pass out of sight as quickly as they are introduced. Moreover, one of the main characters, Annamaria, for whom Odd seems to risk all, is so one dimensional that it makes the reader wonder why he would risk anything at all on her behalf. I am a big fan of the author, but this is definitely not one of his best.