As a longtime fan of Dean Koontz, I awaited the latest installment in the Odd Thomas series with bated breath. Since I first snatched Watchers from my dad’s bookshelf in the 80s I have been hooked. Odd Thomas; Pico Mundo’s sweet, clairvoyant fry cook, is always getting himself into situations that only he can fix, and save the world as we know it. This time he has a matter of hours to solve the problem at a seemingly idyllic estate named Roseland. The landscape is perfect of its own accord (in that the leaves don’t even fall), the house seems to have different hallways each time you walk around, oh and nobody ages despite their advanced lifespans. Pretty creepy place eh? Evil is afoot at Roseland and must be stopped in its tracks. In a conundrum that involves time travel, creatures from a parallel universe and spirits galore—yes he sees dead people too, and even has a ghost dog named Boo, Odd Apocalypse twists and turns like a maze of events. Humans have been messing with a machine invented by Tesla and now they must deal with the consequences of their actions. Tesla appears in the book, as do other famous spirits who assist Odd along his journey.

Enjoy the adventures of Odd Thomas as he walks the border between human and spirit worlds? Try these indies out for size.

The Pineville Heist by Lee Chambers introduces seventeen year old Aaron, who has just witnessed a bank heist gone wrong. After running to confide in a teacher at his school, he realizes he is anything but safe. One of the robbers appears and the action continues. The Pineville Heist, #1 Bestselling Thriller on Amazon is based on an award winning screenplay and is a movie in the works that will be released in 2013. It’s just that good. What are you waiting for? Go get it while the price is still right!

Blood Harvest by Michael Weinberger is an interesting take on vampires who walk among us. Without the hokey superstitions that usually go along for the ride, this is a refreshing outlook on those who drink blood to stay alive. Blood drinking Detective Steve Jacobs is assigned to investigate a mysterious occurrence at a nightclub. Hundreds of people passed out simultaneously and seem to be in comas. As the club-goers are carted off to a research lab Jacobs sips from a flask and watches with suspicion before leaving the scene. Steve is not exactly a vampire…well, maybe he is a little bit…but he finds that he is suddenly caught in a web of deception and is on the verge of seeing humans collide with vampires in a way that threatens everything the vamps have worked so hard to protect. As his former “family” begins to surround him, Steve must choose what he will do with the shocking discoveries he uncovers. Where will his loyalties lie?

Shadow Feeders by David Brookover introduces creatures that are just as scary as the freaks in Odd Apocalypse. FBI Agent Rance Osbourne encountered these horrific monsters in the seventies, but was forced to abandon the case when a family friend disappeared. Now it turns out that there may be a connection between the disappearance and the monsters—which makes the best kind of story. So after all this time, Rance enlists the help of fellow agents Nick Bellamy, Neo Doss and Crow. Readers are thrilled to see this team together again. As they battle the horrors created by Nick’s sinister dad (over 200 years ago) the team will face atrocities they couldn’t have dreamed of. Besides that, Nick has abilities just like Odd, except his are genetically bred and can both help and harm him in plenty of ways.

White Witch by Lyn Horner is a prequel to her Texas Druids trilogy. Characters Jessie and Tye Devlin are Irish descendants of Druids who have psychic abilities. Jessie can see the future and this is the focus of White Witch. This book chronicles the tragic Great Chicago Fire that Jessie, Tye and their father experience. The trilogy’s first book continues from here. In White Witch, Jessie has the first of her dreams about a man who will lead her on a journey as she searches for love. Sounds like a good place to start!

A Soul to Steal by Rob Blackwell is something to read with the lights on. Or if you like to be scared—light some candles, this is a good one!  In this edge of your seat thriller, Rob Blackwell introduces the reader to fear in an innovative way: right from the start. A Soul to Steal is simply scary. Part ancient Celtic myth and part legend of the Headless Horseman, Blackwell’s story is original and he has been compared to Stephen King. If you like suspenseful thrillers, check out A Soul to Steal.

Out of Time by Monique Martin explores the roaring 20s as Simon Cross journeys back in time with his assistant Elizabeth West. Simon has spent his life searching for proof of the supernatural and avoiding serious relationships. In the 20s he gets more than he bargained for on both accounts. Love this one? It’s the first in a series of three—hop to it! From Amazon: “A stunning achievement of narrative, storytelling, character, and chemistry…. Monique Martin has a master’s touch with an adventure yarn… a great read that will sweep away men and women alike.” –Steve Windwalker of Kindle Nation Daily

If you liked Dean Koontz’s Odd Apocalypse, take a bite of these indies. They are sure to satisfy your supernatural craving/mystery loving palate.