Odd Thomas / Dean Koontz / 399 pages

This first book of the Odd Thomas series features a very likable, though odd, character.  As a 20-year-old fry cook, Odd Thomas (yes, that's his real name) makes the lightest and fluffiest pancakes in Pico Mundo, if not in all of California.  Unfortunately, Odd Thomas often sees spirits who seem to need him to do something so they can rest.  Readers who enjoyed Ghost Whisperer starring Jennifer Love Hewitt will appreciate the complications this can cause in Odd Thomas's life.  On this particular day, Odd Thomas begins seeing borachs - shadowy spirits that sometimes look and act like dogs - and fears that something really terrible will happen in his beloved Pico Mundo.  With the help of the spirit of Elvis and the support of his soul mate, Stormy Lewellyn, he embarks on a quest to stop the plot and save the day.  After finishing this book, check out the second in the series, Forever Odd.