Description
Price: $0.99
(as of Apr 11, 2025 08:55:01 UTC – Details)
Benny is so nice they feel compelled to destroy him, but he has a friend who should scare the hell out of them in this breathtaking new kind of thriller by #1 New York Times bestselling master of suspense Dean Koontz.
Benny Catspaw’s perpetually sunny disposition is tested when he loses his job, his reputation, his fiancée, and his favorite chair. He’s not paranoid. Someone is out to get him. He just doesn’t know who or why. Then Benny receives an inheritance from an uncle he’s never heard of: a giant crate and a video message. All will be well in time.
How strange—though it’s a blessing, his uncle promises. Stranger yet is what’s inside the crate. He’s a seven-foot-tall self-described “bad weather friend” named Spike whose mission is to help people who are just too good for this world. Spike will take care of it. He’ll find Benny’s enemies. He’ll deal with them. This might be satisfying if Spike wasn’t such a menacing presence with terrifying techniques of intimidation.
In the company of Spike and a fascinated young waitress-cum-PI-in-training named Harper, Benny plunges into a perilous high-speed adventure, the likes of which never would have crossed the mind of a decent guy like him.
Customers say
Customers enjoy this book’s thrilling adventure with mystery and humor, praising its fantastic descriptive prose and creative characters with peculiar names. Customers find the book heartwarming, with profound life lessons that leave readers with a feel-good mood, and appreciate its imaginative elements. The pacing receives mixed reactions, with some finding it fast-paced while others say it’s disappointingly slow. The horror content also divides opinions, with some noting its supernatural elements while others find it not scary or creepy.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Bethany T. –
Kitschy sci-fi masterpiece
I got the Kindle edition via Prime First Reads. Prior to this, I had read some of the Odd Thomas books, but so long ago that I don’t remember much about them, other than they were better than expected.Concurrently, I have a paperback copy of Gustav Meyrink’s “Golem” which is written in German, and I have to force myself to read it. I was so intrigued by the description of “The Bad Weather Friend” because it sounded like it was going to be about a Golem. There are some indications that the Spike character might have somewhat of the role of a Golem…a few hints here and there, but really, it is its own type of entity. Frankly, when I started this book, I had to force myself to keep reading it, as it truly was more cumbersome to read this, which is written in English that I use everyday, than it is to read something in a language I was somewhat raised with, but no longer use everyday! There’s a ton of very uncommon and unusual words in this book. I highly recommend getting the Kindle copy of this because you can highlight the word and get a definition–usually the definition included “(archaic)” or “(dated)”. So its full of archaic and outdated words, but in a sense, that it refreshing and I appreciate it. Almost all of the pop culture references were Midcentury. There’s tons of little references to old songs, art, and bizarre names that mean things in other languages, or almost mean something in another language. There’s little jokes or Easter eggs that reinforce the true meaning of the name, but for a lot of the readers, even with the reinforcements, I think the joke/ reference will be missed. An example was a character named Theron who is described as “beast,” with that name, or rather Therion meaning beast in Greek. Usually, when a foreign phrase is used in dialog, the translation is given later in the dialog; its just the names that go untranslated, but accompanied by hints, like they are insider’s jokes for the initiated.It reminds me of 1940s sci-fi in the way it is written. That was my earliest impression, even before much that could be considered sci-fi had happened. Very retro. Even has omniscient narrator sequences. By the end, there’s a lot of really retro sci-fi stuff along with an undercurrent of politics (specifically anti-capitalism). Talk of secret societies that use algorithms to repress nice people. Really the closest thing I can compare this book to would be “Illuminatus! Trilogy” by Wilson and Shea. Bizarre, weird, highly intelligent, odd yet meaningful names, politicized, sci-fi, historically rooted, occult, eschatological. Bad Weather Friend is an easier read in comparison, and I did get into it by the final third of the book.Despite the dated cultural references and vocabulary, there are some very current themes in this book, including individuals being targeted via algorithms, and the dangers and consequences of EVs. There are several other themes in this book, including home design and origami (of metals, money, and space-time) but I am not trying to write a book here in this review!One little incident from the book nags at me, I will try to describe it in a way that doesn’t spoil anything for a prospective reader, and in hopes that it will help inform at the time it is read. There’s an incident where a character gives himself an antidote to a very specific toxin. Something we don’t really work with much these days. Back when we did, if the rabbit died, the worker took the antidote. But suppose that the rabbit died of natural causes, not a toxic leak. If that happened, and the worker took the antidote, he would die unless exposed to the toxin. I assume the author is aware of all this, but was afraid to spell it out, or maybe the author had the correct intuition of what happens in these circumstances but didn’t know as a matter of absolute fact. Either way, the characters were unaware and assumed incorrectly in regards to the means of a death.Bottom line: this book is superbly well written, sometimes in the same way that TV commercials for big insurance companies are well written, but it was initially difficult for me to get interested in it. Its difficult in the way it is difficult to read some older sci-fi stuff. It is very clever and I loved it for what it is. A lot of smart humor. Many deep insights. Kitschy at times. One of those rare books that I found myself highlighting with various colors, and typing notes into. One of those rare books that I surely will reread in the future. One that will stick with me.
Jjspina –
A strange and creative story!
The Bad Weather Friend is a strange story about nice guy, Benny Catspaw, who has had a lot of bad luck. He has lost his job, his girlfriend, and his reputation which has been tarnished by his former employer.Things begin to get even stranger when Benny receives a gift from his uncle in the form of a man or is he a genie who has the magic touch? Spike is his name and he can do things that no normal person could even imagine. He promises to always have Bennyâs back.The story is told in two timelines, one of Bennyâs past when he was a child going to school and another of his present life with all his problems. There are odd occurrences that are unexplainable and danger at every turn. Can Benny find peace, a job and a new love? Will Spike be able to help him realize his dreams and keep him from harm at the same time?Koontz has written another creative story with odd characters, situations, along with some of his own input regarding current issues in our world. Though it was a creative and interesting story, it was not my favorite by this talented and eclectic author.
V. Jones –
Interesting idea that never reaches its full potential
I have been a fan of Dean Koontz for a very (very) long time now and have generally enjoyed all his books, often reaching for a favourite comfort novel from his works. However, âThe Bad Weather Friendâ diverges from his typical narrative finesse, presenting a challenge to stay immersed in the story. While the novel’s core concept is undeniably compelling: imagine receiving a box with a seven-foot-tall guardian named Spike, who pledges to shield you from harm. This tantalising setup is laden with overwrought language and a sluggish tempo, which unfortunately detracts from the initial idea’s excitement.The novel’s central figure is Benjamin âBennyâ Catspaw, a 23-year-old real estate agent residing in Orange County. Benny is a beacon of positivity, always seeing the best in people and never understanding the need for anger. Despite the unexpected termination from his job and the abrupt end of his relationship, Benny remains optimistic. He quickly rallies himself to find another job, maintaining his hopefulness even when further difficulties arise. Bennyâs life may be going downhill, but his spirit remains unbroken.Amidst all this upheaval, Benny receives a mysterious video message from someone claiming to be his great-uncle, Colonel Talmadge Clerkenwell. In the message, Talmadge says that he has sent Benny a blessing that will change his life. Not expecting much, Benny is surprised when he receives a large delivery claiming to be books that instead appears to be an oversized casket. Disregarding the delivery, Benny continues his day, hoping things will soon return to normal. However, upon returning home from a walk, he discovers his kitchen in disarray, as though multiple intruders had ransacked it. After carefully searching the rest of his home, the only thing out of place is the casket in his garage. Worried that the police won’t take him seriously, Benny contacts his friend Bob, a retired police detective and current private investigator, for help. Bob brings Harper, a young waitress and his current protégé, to assist in the investigation. They soon discover that the casket contains Spike, the titular bad-weather friend.From here, the story follows the adventures of Benny and his friends as they work to unravel who is behind the attempts to ruin Bennyâs life. Interspersed between the chapters detailing the investigation, we get flashbacks to Bennyâs childhood, with a particular focus on his time at Briarbush Academy. It Is here that Benny finally makes his first friends, Jurgen Speer and Mengistu Gidada. During his two-month stay at Briarbush, Benny and his friends uncover a conspiracy within the school involving experiments on the students and work together to expose these monstrous acts.One of my issues with the story lies with Bennyâs time at Briarbush Academy. With so much time focused on building up the apprehension around the culmination of events surrounding Briarbush, I expected this time to link to Bennyâs current difficulties. But frustratingly, there are no ties or connections between the two timelines. I think it made the whole plotline of what happened at Briarbush redundant, as the events had no impact on Bennyâs current difficulties. My other issue with this storyline is the language the boys use, and no, I donât mean they have potty mouths. Benny, Jurgen and Mengistu are supposed to be 13, 14, and 15 years old, respectively. However, their vocabulary is more sophisticated than any boys their age I have ever met. I understand they are from wealthy families and have had all the advantages money can buy, but I found their conversations unrealistic. For example, here is a snippet from when Mengistu is speaking to Benny and Jurgen:âWe will be alike to the millions who, in this culture, have trammeled themselves with infinite absurd bureaucracies, regulations, and rules to give their existence meaning after their ancestors declared no need for meaning two and a half centuries earlier. Shall we become termites in a colony, living for no purpose but to devour what little remains of our once glorious civilization, or shall we grow into men of responsibility?âThe language feels unrealistic from the characters, which makes it challenging to connect with them. Moreover, the writing style is excessively pretentious and verbose, which persists throughout the book. Mr Koontz has described everything in great detail, leaving little room for developing characters, world-building, or plot.In addition to finding the writing style overblown and irritating, I was bothered by how Benny and his friends in the present-day storyline seemed to treat everything so casually. If I received a mysterious crate from an unknown relative containing a seven-foot-tall mountain of a man who called himself a “bad weather friend,” I would be alarmed and have some reaction. But the story had no fear, alarm, or distress. Nothing at all. Everyone treated it like any other day, making jokes and acting as if nothing strange had happened.Finally, although the book is classified as a thriller, suspense, and action novel, I don’t think any of these categories are appropriate. The story takes a long time to build up, and when it finally does, it lacks any real tension or moments that would have you concerned for the main characters. The Briarbush Academy and present-day plotlines are resolved with little involvement from Benny, and there never appears to be any real danger to the heroes.Overall, âThe Bad Weather Friendâ lacks a cohesive and engaging plot, as the author, Mr Koontz, seems too busy describing every detail exhaustively. For me, it fails to reach the typically suspense-driven plot with rich characters and world-building Mr Koontz is known for. While the book is not unreadable, it is not one I would like to read again, nor is it something that will leave a lasting impression on me.2.5 out of 5 stars. Rounded up to 3 stars.
Julie Vaughn –
delightful and hard to put down
I enjoy Dean Koontzâs writing style so much. Heâs become my second favorite author after Stephen King. There was a lot of great humor in this one. Itâs pretty out there as his stories usually are, and very imaginative with great characters. I actually have a really good vocabulary and very rarely come across words that I donât know so I was surprised that I had to look up about five words that Iâve never heard before. That left me wondering if Dean Koontz has written so many books now that heâs running out of words. Anyway, it was an excellent read and I highly recommend it.
Chris –
Well written. Great prose. Anyone who reads it will feel both sad and happy.It’s an important book to read because it is both very serious and also frivolous and fun and a bit scary.It’s also a look at the super wealthy of this world and is a warning to them and to the rest of us.I do take issue with Dean’s thoughts about electric vehicles, wind farms and solar panels. He needs to suggest a viable alternative. Are internal combustion engines, coal fired power stations or nuclear reactors better?It’s a great inspiring read, a beautiful love story, and a treatise about the nature of friendship!Thank you Dean.
Pandrang Row –
I enjoyed this. Another one of Deanâs conspiracy theory books with a sense of fun added. He is a rampant petrol head – which is strange when you remember how liberal he is otherwise – and obviously adores massive gas-guzzlers! Fun book!
Steve E –
If you trained an AI app with Kurt Vonnegut and Tom Robbins novels you just might get it to write “The Bad Weather Friend.” It’s a good thing I really enjoy both of those authors. Koontz’s book is quirky in all the right ways. Like Vonnegut, it’s a little bit sci-fi; like Robbins it’s a little bit off the wall. Still, if you’re able to suspend belief, it’s an enjoyable read with likeable characters and positive outcomes. If only there were a time bending genie with super powers to look out for each of us the world would be a better place.
Kindle Customer –
I read a lot of Dean Koontz books, he’s not as dark as Stephen King and a nice easy read plus he has a lot of dogs in his books which I thoroughly approve of.This book was a very different style, still easy to read, still had a dog…and a rabbit but it was different. I really liked it…However be warned there are some weird sidebars to people reading as part of a book club and it pulls you out of the narrative, breaks the spell and adds nothing to the story! It’s like the editor added in notes that the author had made by accident. Very odd and fortunately not too intrusive.The story was upbeat, off beat and often funny. I would like to read more with the same palladian and the focus on the nice guys for a change.
TerryAnn –
ok