In a special in-person appearance, bestselling author Dean Koontz will join L.A. Times Book Club readers on Sunday, Jan. 28 to discuss his novel, “The Bad Weather Friend.”

Koontz will be in conversation with Times assistant managing editor Samantha Melbourneweaver at UC Irvine starting at 1 p.m. Pacific.

In his new book, Koontz introduces an affable Newport Beach real estate agent who mysteriously loses his job, his reputation and his fiancée. As the agent’s life crashes, a terrifying seven-foot-tall “bad weather friend” arrives at his home in a giant crate and kicks the thriller into high gear.

“We are living in such dark and dangerous times that I believe readers need what this story has to offer,” Koontz told his editor about the novel.

Koontz is the author of the Odd Thomas and Jane Hawk series, as well as many standalone suspense novels, most recently “After Death” and “The House at the End of the World.” His books have sold more than 500 million copies and are published in 38 languages. Koontz lives in Orange County with his wife, Gerda, and their golden retriever, Elsa.

IN-PERSON EVENT INFO

When: Jan. 28, 2024 at 1 p.m.

Where: Crystal Cove Auditorium in the Student Center at the University of California, Irvine

Bonus for book club readers: Event attendees will get the chance to grab early signed books and hear Dean Koontz discuss “Bad Weather Friend” before the novel’s release on Feb. 1. Our bookselling partner for this event is Book Carnival.

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Q&A: What would you like to ask the author? Share your comments and questions for Dean Koontz when buying your ticket or send an email to bookclub@latimes.com.

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No refunds are available for this event.

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