The mundane becomes sinister in a disquieting story collection from the author of The grip of it. In Jemc's dislocating second story collection, sinister forces--some supernatural, some of this earth, some real and some not--work their ways into everyday life.

Ruffles loves a lot of things, like digging, running, and sleeping. He does not love loud noises, especially at night. When Ruffles sees a flash and hears a loud bang, he knows that can only mean one thing: a thunderstorm! But there's no place in the house that feels like just the right hiding spot from the storm outside. Hiding places should be quiet, safe, and most of all, cozy. That's when Ruffles realizes the best place to be is his very own bed...

When Olvina, a chicken, receives an invitation to the annual Bird Convention in Hawaii, Will the pig and a fellow passenger help her to overcome her fear of flying.

Jumpy Jack the snail is terrified that there are monsters around every corner despite the reassurances of his best friend, Googily.

Following the sudden death of his mother, a mild-mannered but anxiety-ridden man faces his darkest fears as he embarks on an epic, Kafkaesque journey back home.

Someone is watching Kaycee Raye. But who will believe her? Everyone knows she's a little crazy. In Kaycee's popular syndicated newspaper column, she pokes fun at her own paranoia and multiple fears. The police in her small town are well aware that she makes money writing of her experiences. Worse yet, she has no proof of the threats. Multisensory images flood Kaycee's mind. Where is this all coming from? Maybe she is going over the edge ...

"One mother's love may be all that stands between her family, an enigmatic presence - and madness. After years of city life, Orla and Shaw Bennett are ready for the quiet of New York's Adirondack mountains - or at least, they think they are. Settling into the perfect farmhouse with their two children, they are both charmed and unsettled by the expanse of their land, the privacy of their individual bedrooms, and the isolation of life a mile from any...

Ten years ago, Grace saw something that would forever change the course of history. When evil in its purest form is unleashed on the world, she and others from their religious community are already hidden deep in the hills of Tennessee, abiding by every rule that will keep them safe, pure--and alive. As long as they stay there, behind the red perimeter.

Camila is filled with worry and fear, but when she hides during a class field trip to the aquarium, she finds a classmate who is also afraid and needs a friend.

"A strange house appears on Jac's street on the five-year anniversary of her cancer diagnosis, and when she gets trapped inside she will have to confront horrors from her past to find a way out"--Provided by publisher.