A sometimes arid, sometimes entertaining ghost story for grown-ups by pomo laureate Danielewski. . . . Likely destined to become a cult favorite. Kirkus Reviews

This first American edition of Danielewskis novella, published in a different form in the Netherlands in 2005, has the theatrical quality of a childrens ghost story, complete with stitched-art illustrations (designed by the author), sweeping themes, and fairy-tale tropes . . . This would be well-suited to an oral reading and may be best thought of as an objet dart that chillingly holds us accountable for our worst thoughts. Publisher's Weekly

In this story set in East Texas, a local seamstress named Chintana finds herself responsible for five orphans who are not only captivated by a storytellers tale of vengeance but by the long black box he sets before them. As midnight approaches, the box is opened, a fateful dare is made, and the children as well as Chintana come face to face with the consequences of a malice retold and now foretold.