Investigating Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) for a newspaper feature, reporter Carl Streator uncovers a disturbing pattern: every deceased child was read the same ancient poem from the same library book. This isn't just a poem; it's a 'culling song,' an ancient African spell designed to euthanize the sick and old. As Carl delves deeper, he confronts the horrifying truth that he, too, inadvertently used this very poem twenty years ago with devastating consequences. Now, united with another accidental killer, Carl must race against time to locate and destroy every copy of the cursed book, all while navigating a world full of people who might just deserve a taste of the lethal verse.
Why You Should Read?
- Experience Chuck Palahniuk's signature blend of dark humor, biting social commentary, and unsettling horror.
- Explore profound themes of accidental death, collective guilt, and the dangerous power of words.
- Follow a unique, morally ambiguous quest to prevent further tragedy, often with darkly comedic results.
- A thought-provoking narrative that masterfully combines elements of comedy, drama, and tragedy.