Critics often praise the novel for its seamless transition between the past and present. It is frequently compared to the works of Stephen King for its ability to ground supernatural terror in the everyday struggles of a small town.
The story follows two parallel timelines in the rural town of West Hall, Vermont:
The core of the horror stems from the lengths a mother will go to see her child again, turning a sympathetic emotion into something monstrous.
Sara Harrison Shea is found dead under mysterious circumstances shortly after the tragic death of her daughter. Her husband is left with a diary that hints at a dark, ancient ritual to bring back the dead—the "sleepers."
McMahon is known for her atmospheric writing, and this "piece" highlights several of her signature elements: