Even when Barbara, an isolated spinster, takes care to lock her doors and windows, these damnable, broom-handle sized sticks keep materializing in her apartment. Soon, in spite of Barbara's efforts to live a rigidly unvaried life, other--many other--unsettling apparitions begin to materialize. Ultimately the ghost of Barbara's father appears, issuing orders over the "Ouija" board, and worse, using Barbara as a means of satisfying his own carnal appetites. Then unexpectedly, Father reveals to Barbara that he had never ever played a role in his own presumptive suicide. He simply wasn't the "type." Father demands, therefore, that Barbara discover who killed him. Barbara is thoroughly terrified. Moreover, Barbara is thoroughly incompetent. Barbara resigns herself to do as Father wishes, however, and begins to investigate. As Barbara uncovers the past, Barbara is faced with disturbing realities. Some of these, in human form, are at once both desperate and implacable. Worse, some are insanely plotting to bludgeon her to death... "...sinister...the plot is dark and gets darker...the family's undercurrents are disturbing...increasing horror..personal and psychological danger..A literary ghost story/psychological thriller...that's elevated by its humanity. --A Kirkus "Star" Review