Eleven stories in a darker mood from Hugh Ashton, the acclaimed author of the Deed Box and Dispatch-box of Sherlock Holmes adventures. Here he explores the theme of the unknown that lurks behind our everyday world, waiting for its chance to escape and wreak havoc. The settings range from a 16th-century Italian galley, through a 19th century country house, to the author's home city of Lichfield. Contains strong language and adult themes.Bee-bee - a rag doll who helps her owner cope with life's ups and downsWhat you find in a skip - it can be surprisingBabysitter - something nasty in the Coopers' woodshedTime thieves - they steal time and dreams and energyShips in the night - "as night turned to day, he started to understand the truth"Carnacki at Bunscombe Abbey - a sincere tribute to William Hope Hodgson's classic ghost-finderThe story that wrote itself - sometimes an author gets help from an unexpected sourceGianni Two-Pricks - be careful what you take from others - even when they're deadLady of the Dance - movement as messageMe and my Shadow - or is it really my shadow?What Happens Afterwards? - when you die on the operating table, what's next?