Nice girls don't believe in monsters. They're wrong. Amateur photographer Beth Ryder is in trouble. She's taking pictures of things she can't see, things that aren't human. Beth has her own dreams, but people like her don't get to go free. She's seized by a dangerous organization dedicated to keeping Earth's shadow world—and its frightening inhabitants—a secret. Forced into otherworldly politics and uncertain whom to trust, Beth must come to terms with a radically altered future—one in which her own humanity seems to be draining away.

Beth Ryder’s dangerously sexy and seemingly all-powerful boss has disappeared, leaving an increasingly desperate group of Nolanders—and one inept Second—in charge of policing other-worldly activity across much of North America. What better time for a legendary monster to emerge from the Second Emanation and make New York City its hunting ground? But little does Beth know that dealing with the voracious Thirsting Ground will pale in comparison to a shocking betrayal that threatens to destroy her new life among the Nolanders.

In the small town of Dorf, Wisconsin, a shy, damaged seer named Callie McCallister struggles with a frightening mission—a mysterious half-demon child must eat a "Sweet-'n-Salty Rudolph" Christmas cookie in her presence, or all will not be right with the world.