Washington's Spork town sheriff, Frank Crane, welcomes his returning daughter Becca home, but despite obvious signs, Becca takes an unusually long time to recognize the Halloween decorations all over town and even the odd appearances of various people, including her old friend Jacob White, who suddenly sports canine traits--including a tail--and an odd urge to chase cats. She falls in love with sickly pale Edward Sullen, a member of the depressed, bloodthirsty adopted family of Dr. Carlton.—KGF Vissers