After surviving a global disaster in which millions die from bizarre, improbable accidents, a depressed statistics professor is recruited by a government agent to investigate a suspiciously lucky Las Vegas casino that may be linked to the catastrophe. Blending absurdist horror, queer identity, and existential dread, the story explores how meaning and hope can persist even when the universe seems ruled by chaos and nothingness.

Reader Review Summary

Set in the aftermath of a global disaster called the Low Probability Event (LPE), the novel follows Vera, a bisexual statistics professor who survives a day when millions die in bizarre, statistically impossible ways—such as fish raining from the sky and chimps attacking people. Years later, Vera is deeply depressed and isolated, having lost her sense of meaning and connection. She is approached by government agent Layne, who recruits her to investigate a Las Vegas casino that seems impossibly lucky and may be linked to the original catastrophe. The narrative blends horror, science fiction, and absurdist elements, with Vera’s expertise in probability and statistics serving as a central lens for the unfolding mystery, and the story frequently references themes of existential dread, queer identity, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The book is described as fast-paced, with surreal and gory set pieces, and includes both satirical and emotional undertones, often breaking the fourth wall and employing dark humor.

Readers praised the book’s exploration of existential themes, particularly Vera’s journey through grief, depression, and nihilism toward a renewed sense of purpose. The use of statistics and probability as both plot device and metaphor was highlighted as engaging, with several noting that Vera’s logical, dry wit and academic perspective grounded the story’s absurdity. The depiction of queer identity, especially the challenges of bi-erasure and biphobia, resonated with some readers, and the emotional depth of Vera’s character arc was frequently mentioned. The audiobook narration by Mara Wilson received consistent acclaim for enhancing the story’s tone and emotional impact. Many found the book’s blend of horror, absurdity, and dark humor effective, with comparisons to works like Final Destination, The X-Files, and Everything Everywhere All At Once, and appreciated the satirical, tongue-in-cheek approach to cosmic horror and apocalyptic scenarios.

Some readers found the book’s pacing uneven, with the fast-moving plot leaving little room for deeper character development or reflection, especially regarding Vera’s relationships and the supporting cast. The handling of biphobia and bi-erasure was criticized by several reviewers as underdeveloped or unresolved, with some expressing disappointment that the emotional nuances of bisexual identity were not fully explored. The horror elements were described by some as more comedic or absurd than genuinely frightening, and a few readers felt the story leaned more toward thriller or satire than traditional horror. The investigation and mystery aspects were seen as lacking depth or suspense, with the plot sometimes feeling like a series of loosely connected set pieces rather than a cohesive narrative. A minority of readers struggled to connect with the main character or found the story’s absurdity detracted from their engagement.

The book is the third full-length horror novel by the author, following Camp Damascus and Bury Your Gays, and continues to blend queer themes with speculative fiction and horror. The story is set primarily in Chicago and Las Vegas, with the casino setting playing a significant role in the plot’s exploration of luck, fate, and statistical anomalies. Content warnings include depression, suicidal ideation, animal deaths, violence, and gore. The novel has been published in both print and audiobook formats, with the latter narrated by Mara Wilson. The book has received a large number of reader ratings and reviews, with an average rating just above 4 out of 5, and has been recommended for fans of satirical, absurdist, and existential horror, as well as those interested in queer fiction and speculative thrillers.