A Small Craftsman Home in Ravenna, Seattle, Washington, USA

The novel opens in this home, the residence of Big Jim, an electrician who has a crow, S.T., and a bloodhound, Dennis. Big Jim decorates his home with pinup calendars, cheap art, and a La-Z-Boy®, and he is fastidious about removing weeds from his yard. He stocks his kitchen with Pabst Blue Ribbon, Cheetos®, Hot Pockets, and kibble. After Big Jim is infected with a virus that travels through screens, he retires to his basement and spends his days wearing his arm down against the walls while walking the perimeter. This house and the surrounding neighborhood are the only home that S.T. and Dennis know until the day Big Jim becomes dangerous and the two realize they have to leave.

The neighborhood includes other suburban homes, a Walgreens, and a video store.

University of Washington, Bothell campus

This...