A slew of mysterious disappearances are only the beginning of trouble for a smalltown Illinois sheriff in this horror novel by the author of Sleep Tight.

Corn is America's grain and the very stuff of life. Now, scientists have created a genetically modified strain that repels all pests. It also unknowingly contains the DNA of a rare species of fungus that is invasive, virulently infectious, and very deadly.

First, the fungus eats through your skin. Then, growths appear on your body, sprouting like hideously malignant mushrooms. Finally, the skin cracks and splits, releasing countless spores into the air. First you die—but the worst is still to come—the fungus uses your body. To kill. In a desperate attempt to check the invasion, millions of acres of cornfields have been burned down. But the epidemic has a relentless life of its own—and it will not be stopped.

In the small town of Sutter Creek, Illinois, a container of corn seeds has been planted—and a new strain of nightmare has been unleashed. This year's crop won't taste like any other.

This year's crop will eat you alive. And Sutter's Creek is ground zero for an epidemic that could destroy the world.

Praise for the writing of Jeff Jacobson

"A talent with an amazing ability to astonish." —David Morrell