Lobster Boy recounts the disturbing story behind the sensational life and murder of Grady Stiles, Jr., the legendary carnival "freak." His wife, Teresa, and family revealed years of physical and emotional abuse that made her arrange for her husband's murder. Rosen mixes in short vignettes about Stiles's equally unfortunate acquaintances, including The World's Only Living Half Girl, Midget Man, the Electrified Girl and the Human Blockhead. During Teresa Stiles's dramatic murder trial, Rosen becomes a character in his own book, risking his life in pursuit of the truth.