Magic comes with a price. Misuse it at your peril.

Claire's been an entertainer all her life, and everywhere she's traveled, a battered black suitcase went with her. When she performed as a stage magician/comedian, the suitcase held her props, each one infused with enough magic to make her slight of hand spectacular.

These days the suitcase contains something far more deadly.

Something dying to get out.

Twenty-five years ago, Claire made a promise in room 308. This Christmas Eve, she'll return to room 308, unlatch the suitcase, and keep her promise. Because what happens at the Crossroads Hotel doesn't always stay at the Crossroads Hotel. When it does, it stays forever.

"One of the best writers I've come across in years." -Kristine Kathryn Rusch