The story of a lovely Summertime excursion taken by a group of friends. Of course, things quickly turn surreal and sinister after Edna, Harry, and Sam embark from the Willowdale railroad station on their titular handcar. After a quick stop at Bogus Corners and Mr Queevi’s store, the party moves on to the Chutney Falls graveyard, passes Titus W. Blotter’s mansion on the bluff near Gristleburg, and proceeds on through ever more delightfully-named locales. But why does Nellie Flim from Miss Underfoot’s Seminary keep showing up, and why is her beau – local telegraph operator Dick Hammerclaw – so agitated? The Willowdale Handcar is packed full of wonderfully Gorey-ish locations and events which make as much or as little sense as they do. Undertake the journey to find out more.

Harper, 2003. Hardcover.