The Ghost That Ate Us: The Tragic True Story of the Burger City Poltergeist

Kraus’s (cowriter with Guillermo del Toro of The Shape of Water and Trollhunters) hilarious, creative, and horrifying novel confronts many issues—addiction, brain drain, the encroachment of corporations on small businesses—that cause the death of small towns. On June 1, 2017, six people were murdered at the Burger City franchise in Jonny, Iowa, following a months-long investigation of paranormal activity (“the Burger City Poltergeist”) at the restaurant. Kraus has thoroughly investigated the Burger City Poltergeist, providing the only account of the events as told by the survivors. Full of interviews, articles, and footnotes, this account attempts to uncover the reality of one of the most gruesome events in history. Kirby Heybourne provides excellent narration, adding a sense of mystery and intrigue to the story, reminiscent of true-crime documentaries.