Arthur Penhaligon is not supposed to be a hero. He is, in fact, supposed to die an early death. But his life is saved by a key shaped like the minute hand of a clock.
Arthur is safe - but his world is not. Along with the key comes a plague brought by bizarre creatures from another realm. A stranger named Mister Monday, his avenging messengers with blood stained wings, and an army of dog-faced Fetchers will stop at nothing to get the Key back - even if it means destroying Arthur and everything around him.

Desperate, Arthur ventures into a mysterious house - a house only he can see. It is in this house that Arthur must unravel the secrets of the Key - and discover his true fate....