Scott Nicolay does a good job subverting the conventional wisdom of "the devil you know" in this tense little book.

A bleak, introspective story that subverts the usual monster tropes. Nicolay's prose really creeps up on you, immerses you in the flow of the protagonist's thoughts and memories and constant questions. It takes its time to build the tension to breaking point, and the ending is heartbreaking because it's so mundane and understated, at least in the context of the monster element. In another sense, it's extraordinary.
Also, what an awesome cover by Michael Bukowski!