Claire is the undead fox of Deadwood Forest. Here, the leaves grow in a perpetual state of not quite dead, but not quite alivejust like Clare. Long ago, he was struck by a car, and, hovering between life and death, he was given the choice to either cross into the Afterlife or become an Usher of wandering souls. Clare chose the latter. And while he loves guiding animal souls into each of the four realms Clare is lonely.

Clares lonely undead existence is met with upheaval when a badger soul named Gingersnipes knocks on his door. Despite Clares efforts to usher her into the Afterlife, the badger is unable to find her way out of Deadwood. This is unprecedented. Baffling. Clare seeks the help of Hesterfowlthe visionary grouse who recently foretold of turmoil in Deadwood. But Hesterfowl wallops him with a shocking Clare is dyingthis time reallydyingand the Afterlife sent Gingersnipes to replace him as Usher.

Clare is devastated;outraged; and decides he will do anything to change his fate, even tricking Gingersnipes into the Afterlife.