Book excerpt: The truths of science are not as attractive as the occasional errors of nature... So says Arthur Watson's new boss. It's winter in Cincinnati, 1834, and Arthur just landed a job at the most sensational museum in town. Living sea dogs, giant snakes, cannibal heads, shocking wax figures, and other curiosities fill its gothic halls. While looking after Enos, an eight-year-old boy born without legs who is the museum's most popular live exhibit, Arthur finds himself confronted with the museum's questionable practices. When he meets the boy's widowed mother, Elizabeth, the two become entangled in the strange world. Elizabeth has steeled herself against everyone to protect a shameful secret. To gain her favor, Arthur must confront those who see Enos merely as a curiosity to bring in the crowds. Together, they discover that their own lives, like the museum, are filled with dark truths and incredible wonders. Sometimes, no matter how hard it is to look, you just can't turn away.