This small chapbook is sold only with the limited edition of Caitlin Kiernan's book Alabaster from Subterranean Press. It contains a single short story entitled Highway 97, which relates an episode during the character Alabaster's journey on the highway to who-knows-where. She walks at night, and a large black dog has been following her. The dog, it turns out, is able to talk, and even to sing. It doesn't seem to mean Alabster any harm, but Alabaster is not in a mood for company. The dog would like to accompany her, but Alabaster says "No." The meaning of its ultimate fate seems impossible to discern from information given within the bounds of the story. For this reason especially, in my opinion one would want only to read this as a tie-in with 'Alabaster'.

Despite its inability to stand well alone, the writing is truly excellent, unworldly and moody as is most of Caitlin Kiernen's writing. Since the chapbook is not available except in conjunction with purchase of the book, one is guaranteed to have the opportunity to read it in other than stand-alone context. Not yet having read 'Alabaster,' however, I cannot comment on the after-the-book reading experience. ( )