From the critically acclaimed author of The Heap, a thought-provoking and wryly funny novel--equal parts satire and psychological thriller--that holds a funhouse mirror to the isolated workplace and an age of endless distraction.

At the far reaches of the world, the Northern Institute sits in a vast expanse of ice and snow. Once a thriving research facility, its operations were abruptly shut down after an unspecified incident, and its research teams promptly evacuated.

Now it's home to a team of three caretakers--Gibbs, Cline, and their supervisor, Hart--and a single remaining researcher named Gilroy, who is feverishly studying the sensation of coldness.

Their objective is simple: occupy the space, complete their weekly tasks, and keep the building in working order in case research ever resumes.