When a mysterious entity known as a Goon appears at the Sykes household demanding a quota of words from Archer, the family's mundane existence is shattered by the intrusion of supernatural forces. Howard Sykes must navigate a reality where his town is secretly controlled by seven eccentric wizards, each wielding power over different aspects of human life. As he investigates the origin of the Goon's demand, he faces the escalating threat of a power struggle that risks destabilizing the world. The narrative unfolds through a blend of domestic realism and escalating magical absurdity, challenging the characters to distinguish between their ordinary lives and the hidden machinations of the wizarding elite.

This work is widely regarded as a quintessential example of the author's ability to subvert traditional fantasy tropes with wit and structural ingenuity. Readers frequently highlight the cleverness of the central conceit, noting how the mundane and the magical are woven together with seamless precision. The narrative is often praised for its refusal to rely on standard hero archetypes, instead favoring a grounded, observant approach to the bizarre. The book maintains a reputation for its enduring humor and its sharp, critical look at the nature of power and control within a seemingly ordinary environment.