The Lonely Dead by Michael Marshall

This collection of texts weaves together multiple narratives, primarily focusing on Ward's search for his adopted brother, Paul, following the suspicious deaths of his parents, which he suspects are linked to a shadowy organization known as the "Straw Men." Concurrently, it tracks Nina's investigation into a series of murders, initially involving victims with hard drives placed in their mouths, leading her to uncover a deeper conspiracy and the surprising involvement of her former partner, John Zandt. Another thread follows Tom Kozelek's harrowing journey through the wilderness after a suicide attempt, where he encounters mysterious phenomena and becomes entangled with an eccentric individual named Henrickson, who believes in an ancient, destructive cult. Finally, the story briefly touches on Patrice's emotional struggle and ultimate decision to move into cabins in the woods after her husband Bill's death, later finding herself caught in the unfolding conflict. Throughout these interconnected plots, themes of loss, hidden histories, paranoia, and a profound sense of isolation emerge as characters grapple with unsettling truths and unforeseen dangers.