Stephen King writing as Richard Bachman

Billy Halleck, good husband, loving father, is both beneficiary and victim of the American Good Life: he has an expensive home, a nice family, and a rewarding career as a lawyer ... but he is also fifty pounds overweight and, as his doctor keeps reminding him, edging into heart attack country.

Then, in moment of carelessness, Billy sideswipes an old gypsy woman as she is crossing the street--and her ancient father passes a bizarre and terrible judgment on him.

"Thinner," the old gypsy man whispers, and caresses his cheek, like a lover. Just one word ... but six weeks later and ninety-three pounds lighter, Billy Halleck is more than worried. He's terrified. And desperate enough for one last gamble ... that will lead him to a nightmare showdown with the forces of evil melting his flesh away. And away. And away ...