Known for years for his expertise in the fantasy-thriller genre, he helmed such films as the cult classic "The Evil Dead, " and "Darkman" with Liam Neeson.

CNN: Review: Costner hits home run 'For Love of the Game'

Gnomes and elves live underground and their motives range from pure evil to cheeky mischief, as embodied in garden gnomes, the cult's chief manifestation today.

ECONOMIST: Free that gnome

In one witty section, Margaret finds refuge with a religious cult that eschews metal even belt buckles from which all evil hails.

ECONOMIST: New fiction