Synopses & Reviews
Review
"An original fantasy/horror adventure...Hahn's fans and devotees of Emily Rodda's many series will be heartily pleased."
Review
"A fast-paced, suspenseful fantasy in which an appealing heroine stands against forces seemingly beyond her control."
Review
"An intriguing read." —
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"Page-turning suspense." —School Library Journal
"An original fantasy/horror adventure...Hahn's fans and devotees of Emily Rodda's many series will be heartily pleased." —Kirkus Reviews
"A fast-paced, suspenseful fantasy in which an appealing heroine stands against forces seemingly beyond her control." —Booklist, ALA
"Hahn's many fans will come right along on this author's first foray into magical fantasy." —Horn Book
"An excellent start for uninitiated fantasy readers." —Horn Book Guide, Pointer
Synopsis
When her widower father inherits a castlelike estate in the mountains of West Virginia, 12-year-old Jen is thrilled. It seems like a wish come true. But she quickly realizes that not all change is positive. Her dad has a mysterious new girlfriend, Moura, who slowly drives a wedge between Jen and her father. Furthermore, Moura has an unusually strong—almost obsessive—interest in the antiques that fill the mansion, especially a beautiful glass globe that Jen finds hanging in a window. When Jens cat accidentally breaks the globe, which Moura calls a “witch catcher,” strange things begin to happen. . . .
An odd-looking girl wearing a torn dress appears, seemingly out of nowhere, and Mouras behavior becomes more sinister, leading Jen to believe that her father is a pawn in an evil scheme. Soon Jen finds herself caught in the midst of a supernatural war, with the fate of an enchanted race—and her family—at stake.
Inspired by the age-old legend of witch catchers, Mary Downing Hahn brings a magical cast of characters to life in this compelling fantasy adventure. Authors note.
About the Author
Mary Downing Hahn is the award-winning author of many popular ghost stories and mysteries, including Deep and Dark and Dangerous, The Old Willis Place, and Closed for the Season, which won the 2010 Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery. A former librarian, an avid reader, traveler, and all-around arts lover, Ms. Hahn lives in Columbia, Maryland with her two cats, Oscar and Rufus. www.MaryDowningHahnBooks.com