A tantalizing tale of suspense and family secrets that weaves Victorian ghost stories into the present--where they start to come true Timid, solitary librarian Gerard Freeman lives for just two things: his elusive pen pal Alice and a story he found hidden in his mother's drawer years ago. Written by his great-grandmother Viola, it hints at his mother's role in a sinister crime. And as he discovers more of Viola's chilling tales, he realizes that they might hold the key to finding Alice and unveiling his family's mystery--or will they bring him the untimely death they seem to foretell? Harwood's astonishing, assured debut shows us just how dangerous family skeletons--and stories--can be.