One hundred years prior to the events of The Clackity, four best friends are drawn into a deadly scheme when they set out to investigate the strange disappearances taking place in the eerie town of Blight Harbor in this “compelling and imaginative” (Kirkus Reviews) middle grade adventure.

It’s June of 1921 and best friends Mae, Lark, Brigid, and Claret have plans for the perfect summer. Between riding their bikes to the enchanted lake and decorating their fort for its resident ghost, the girls are a busy bunch. But when they discover a door in the forest floor that leads to an alternate world with purple skies and fearsome creatures, everything takes a turn for the worse.

Someone else has already been through that door, and it’s triggered something incredibly dangerous. Maybe deadly.

Back in Blight Harbor, strange disappearances are taking place. The most worrisome being that of Brigid’s cousin, who has been spending an awful lot of time with the unusual and untrustworthy John Jeffrey Pope. As the girls uncover the eerie world that lives right beneath their feet, will they find their missing friend, or will the most treacherous man in Blight Harbor get to them first?

"* “[O]utstanding . . . . Fans will be elated to see this extension of the Blight Harbor world, but prior knowledge is not necessary; lucky new readers will likely be excited that there is more to experience from this world."" - September 2025

"Returning fans will enjoy references to the books, but no prior knowledge is required for new readers to enter this haunted world, which comes to life through Senf’s rich, atmospheric writing. The spooks offer high stakes that are framed in a way that’s appropriate for the target audience. Above all, the sisterhood among the girls is touching and feels believably nuanced, highlighting bonds that only time and trust can forge. Cáceres’ eerie black-and-white illustrations appear throughout, helping to bring scenes to life and matching the tone of the story . . . . A compelling and imaginative bookend to a strong series." - August 2025