When Miss Culley and her entire staff vanished without trace from Neddingfield Hall, Hester Frobisher was certain she could solve the mystery on her own and find her great-aunt. However, her cousin, the Earl of Waverly, thought differently, so she was obliged to accept his help. With Ralph, a formidable veteran of the Peninsular Wars at her side, she was convinced they would make an invincible team.However, sinister forces are working to lure the two, and those around them, towards their deaths. No-one at Neddingfield is safe. Is it ghosts, or something far more dangerous that seeks to destroy them? Will Hester's quick wits and Ralph's courage be enough to save them all?