They’re trapped at a creepy reform school full of monsters, mysteries, and mind control.

After a slight misunderstanding involving a horrible governess, oatmeal, and a jar of tadpoles, siblings Tobias and Charlotte Eggars find themselves abandoned by their father at the gates of a creepy reform school. Evil mysteries are afoot at Witherwood, where the grounds are patrolled by vicious creatures after dark and kids are locked in their rooms. Charlotte and Tobias soon realize that they are in terrible danger—especially because the head of Witherwood has perfected the art of mind control.

If only their amnesiac father would recover and remember that he has two missing children. If only Tobias and Charlotte could solve the dark mystery and free the kids at Witherwood—and ultimately save themselves.

“In this Snicketesque series opener, Skye (the Creature from My Closet series) crafts an imaginative, absorbing tale in which nothing is as it seems.” —Publishers Weekly

“This is a dark, fantastical adventure shrouded in mystery. . . . The fast-moving plot filled with clues will keep readers wondering and surprised at what comes next.” —School Library Journal

Obert Skye is the author and illustrator of the Creature from My Closet series: Wonkenstein, Potterwookiee, Pinocula, and Katfish. He has also written the bestselling children's fantasy adventure series Leven Thumps and Pillage. He currently lives indoors and near a thin, winding road with his family.