From the New York Times–bestselling author of the Gallagher Girls series. "A fast-paced thrill ride of a book . . . it's Batman meets Annie." —Stuart Gibbs, New York Times–bestselling author
April didn't mean to start the fire. She wasn't the one who broke the vase. April didn't ask to go live in a big, creepy mansion with a bunch of orphans who just don't understand that April isn't like them. After all, April's mother is coming back for her someday very soon.
All April has to do is find the clues her mother left inside the massive mansion. But Winterborne House is hiding more than one secret, so April and her friends are going to have to work together to unravel the riddle of a missing heir, a creepy legend, and a mysterious key before the only home they've ever known is lost to them forever.
"This is the kind of read that makes your soul sit up straight. At once a heart-wrenching tale of found family and a thrilling, atmospheric mystery that keeps you guessing at every page, Ally Carter's middle grade debut is a triumph. I loved April's character down to the barb wire wrapped around her heart, and I cheered for her journey and the extraordinary bravery required to open up to other people." —Roshani Chokshi, New York Times–bestselling author
"An adventure-filled read with a twisty mystery and spunky friendships. I loved it!" —Melissa de la Cruz, #1 New York Times–bestselling author
"An entertaining adventure with villains, heroes, and tantalizing mysteries galore." —Kirkus Reviews