About the Author

Robert Beatty lives in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, with his wife and three daughters. He writes full-time now, but in his past lives he wa sone of the pioneers of cloud computing, the founder/CEO of Plex Systems, the co-founder of Beatty Robotics, and the CTO and chairman ofNarrativemagazine.

Reviews

"Beatty spins an enchanting mystery through lonely Serafina's golden eyes. Each new clue adds another brush stroke to this keenly perceptive portrait of a young girl searching for answers about herself and the world around her. The book leaves readers satisfied with the plot but hungry for more about its unusual heroine. Adults and children will eagerly follow Serafina from the basement into a world of self-discovery, justice, and new friendships."--Kirkus

"The story drips with suspense, wrapping readers into the narrative just as easily as the man in the black cloak binds his young victims. Serafina's friendship with Braeden is heartfelt and believable... mystery fans will enjoy this book."--School Library Journal

"An entrancing historical, mystery thriller, Beatty tells the story through Serafina's searching and inner dialogue. A finely detailed setting, strong characterization, rich foreshadowing, and haunting imagery, all work to build suspense throughout."--SLC

"Serafina narrates with an engaging voice that draws the reader into her world. The setting is just as engaging: the Biltmore drips with opulence and the surrounding forest with sufficient eeriness... Serafina has enough mystery and fantasy (with a fair amount of creepiness) to satisfy young readers."--Historical Novel Society

"Serafina's quest to understand herself and her unknown family history, along with some truly creepy moments and imagery... makes for an eerie historical mystery."--Publishers Weekly

"The chills and adventure will... surely please."--Booklist

"The vast estate with a haunted past and a creepy present makes for an atmospheric setting, and Serafina's multiple narrow escapes from her enemy are absolutely thrilling. Serafina herself is an enchanting heroine, brave and determined, and her attraction to the dark forest adds another layer of suspense and mystery."--BCCB

Accolades2017-2018 Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice List, selectionGeek Dad: Stack Overflow, 54 Book Recommendations for Middle Schoolers, selection