Alice Hoffman weaves a dark web of mystery and real-world magic in the small town of Haddan, Massachussetts. With a few beams of sunshine through-out, this novel reads like a modern-day gothic.

Carlin, a poor young (but of course, beautiful!) teen, lands a scholarship to the prestigious Haddan School through her determination and swimming abilibity. Haddan is a small boarding school for the elite families of the east coast and outsiders are definitely not welcome. She befriends Gus, a charmingly geeky boy whom everyone is determined to either hate or be annoyed by. Things get out of hand at Haddan School, when some serious bullying has a horrific result.

The story intertwines mysteries from Haddan School's past, romance of teachers, an interesting police detective with a record of his own; and beauty which can be found, even in the darkest of times.

And even when it seems some kids can get away with murder, they never really get away.