Holly is an established writer who arrives in the little town of Eldingshire to visit her godfather Herman after her parents' funeral. She notices that the little town is very close-knit and everyone knows everything (about everyone!). While trying to have some sense of integrity, she also tries to be polite, and while doing so, she finds out about Sheila - a peculiar little teenage girl who lives next door.
The entire town seems to despise Sheila's family, and Holly is about to uncover something dark about the family while she also wants to protect Sheila. The two become close - so close that Sheila opens up about what's happening, only to pull Holly into something evil... And there is nobody to ask for help! Or... Can she find a solution where she least expects it? And what will it cost?