Ellen Potter is very much looking forward to her new life as head of English at St. Barnabas, an all-girls boarding school on the isolated Northumberland Coast. But when she stumbles upon the diary of a Victorian maid who lived and worked at the former Alderley Manor, a sinister tale of life at the once-stately home unfolds. As Ellen finds herself drawn deeper into the young maid's story, so strange things begin to happen at the school. Things reminiscent of Ellen's previous encounter with the unknown. When one of her pupils confesses to witnessing terrifying events, Ellen is convinced that the schoolhouse is indeed haunted. Worse yet, she comes to fear the child is in danger from malevolent spirits intent on doing her harm. Should Ellen pursue her quest of seeking justice for the long-dead servant? Or does she risk stirring up echoes of things best left buried? Could awakening the dormant horrors within Alderley Manor bring grave danger to both Ellen and her pupil?