Age range 9 to 12

First Frost has touched Cape Fen, and that means Baron Dire has returned. For as long as anyone can remember, the baron has haunted the town, striking magical bargains and demanding unjust payment in return. Sisters Eliza and Winnie Serling know better than to bargain with Dire, lest they find themselves hunted by the Baron’s companion, the Wolf.

Then, without warning, the Wolf attacks Winnie. The Serling sisters manage to escape, but they know the Wolf will be back - the Wolf only hunts those who owe Baron Dire payment.

Eliza refuses to lose her sister. If she can learn the truth, she might be able to save Winnie. But learning the truth will put her own life in danger…

‘Atmospheric…this fabulist middle grade effectively employs a dream-fueled magic system that reckons with consequences.’ - Publishers Weekly

Teachers’ notes available here