Stanley Darrow isn't sure what to expect when the mysterious Mr. Gedrick appears on his doorstep. He is certain, however, that his family could use Mr. Gedrick s help: Their lives and their house have been a mess since Stanley's dad died.

Twelve-year-old Alexa and her companions unwittingly lead Abaddon, now in the form of an enormous, horrible sea monster, to the secret community known as the Five Stone Pillars when they go to bring the people living there home.

When thirteen-year-old Alexa embarks on a mysterious quest, she finds her old friends Yipes the little man, Murphy the squirrel, Odessa the wolf, and Squire the hawk have been designated to help her.

"Twelve-year-old Alexa Daley is looking forward to spending another summer in Bridewell with her father. She wants to explore the maze of rooms and passages in the old lodge where they stay each year. She's also eager to solve the mystery of what lies beyond the immense walls that were built to keep out an unnamed evil that lurks in the forest."--Cover [p. 4].