Book excerpt: 12-year-old twins Frankie and Tracy Considine are excited to be moving to Leams, Massachusetts to live in their grandmother's beautiful old house. Typical brother and sister, they're always fighting, pummeling each other and playing tricks. With their mutual thirteenth birthday looming near, Tracy and Frankie have much to look forward to--or so they believe. When their beloved dog, Muffin, disappears, they begin to wonder if this was the right move after all. Tracy's friend, Carol, is distant, odd--but she did just turn 13, so perhaps that's all it is. Tracy hears strange sounds coming from the woods, but everyone insists it's her imagination, and Frankie teases her mercilessly about it. Bizarre events begin to occur: Girlfriends turn up with frightening tattoos; a young boy abruptly disappears; a fortuneteller warns her that those she most trusts are not to be trusted. Tracy rationalizes away all her doubts, eagerly looking forward to her 13th birthday party. Frankie learns about Leams' unusual, horrifying history and realizes his sister's life is in danger. He must save her--and himself--from what is destined to happen. Will Tracy and Frankie escape their fate, or will they be the next victims of the town's tragic curse?