"The first time I read this book, I was so frightened I hid under the bed--and read it again."--Lemony Snicket

Gwen doesn't want to admit that everything has been different since her mom died. There's no time for all these feelings now that she has her younger brother and twin sisters to look after. Especially not after the move into their late grandmother's creaky old house on a tiny, damp island where someone--or something--is waiting for them.

Esme Laverne. Gwen isn't fooled by the beautiful babysitter with the hungry eyes and too-sharp teeth, even though everyone else is. How does no one notice the sinister threats beneath her sickly sweet words? It quickly becomes clear that if Gwen wants Esme gone, she'll have to handle it herself.

In order to protect her family, Gwen will have to fight off terrifying creatures and literal nightmares come to life. But as rot begins to eat away at the house's walls and Esme's power grows, Gwen must face everything she's been running from and embrace what she's truly scared of before she can defeat the monster in her home . . . for good.