Belladonna Johnson can see ghosts. Itâs a trait sheâs inherited from her motherâs side of the family, like blue eyes or straight hair. And itâs a trait she could do without, because what twelve-year-old wants to be caught talking to someone invisible? It is convenient, though, after Belladonnaâs parents are killed in a car accident. They can live with her the same as always, watching the same old TV shows in their same old house. Nothing has changed . . . until everything changes.
One night, with no warning, they vanish into thin airâalong with every other ghost in the world. Itâs what some people think ghosts are supposed to do, but Belladonna knows itâs all wrong. They may not be living, but theyâre not supposed to be gone.
With the help of her classmate Steve, a master of sneaking and spying, Belladonna is left to uncover whatâs become of the spirits and to navigate a whole world her parents have kept well-hidden. If she canât find her way, sheâll lose them againâthis time for good.