While completing a project for school, Becca Grey finds a distinct pattern in the lives of the women of her family tree. Since the 1730's in every generation, the second daughter of the first daughter has never lived a day past eighteen. Her cousin Elisabeth, just five at the time, is next in line to suffer the same fate. Her family has called it the 'Tilly Curse' after it's first known victim. Becca is determined to find the answer.