The idea of an entire family disappearing off the face of the earth both scared and fascinated thirteen-year-old Curt Richardson. From the first time he learned about the mystery of "Oblivion," he wanted desperately to solve it. He learned all he could about the Farnsworth family, the owners of "Oblivion," from old newspapers and from anyone in Adirondack Lake who would talk to him about the family's strange fate. But the newspapers told him only so much, and the people told him even less, so strong was their fear of "The Taker," the ancient man who guarded and cared for the grounds of "Oblivion." Frustrated, Curt finally decided that he must go himself into "Oblivion" and explore it, delve into the secrets it held, and if he must, face its terrors. But when the bleak stone walls of the manor towered over him and his two friends, Mattie and Mew, and its dark windows glared down at them, Curt's courage wavered. Dare he enter "Oblivion," and if he entered, would he be able to unravel its mystery or would he simply vanish as those before him had?