Wolf Castle is an eerily beautiful castle settled on the Pacific coast of California. Built by an eccentric Baron who dabbled as a naturalist and scientist, it has seen its share of tragedies. The old Baron died in a mysterious fire, and the young wife of the current Baron, Gregor von Reiner, died unexpectedly only a year ago. Wanting his son, Tom, to have a proper education and some womanly influence, the Baron sends his solicitor to England to find a suitable governess. Lavinia Fergusson Cathcart is a beautiful, red-haired, high-spirited young woman who is ready for whatever adventures wait for her in the year 1899. A trip to another country is just the sort of new life she wants. Lavinia finds the brooding chill of Wolf Castle somewhat intimidating, and the reaction to her presence in her first days is unnerving. The Baron goes pale when he sees her, Tom's cousin Paul-really his mother's cousin-almost attacks her, and the servants seem wary. But her pupil, Tom, is a lovely boy, She identifies with his loss because she too has lost parents. The mysteries of the castle, the tensions between the Baron, the staff, and the dashing and intriguing Cousin Paul are disturbing. Lavinia begins to feel that her life depends on finding out the secrets the castle holds before the wolves come out.