The "Prologue" of Once Upon a Dark November sets the stage with a chilling image: a terrified child, locked away in an attic closet as punishment by an aunt seemingly oblivious to the trauma she inflicted. The child's identity remains shrouded in mystery, but as the story leaps thirty-five years into the future with the start of Chapter One, it becomes clear that the shadow of that confined space lingers in the adult’s memory.

Katie, a spirited fourteen-year-old, harbors a secret affection for her English teacher, Mr. Herron. Twice a week, she offers her help to his wife with household chores. But when Mrs. Herron's enigmatic Cousin Martin arrives for a visit, she ominously predicts that his presence will only lead to trouble. Katie's curiosity is piqued when she discovers that Martin's suitcase is devoid of belongings, like the empty drawers in his guest room. He appears as if from nowhere, offering no clues about the duration of his stay. Katie finds herself sharing in Mrs. Herron’s unease. The air of suspense thickens when Katie’s neighbor is murdered and she becomes an unexpected witness, placing her life in peril. This gripping novel races forward with its brisk, tension-filled chapters, keeping readers on edge.