Excitement over a beloved neighbor's birthday has St. Grimald Priory trembling on its foundation. Then again, that can be because of a number of other things, too.Like, one, a new mystery surrounding old dolls appearing and disappearing at will in a gloomy tower house. Two, the distant rumblings of family drama following Freddy's heartfelt letter to his parents. Three, the sudden appearance of a mysterious ghost who knocks on the front door incessantly....

The winter months finally give way to the promise of spring. Likewise, St. Grimald Priory's residents emerge from the shadows of a dreary winter to face the world-or, in this case, Hoary Plimpton-with hope and excitement. But the living aren't the only ones determined to enjoy the shifting seasons. A new ghost encroaches on the tranquility of the priory grounds, intent on offending the cats and attacking every person who still breathes with prayers...

The dust never really settles in a haunted priory, and Prudence Honeysett learns that valuable lesson all too quickly. An idyllic stretch of quiet passes following the disaster in the priory's garden, and normalcy hints at a return with the final stages of the priory grounds' beautification and the upgrading of the interior with newly purchased antiques and - well - "antiques". Trouble once again brews when Prudence and Frederick go on a shopping...