"Professor Childermass's brother Peregrine has left behind a huge inheritance a mansion, ten million dollars, and a cryptic riddle that might save the world from a madman. The only catch is that the professor must stay on the estate up in Maine for the entire summer. Johnny Dixon and his friend Fergie decide to come along to keep the professor company, but little do they know the dangerous magic that awaits them there. As they try to decode the strange rhyme in Peregrine's will, a powerful force is circling ever closer. Will they solve the mystery in time? Will the madman stay one step ahead of them? Who will help them save the world from destruction?"--Provided by publisher.