1945. The war is over but Beth Breddlingstone is dejected and lonely. Her best friend, Tibby, has set sail for her new home in Australia, leaving Beth to face the constant teasing of her older brothers, twins Tom and Peter. On the day before her eleventh birthday, Beth has an alarming encounter with the eccentric Miss Barter, the owner of a large and secluded house known locally as Mystery Court. Suddenly life becomes far more interesting... An unlikely friendship develops between the two but Beth is perplexed. Is Miss Barter, with her knowledge of herbs and potions, a witch? Why does the beautiful Dandelion Lady stand in the centre of the maze in the garden of The Court? As Beth begins to unravel the secrets of this mysterious house, she faces great danger. Does she have the courage to win through?