How It Happened in Peach Hill

Annie's mother has special powers.

Annie's mother is a master at drawing out secrets.

Annie's mother is the one and only, the irresistible Madam Caterina.

Annie and her mother come to Peach Hill, the latest in a string of towns where Mama sets herself up as a spiritual adviser who can put people in contact with the "dearly departed." Fifteen-year-old Annie is Mama's invisible secret weapon—she gathers important information about clients by pretending to be an idiot. After all, people will say anything in front of an idiot.

But Annie isn't invisible, she's smart as a whip, and she longs to break out of this role and into a real life with friends and school. Annie may be under Mama's spell—but not for long.

Marthe Jocelyn has published novels and picture books for young readers. This is her first book for Wendy Lamb Books. She lives in New York City.