Bob Pastorella

As soon as Scarlett arrives at her dad’s Smoky Mountain cabin, two of the locals have been eaten alive by wasps. Of course, Scarlett is unaware of this. All she knows is mom checked herself into a hospital for some needed mental health care, and now Scarlett’s all alone with dad for the summer. Dad insists Scarlett get a job, so she snags a position at the local Stovetop Outfitters … anything to spend as much time away from him as possible.

After losing a bet, Professor Harper Grae finds herself on a tour of “haunted” locations in Monterey. A lifelong non-beliver in all things occult, Harper’s academic career is nonetheless devoted to the societal and historical significance of ghosts and witchcraft. Her skepticism is put to the test when the tour literally stumbles on the body of a local artist, Delilah Mason—found murdered on the grounds of the two-hundred-year-old infamous Perles mansion.

Caro is unsure of what to do with her life, so when an opportunity comes up that allows her to put grad school to use as a research assistant, she doesn’t hesitate. Plus she gets to spend time with her professor and lover, Edward Beck. Beck’s team are some of the best professionals and academics, all on an expedition descending into the deep sea caves to study the ancient sea-based Cult of the Leviathan.