This is the story of Charlie Laird, a boy who has dealt with his share of nightmares in the real world-- most notably the loss of his mother to cancer. Now his father is remarried and he, his brother, and his father and new stepmother are living in the old purple mansion that has stood in their town for as long as anyone can remember. Charlie is convinced that Charlotte DeChant, his new "stepmonster" is trying to take his father and brother from him, and he's beginning to believe she may be a witch! When Charlie starts having nightmares on a nightly basis-- recurring nightmares that he can't seem to wake from--he begins to believe that there is definitely a sinister power in his house, and he's pretty sure his stepmother has something to do with it. I ended up really liking the story of this book and its messages, and could see how it would be favored by kids, but I have to admit that I struggled with the beginning of this book.... It was definitely a dark and depressing start that told of all the difficult times Charlie was having, and I found myself tiring of the sadness. Fortunately, I stuck with it, and was very pleased I did. I would warn my young readers that this book is one they might have to "hang in with" until the excitement and "fun" begins. I'm interested to see what the sequel is like.