Exploring the hills near his house, Richard sees an odd drawing and hears eerie sounds: "vratch, vratch." Is a strange animal hiding in the sagebrush, or is it Richard's imagination? What's the matter with Richard's new dog? And why is that creepy scientist Dr. MacNary so interested in him? By the time Richard learns the answers, only he can save his beloved hills?and the vratches.

Beatrice Gormley is the author of many popular novels and biographies for young people. Most recent books: Barack Obama: Our 44th President; Pope Francis: The People's Pope; and John McCain, An American Hero.
Other books include Back to the Titanic! and Amelia Earhart, Young Aviator.

Beatrice lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Robert Gormley, and their cat.