What do an ancient Greek philosopher, a nineteenth century sea captain and a twentieth century architect have in common? That's what twelve-year-old Alice Lee and her twin brother Dexter want to find out. Together, they have spent their lives following their archaeologist parents from one university to another throughout Europe and the Middle East. Now Alice finds herself facing a new life in a Midwestern college town. The prospect seems frighteningly ordinary, until she and Dex encounter their new home, the strange old house called Aurealana. Discovering a riddle hidden inside, the twins find themselves in a race to solve a series of intricate puzzles planted years before by the house's former owner. But a secret opponent who understands more than they do also wants the prize at the end-and the closer that Alice and Dex get to solving the last puzzle, the more dangerous the race becomes.