Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennigton-Jones can't wait to start boarding school. When she arrives at Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies, the adventure begins - only not quite as Alice-Miranda expects.

Miss Grimm, the headmistress, is nowhere to be seen and a mysterious stranger seems to be hiding out on the premises.

Some girls are mean and spoiled, like Alethea Goldsworthy. Can Alice-Miranda defeat Alethea in one of three difficult tests she must pass to remain at school? Will she discover Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale's big secret and make things right? Well, if anyone can, it's Alice-Miranda!