Cathleen Claussenius

The Invisible Staircase Cathleen Claussenius

A middle-grade coming-of-age novel for readers ages 11-12, but so relatable and multi-layered, it will appeal to adult readers as well.

A modern classic of friendship and loss, and the deeper question, if magic exists, will I allow it into my life?



Twelve-year-old Thea has had a rotten year. Her dad is dead-shot by a mysterious intruder-and Thea suspects Uncle Ray has something to do with it.

Then a strange dream impels Thea, her best friend, and her little brother to sneak out in the middle of the night to search for an invisible staircase in the old willow tree in the garden behind Thea's deceased grandmother's house.

Their adventure takes a dangerous turn when they discover a dark figure in the driveway tossing crumpled paper into the crawlspace under the house and setting it on fire.

Is it Uncle Ray? The children get in way over their heads when they decide to find out!