Blair Alden, scientist and professor, is beginning to feel his mortality. Now in his early fifties, Dr. Alden finds himself increasingly in need of assurance regarding the prospect of an afterlife. A life-long pragmatist, his logical, practical, science-based mindset is in direct opposition to the metaphysical basis of the work by which he is increasingly compelled. Pacifying internal objections with assurances that his work is of a purely scientific nature, Alden assembles a team and begins research he hopes will lead to, if not irrefutable proof of an afterlife, at least a reassuringly strong suggestion of its existence. Answering a seemingly innocent ad leads Vonde Prescott to a terrifying and inexplicable encounter with Darkwood Manor. Her experience forms the basis upon which Alden is brought into the story, and serves as the focus by which a fast-paced series of events is given to unfold. "Darkwood" is highly visual in nature, and plays in the mind like a movie. The story builds and generates strong suspense until culminating in an astonishing ending.