Part One: Come Together, Chapters 1-5 Summary

The Witching Hour is a novel about generations of the Mayfair family, of which Rowan is the thirteenth. The family is extremely rich, but steeped in mystery and strange events. When Rowan discovers her history, she must choose whether to help the spirit Lasher or find a way to destroy it.

In Chapter One, Dr. Petrie meets Aaron Lightner, and begins thinking about Deirdre Mayfair, a patient of his from New Orleans from long ago. Aaron encourages Dr. Petrie to share his ghost story, and Dr. Petrie finally agrees. Dr. Petrie's story is an introduction to the setting and the Mayfair family. He talks with Deirdre's nurse and her aunt, Miss Nancy, about Deirdre's tragic condition. Miss Nancy warns Dr. Petrie about strange things at that house. Dr. Petrie discovers two of his...