How It Happened in Peach Hill

the long version

Annie's mother has special powers.Annie's mother is a master at drawing out secrets.Annie's mother is the one and only, the irresistible Madam Caterina.Annie and her mother come to Peach Hill, the latest in a string of towns where Mama sets herself up as a spiritual adviser who can put people in contact with the "dearly departed." Fifteen-year-old Annie is Mama's invisible secret weapon--she gathers important information about clients by pretending to be an idiot. After all, people will say anything in front of an idiot.But Annie isn't invisible, she's smart as a whip, and she longs to break out of this role and into a real life with friends and school. Annie may be under Mama's spell--but not for long.From the Hardcover edition.