Helga is the name that ten-year-old Jordan has given the old lady who lives down the street from her in a spooky and ugly basement house surrounded by tall grasses and weeds. Helga is just plain scary, but what is even more frightening is that Jordan is the only one carrying a horrible secret. She is convinced Helga is a witch. When Jordan discovers her cousin Lori is coming for a visit, she is relieved that she finally has someone to confide in. When Lori arrives, Jordan tells her all about the terrifying things that have been happening on her street-the strange colors glowing through Helga's tiny window and pouring out of her chimney and the enormous yellow eyes that always seem to be watching her. Even though Lori does not believe in witches, she does believe in bad people and wants to put Jordan's fears to rest. But first, she needs proof.
Lori's curiosity and Jordan's determination drive the two girls to risk everything to get a closer look at Helga. As they hide in Helga's yard, they encounter mischievous animals, a black beast, scary voices, and most surprisingly, the real truth about the old woman in the dark house.