About the Book The story behind this book begins in 1876, when, the author, a widow from Washington Society, purchased the old South Mountain Inn in Maryland and transformed it into a private summer residence. Madeleine Dahlgren fell in love with South Mountain House and the fascinating local legends and lore of the surrounding townsfolk. Book Synopsis The story behind this book begins in 1876, when, the author, a widow from Washington Society, purchased the old South Mountain Inn in Maryland and transformed it into a private summer residence. Madeleine Dahlgren fell in love with South Mountain House and the fascinating local legends and lore of the surrounding townsfolk.