"The Cry at Midnight" by Mildred A. Wirt is a mystery novel written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around Penny Parker, a spirited and inquisitive high school girl who, along with her friend Louise, becomes entwined in a series of mysterious events surrounding an old monastery. As the girls ski near the Abbington Monastery, they encounter a suspicious atmosphere, strange screams, and intriguing characters that lead Penny to investigate a potential cult that has taken residence in the monastery. At the start of the story, Penny and her friend Jerry enjoy a night of skiing and camaraderie before encountering the eerie Abbington Monastery. After hearing a chilling scream emanating from the building, Penny’s curiosity is piqued, driving her to investigate despite her friend Louise's apprehensions. They meet a deformed gatekeeper who warns them off, but Penny's journalistic instincts compel her to probe deeper into the activities at the monastery. The opening chapters establish the setting and backdrop of mystery and suspense, introducing characters like Father Benedict, who leads the group residing there, hinting at darker secrets to be uncovered as the plot unfolds. (This is an automatically generated summary.)