Eileen Connelly was the first child of Irish immigrants Samus and Brigid Connelly born in the United States. She began reading and writing at a young age, being taught by her father, who managed a print shop in New York City. By the age of 6 she was corresponding regularly with her paternal grandmother and namesake, Maura, who still resided in Ireland.

Ellie's first paranormal experience occurred at age 7. While walking through Washington Park in Manhattan with her brother Aidan one afternoon, she was approached by an elderly woman who smiled at the children, gently touched young Ellie's hair, and promptly disappeared into thin air.

Upon returning home they recounted the story to their parents, describing the old woman's behavior and appearance. Their description so matched Samus' mother that he was compelled to write and tell her. Several days later a telegraph arrived in New York informing the family that the elder Maura had passed away in her sleep the very same day of Ellie's encounter with the old woman. Ellie became convinced that the old woman was the spirit of the grandmother whom she had never met, sparking an interest in the Spiritual beliefs of the day.

Ellie began purposefully seeking out ghostly apparitions and metaphysical phenomena, detailing her explorations in a series of articles for various newspapers and journals. Popular interest in her work eventually spurred her to create her own periodical, One Step Beyond: A Journal of the Bizarre. By the age of 24 she was a successful and independent woman, and her authority on the subjects of all things esoteric put her in high regard around the world.

Henry Button was born to a French family in the neighborhoods of Detroit, Michigan. Henry was the middle child, growing up with three brothers and a younger sister. While his brothers all followed their father's example by enlisting in military service, Henry was predisposed to artistic pursuits, and left home in 1886 to study at the Art Students League of New York. He became apprenticed at the New York Times, where he honed his etching skills and learned the trade of typesetting.

He became familiar with Ellie Connelly's writings while living in New York, and left his position at the Times in early 1892 to work for her full-time as her typesetter, layout designer, and illustrator of her fanciful stories and adventures in her Journal. Henry is blessed with a near-photographic memory, a gift which Miss Connelly takes advantage of by bringing Henry along with her to help document her investigations.

Though Henry remains a skeptic about paranormal and mystical activity, his romantic temper leaves him wanting to believe there is magic in the world. Henry is compelled by his natural curiosity, and inspired by Miss Connelly's determination, to continue searching with her for answers and truths wherever - and whatever - they may be. If Henry has a weakness, it would have to be his appetite. He credits his French blood for his intense love of food, especially rich desserts, cheeses and wine. He is an amateur gourmet, and is always on the lookout for new recipes from far-away lands.