While camping near Indian Creek, Matt and his best friend, Parker, get up early to see if they can spot a blue heron. Instead, they find the body of a dead man floating in the clear water.

At the same time, they notice someone standing on a nearby bridge. He quickly walks away, but not before Parker recognizes him as George Evans, owner of a local antique shop. Does Evans have a connection with the dead man? Parker is certain that he does, mainly because Evans is dating Parker's mother, and Parker dislikes the man intensely. Matt isn't so sure, but he begins to change his mind after he and Parker spy on the couple at the antique shop.

Determined to prove Evans' guilt, Parker persuades a reluctant Matt to join him one night in exploring the shop. There they stumble on the scary secret of the antique dolls that Parker's mother has been repairing. But before they can get out of the shop with the evidence, two cars pull into the parking lot. What will the two boys do now?

From the first page on, young readers will be involved with headstrong Parker and cautious Matt who -- when things get tense -- discovers he's a lot braver than he thought.