Murphy starts the novel with the Hobarts eating leftovers for dinner in their New York City apartment called "The Pits." As Barney dreams about moving out west, Ace's mother, Flo, refuses to consider the idea. Yet, as Ace tells the readers right from the start, this conversation seems to happen whenever they have leftovers. This everyday setting quickly evolves into the entertaining twists and turns characteristic of Murphy's novels.

Murphy takes a slightly different approach in this third book of the series. Written without coauthor Judie Wolkoff, Murphy moves the scenery away from New York City and the gang and, instead, centers the action deep in the journey out west where Ace and Barney become deeply involved in Indian culture. The action takes place over a five-week summer vacation.

Ace and Barney experience significant events that alter the Hobarts' life forever.

As the adventures unfold, readers experience Ace's...