Josh Watkins, aged 14 lives a quiet life with his uncle on a farm. They grow rhubarb and a few turnips and Josh has hardly a care in the world. His father is away most of the time on mysterious and probably illegal business. His money-grubbing grandmother keeps him busy with useless chores up at the old house until things go terribly wrong. His grandmother dies and leaves him a fortune in cash, bonds and real estate. Then his troubles begin and he finds himself in danger.