During the summer of 1944, World War 2 hits close to home for Sarabeth, Chet and Bro, when they suspect a neighboring farmer is a Nazi spy. Eager to do anything to help end the war and hasten the return of a Marine brother, fighting in the Pacific, they begin an investigation. Media of that period—radio, newspapers, movies—and bond rallies urged children to partake in the war effort.

The caper turns into a series of frightful mishaps as the children create their own web of deceptions. When tragedy strikes, war is no longer a game and they are forced to accept its reality. They discover patriotism combined with faulty ideas can yield alarming results. It's amazing what you believe when you think you're right, Chet muses. Their adventure is resolved when they recognize people of different backgrounds must share the burdens of war.

This story provides insight into the values and culture of World War 2. Today’s readers can empathize with the mutual concerns that confronted children during the wartime atmosphere of that era. For children, the misfortunes of war are relevant with every generation.