Fifteen-year-old Pete Jenkins and his three summer friends visit the nearby Round Island Lighthouse after crossing the turbulent water of Lake Huron in their tiny dingy.  After exploring the island they return to find their picnic basket turned upside down and a warning message in their boat.
The threat on their lives only heightens their curiosity and leads them on the trail of dangerous thieves.
Along the way the four friends discover a side of Mackinac Island that goes beyond fudge and horses—-and eventually leads them into life-threatening danger.