It was late spring, time for quaintly quiet Feather Island off the coast of Maine to release its yearly dreams of challenge found within the souls of its young teens. For "almost fourteen"-year-old Tad Callant and Lance Dieter it was time to be "first in" nude at the pond, to compete for the title of king on the rotting timbers of the ancient wharf down front. Suddenly time stood still as unusual nightmares slithered into reality in homes, hearts, and families. Deaths and puzzles had followed threats made by strange Dr. Banville from his mysterious mansion on the southern bluff. It was time for Tad and Lance to understand what was happening as they awaited news about their fathers. It was time to meet unbelievable odds with the strong determination only teens can put forth blindly, and on occasion, successfully. It was time to include Tad's psychic younger brother and even a girl.