A friendly writer with a metal detector, the mysterious inhabitants of a tower house, and the discovery of a locket in the sand are ingredients for the Aldens' latest mystery.

"Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny are brothers and sisters. They're orphans too, and the only way they can stay together is to make it on their own. When the children find an abandoned boxcar in the woods, they decide to call it home--and become the Boxcar Children!"-- Provided by publisher.

The Boxcar Children have been choosen to compete against another team to look for clues on a game show.

"The Aldens spend the summer on Grandfather's island! Joe, the island's friendly handyman, helps them with anything they need, but as the children continue to explore their summer home, they realize there is more to the island--and to their new friend--than meets the eye"-- Provided by publisher.

Four orphaned children, afraid to go live with their grandfather, set up housekeeping in an abandoned boxcar and are doing fine until one of them becomes ill.