On a living-history farm, Nancy, her friend Bess, and her cousin George are anxious to work with the other workers who dress in colonial period clothing. They will be working at a special festival and will be assigned particular stations. Strange things are happening at the farm and Nancy reminds Bess, George, and friends Amy and Cory that they are there to gather information and investigate why someone is trying to close down the farm. Guests have seen the lantern lady ghost on one or more hayrides. The atmosphere of the living-history museum lends itself to understanding what living was like in 1830. The mystery, suspense and spooky scenes keep the reader interested and trying to guess who wants the farm shut down and why.