Cool Rider is a sequel to Fix-It Wizard. Both involve main character Zack Newton. He and his family and friends experience high adventure in a small town set in central Washington State during the 1930's. Zack is an enterprising teen who has had the great good fortune to acquire full title to an electronic repair shop located in the family garage. The small business was developed by a talented hobo. The Newton family befriended him and gave him a start. When the hobo returns to his family, Zack takes over, becomes close to a classmate, Liddy and a neighbor Abner. Abner gives Zack a used motorcycle in gratitude for training him to work in the shop. For a history assignment, Liddy rides with Zack to an abandoned copper mine. While there, they are tracked by an escaped murderer who tries to kill them. Zack draws the convict into the woods, away from Liddy, who has fallen down a mine shaft. The action becomes intense before Zack and Liddy's problems are resolved.