When an eccentric relative's legacy uproots the Vinton family from San Francisco to a small rural community, shy Lori hates leaving her friends and dreads starting junior high with a bunch of strangers. Nine-year-old Alex thinks living in a creepy old house is an adventure straight out of Detective Domino, his favorite cartoon show. Is Casa Madera really haunted? Did someone break into the cellar to search for hidden treasure? Who locked Lori in the attic? Fire breaks out, and everyone realizes that there is more at work than Alex's overactive imagination.