The way Jim Qwilleran sees it, there's nothing worse than being left high and dry. But that's exactly where he's been ever since a record-breaking drought hit Moose County. He's bedraggled. Beleaguered. And, following a rash of fires at local historic mine sites, deeply bewildered. Some blame the blazes on bad weather conditions, but Qwill's thinking arson. And when a mysterious explosion is followed by a blood-chilling murder, he starts seriously praying for snow--and answers. Good thing Koko can smell trouble a mile away