Life in Arkoal, Arkansas, is centered around coal mining in the early 1900s. Young boys and men are expected to work in the Piney Creek mine to provide for their families. The danger in the deep mine shafts has taken the lives of many over the years. Mine bosses do little to ensure the safety of the workers and care even less about what might happen to them, just as long as the mine stays working.

With Sugarloaf Mountain in the background, best friends Kenny, Davy, and Ned find or make adventures at school, church, and all around the small town in south Sebastian County. There is mischief to be made and mysteries to solve.

With the threat of unionizing the coal mines, lives change quickly for everyone in Arkoal. Disaster, strikes, murders, and fighting turn this little-known town into front-page news, meaning that Kenny, Davy, and Ned have to grow up quickly in the wake.