Dr. Seth Herne (Doc) is a well known Cryptozoologist, a hunter of 'hidden creatures.' Jacey is his poor put upon assistant. Don Coyote is a misguided but sensitive soul who wanders across their path one sultry hot day in Tree, Texas. He also crosses the path of a murderer and stumbles upon the victims' bodies. The new sheriff, Jacey's Grandmother, asks them for help in discovering the killer's identity.

Along the way they encounter numerous and interesting residents and possible suspects of the town of Tree. They help the sheriff and end up putting their own lives at risk to stop the murderer and to find the notorious and elusive Jackalope. In the end Jacey learns a very important lesson: you can't judge a nut by its shell.