Joe Aplon is heading for the small town of Riverton. He hopes to begin his job as a reporter at the local newspaper. He is also interested to see what his late great-aunt, Betty, has left him in her will. He is in for a number of surprises, not least among them, a dog named Rover, and a house in which to live. Then he meets some of the local people and becomes curious about rumours and fears. Rover is always at his side!