The quaint resort town of Warner Pier, Michigan, is abuzz with preparations for the Fourth of July. Things are going swimmingly for Lee McKinney and her aunt Nettie, as they debut their latest confections at TenHuis Chocolade-- chocolate frogs, fish, and lizards of all sizes. The first customer to buy a chocolate croaker is the town crank, Hershel Perkins--only minutes after having a public altercation in the post office with Lee's boyfriend, Joe Woodyard. Lee and Joe are planning a romantic cruise up the Warner River in an antique wooden boat, but their plans are smashed when Hershel's canoe, the Toadfrog, is found half submerged near Joe's boat shop. Hershel has disappeared--and the police presume foul play. Joe seems the most likely suspect, but Lee thinks he's being framed. And it's a chocolate clue that leads her to the killer....