When Peter Dusting and his friend Roger stumble upon a crime scene, they find themselves the primary suspects in a murder investigation. Peter, a boy who previously avoided girls, finds his life complicated by a budding romance with Phoebe Drake and a rivalry with an insect-collecting classmate named Gilbert. The narrative follows the boys as they attempt to clear their names while navigating the social pressures of adolescence. The story maintains a lighthearted, fast-paced tone as the protagonists balance teenage angst with the gravity of being pursued by the police.

Readers frequently highlight the humorous tone and the lighthearted approach to what would otherwise be a dark premise. Discussion often centers on the effectiveness of the banter between the two main characters, which provides a consistent source of entertainment throughout the narrative. Critics note that the book successfully balances the tension of a murder mystery with the relatable awkwardness of teenage romance. The pacing is generally described as brisk, ensuring that the reader remains engaged with the unfolding plot until the final reveal.