While helping their father search for the "Ivory Idol, " Joe and Frank discover a connection between their current case at a carnival in town, a stuffed whale dug up at a local construction site, and the "Ivory Idol.".
When Ben tries to hide from bullies at a carnival, he is drawn into a sideshow that promises to make his dreams of popularity and good grades come true, if only he signs a contract agreeing to give up a few minutes of his time.
Two boys, best friends in a small midwestern town, finally come to understand that of all the terrors threatening them from Cooger and Dark's Pandemonium Shadow Show the greatest menance exists within themselves.