The Boxcar Children decide to investigate when it begins to appear that the Blackwells, new neighbors who have decorated their front gate with spiders, have something to hide.
When the Aldens visit Yellowstone they discover a map showing the way to an old cabin where gold is supposedly hidden, but they encounter lots of interference in their attempts to hike the trail.
When they take their dog, Watch, for obedience training, the Alden children discover that some of the dogs in the class have vanished and decide to try to solve the mystery of their disappearance.
When their favorite pizza restaurant almost goes out of business, the Alden children try to help their friends stay open while they find out who is behind all their problems.
The Alden children suspect that the other guests are somehow involved when things begin to disappear at the bed and breakfast where they are staying in Washington, D.C.