In the sweltering, sassy summer of 1903 Baton Rouge, ten-year-old Tobias "Bayou Buster" Boudreaux is a pint-sized detective with shoe pockets, a squirrel whistle, and a knack for getting into other people's business.

When the neighborhood's prized pot of crawfish mysteriously vanishes from Miss Delphine's backyard, Buster and his sidekick Clovis launch an investigation packed with mud, mischief, and molasses lies. As they dig into the case, the clues point to candy shop girls, goat-riding boys, and even the town sheriff-but nothing adds up until they stumble on a secret that claws deeper than they ever imagined.

Turns out, this isn't just a case of stolen seafood.

It's a full-blown crawfish rebellion.

With the help of a swamp-dwelling tracker, a rebellious crustacean general, and the most dramatic showdown ever held in a half-flooded sugar mill, Bayou Buster must crack the case, protect the peace, and make sure no one gets boiled against their will.