Swept up in the great gold rush of 1897, twelve-year-old Hetty McKinley heads north with her papa and her dashing uncle Donall. Even though she is not nearly as excited as her father about leaving behind their life in San Francisco, Hetty plans to use the experience to get started on her dream of becoming a writer. But as the hardships of their journey and the approaching winter threaten to trap them in the wilderness, Hetty discovers she is traveling with thieves . one of whom may be her own uncle!
