It starts at a fish market in New York City. Janai realizes he has left his wallet at home, and someone buys the fish he was eyeing before he can get back. He goes to another market far away but has a thought... wouldn't his life be much easier if he started using the magical keys his family has?

— Simon Traub-Epstein, International Library of Young Authors

From the publisher: “Janai and his family have been the guardians of The Keys for hundreds of years. Each key bestows its own unique powers on the bearer. When the television reports news of hauntings in downtown Manhattan, Janai follows his hunch, and uses one of the keys to uncover the truth.”