His younger brother Fudge's obsession with money and an unexpected encounter with twin cousins Flora and Fauna and a weird younger cousin also named Farley Drexel Hatcher, just like Fudge, provide many embarrassing moments for twelve-year-old Peter.

"It's the spring of 1933 and times are tough all over. The only businessman not struggling is moonshiner Mickey LeDoux, though he still has to steer clear of federal agents. But banks are closing all over the country, and the small town of Darling is no exception. Folks are suddenly caught short on cash and everyone is in a panic. Desperate to avoid disaster, several town leaders--including Alvin Duffy, the bank's new vice president--hatch a plan...