A YA mystery filled with quirkiness and sarcasm. When Penelope Featherstonehaugh (pronounced Fanshaw) comes up with the Chess Club, she hopes nobody plays chess any more. Her solitary world is instantly invaded by four quirky characters who drag her out of her comfort zone. The headmaster asks Penelope for help when objects from the clubs go missing and the Chess Club members rally around, eager to dive into an adventure. Also having to deal with an alcoholic mother and a wave of robberies that sends ripples through the town, Penelope needs a tougher armour than intelligence and wit.