Tom Jones used to live in a town where he knew everyone. Now his parents have bought an "architect-designed slice of heaven in the prestigious gated-community of Pacific Palms" so they can feel secure knowing Tom is safe on the streets. But then Tom meets Cleo the snake charmer who lives with her aunt and uncle in a house identical to his. Keen on escaping, they devise a plan that sees them breaking out in no time. Once outside the walls Tom and Cleo's adventures begin at Murchison Creek. Soon they are saving the world and they even work out a way to reunite Tom's father and grandfather. Written from Tom's point of view, this book makes social comment about the very real restrictions secure communities place on children and how they can inhibit a child's desire for adventure and freedom.