Lolly Candolin, a ten-year-old girl promises her father if he stops drinking, she won't cut her hair. He responds by releasing her old cat, Bo, into the local gypsy camp. Lolly ventures into the forbidden territory looking for Bo, and is befriended by Tick, a lively tomboy her age, Sophie, Tick's mother who has healing powers, and Sam, the unofficial leader of the camp.

When the town's sheriff is fatally shot, Sam is arrested for the killing. Lolly can prove Sam innocent, but it means she must defy her father, the county prosecutor and the person from whom she most wants approval. The book explores the tension between individualism and family obligation, the complexity of discerning right from wrong, and the overwhelming consequences of pursuing truth and justice.