When the Teen Power gang is hired to clean up the local magic shop, Tom is the only one who is pleased. The others think the shop is creepy, and that its owner, magician Sid Foy, is weird. But Tom is looking forward to exploring the magic shop's secrets. He needs something to take his mind off his troubles. Especially his fear of the Gripper – a vicious mugger prowling the streets of Raven Hill at night.