Jerry West was the pen name assigned to Svenson when he started writing The Happy Hollisters for the Stratemeyer Syndicate. Svenson, a prolific yet somewhat anonymous, writer of books for children. The Happy Hollisters by Jerry West was actually written by Andrew E. Who is the strange and evil looking man who tries to cause the trouble for the Hollisters on their trip to Nevada? And who is the tall lanky cowboy, Dakota Dawson, whose actions are so suspicious? And are the strange lights seen on the mountain man-made or some odd trick of nature? The Happy Hollisters find fun, adventure, danger and the answer to the many questions posed by the mystery surrounding the Tumbling K Ranch. What excitement there is then, when they are invited to visit the Blairs and help them solve this baffling problem. Their interest is further aroused when a prowler is discovered spying on them in Shoreham. Naturally, the minute the Hollisters hear mystery is involved they are eager to be in the thick of it.

Blair is trying to sell some of his property on the Tumbling K Ranch, but strange and eerie events have discouraged prospective buyers.

Because of a near accident the Hollister children meet and befriend the Blairs who are from Nevada. 'Domingo' the burro the Hollisters were given for a pet the last time they were out West is the innocent means by which the Hollisters once again find themselves following the mystery trail on horseback.