Willa's curiousity uncovers a potential kidnapping plot, but her pre-teen gullibility causes her to miss the real danger. Her dad starts a sad, but funny, campaign to win his ex-wife back, and Willa assists without his knowing. The jumble is all resolved at the end. The dad and Willa resolve their relationship with Willa's mom, the enemy is caught, the quints become a little more human thanks to Willa, and the family situation settles down. It's not the way Willa had envisioned, but everyone can adjust to it.
Kids joining blended families often have feelings of alienation and long for their old family.
Joanne Stanbridge acknowledges all the emotions that run through a child's mind in her portrayal of Willa. She also lets Willa play and learn while being upset at the same time. Willa is just a normal kid. Placing the setting of the book in the Prime Minister's residence is a nice Canadian touch in mass market books. The humour created by Willa's imagination and shenanigans make this book very readable for the target age group.