Bobby Ripples, a thief, ex-con, and pretend preacher, meets a treasured mentor who brings him to an East Texas town for a fresh beginning. Ordained for $2, Reverend Robert Ripples skims the deposits of his Church of Heavenly Inspiration and Perpetual Spirit (CHIPS). His lust for fame and fortune parallels Miss Claudette Coleman's burning desire to work at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas. Is Fuzzy Weaver, ex-cellmate and boastful liar, self-indulging with a dire warning? In a slight-of-hand shell game with satchels and cash, the Reverend enlists Boo Ballard and Clem Caine, on their way to see Elvis Presley perform at the Cotton Bowl, to take a bag to Dallas. Threatened by Momma Julia's church audit, will the Reverend fight or flee? Once again, Tank's characters take readers on an enjoyable, exciting journey with unforeseen twists and turns toward surprise solutions.