Bobby McDull, the Sherlock Holmes of today, examines the tycoon’s body and announces, “Return in four hours and the case will be solved.” Bobby goes off for a break, and junior detectives pester him for his life story.

It all begins with mom, Mrs. McDull. As money seems always in short supply, Mrs. McDull is always working: hosting TV shows, selling house ware and doubling as plumber. She takes Bobby along, and Bobby who is both dumb and unlucky, always messes up. But Mrs. McDull has too much spunk for life and love for her Bobby.

Bobby remembers especially two incidents: his one-time ingenuity that wins the lottery, though that never translate to fancy clothes or trips to Japan or mom not working; and NASA summoning Mrs. McDull on a space mission, and Bobby is entrusted to the care of an Uncle whom Bobby never meets again.

Bobby finishes school and becomes a seaman. His travels take him away from mom and he doesn’t think about her much. Then he enters university and becomes a detective. Mrs. McDull continues to work, until she receives another summon from NASA….