The Spindrift Scientific Foundation has sent Dr. Tony Briotti, Rick Brant, and Don "Scotty" Scott to the Philippine Islands for a quiet peaceful archeological expedition. Dr. Briotti wants to investigate some native artifacts, among which is supposedly a golden skull. Rick and Scotty travel along to assist Dr. Briotti. The artifacts are located in a remote part of an island with natives who are purported to be headhunters. Perhaps the expedition may not be as peaceful as anticipated? In addition to the natives, a corrupt Philippine official enters into the story. As with most Rick Brant stories, there is science and plenty of action.

Rick Brant is the central character in a series of 24 adventure and mystery novels by John Blaine, a pen name for Harold L. Goodwin. Goodwin was a popular science writer with a strong technical background and a sense of style unusual in the juvenile adventure-series field. The books are suspenseful, well-plotted, and enriched by humor and important characterization as well as personal experience. Exotic locales such as tropical islands, the Philippine jungles, and the Himalayas give vivid and well-researched descriptions. All in all, a good fun listen for teens of all ages.