Brooklyn transplant Lili Marino is starting over in the small town of Walden Corners, New York. Though many of the locals remain suspicious of the big city transplant, she's made a couple of friends, including Nora Johnson, wife of the local football coach. While she occasionally might miss the excitement of Brooklyn, she wouldn't trade it for the peaceful existence of Walden Corners. That changes on the night she's awakened by a blood-curdling scream, and later finds the body of Coach Johnson, Nora's husband.

Lili takes it upon herself to investigate not only the murder of Coach Johnson, but also the hazing incident that may have led to his death. The town rallies round the football players involved in the hazing, and Lili manages to irritate many of the locals with her questions. A threat against Nora's son makes Lili even more determined to discover the identity of the killer.

THE GOURDMOTHER, first book in the Gourd Craft Mystery series, is an intense who-done-it. Lili is a likable character, loyal to her friends, and her good intentions guide her investigation. Her motivations for deciding to investigate the murder are a little murky, but her heart is in the right place and the story is well written and entertaining.