Holland Kingston Jr., (Holly) mayor of JumpRope Township, is backed into a corner when busybody Francine Smithers nags about a fallen tree at the deserted Mather farmhouse. The farmhouse is an eyesore, its only charm a flowering lilac hedge loved by the townsfolk. The property has been enshrouded in mystery since its reclusive occupants, brother and sister, Barry and Grace Mather, disappeared four years ago. Holly's best friend, town police chief, Slim Parkerson, says there's no mystery. Barry and Grace were squatters, just using the name, "Mather." A psychic, who gives readings at a JumpRope restaurant, has darker things to say.

When the lilacs are accidentally plowed down, a rumor starts that the Mather property is the site of a secret development scheme that puts Holly's honest reputation on the line. More twists and turns in the small community quickly follow, including two dead bodies, a Manhattan billionaire and a demented artist.

Join Holly, who with the help of shy librarian, Toria Dahlgaard, strives to learn the truth behind the Mather house and restore his reputation before it's as wrecked as the lilacs.