Some stories start with a whisper, others with a thunderclap—this one began with a garden gnome. A chipped, sun-faded figure on a stranger’s lawn sparked the question: what if these little statues weren’t so harmless after all? From there, the idea snowballed into a tale of secret lives, hidden syndicates, and the way even the most ordinary neighborhoods can hide extraordinary truths.

But beneath the comedy of smuggled gnomes and eccentric suspects lies something deeper: the ache of lost time, the weight of waiting, and the joy of second chances. The Curious Case of the Gnome Syndicate grew out of a love for mixing the absurd with the heartfelt—because sometimes laughter is the best way to uncover the tenderness in a story about family, mystery, and the unexpected magic hiding in plain sight.

Meet the Characters

Harold

A quiet, somewhat withdrawn man haunted by the disappearance of his daughter Lily. He is characterized by his predictability and routine-oriented lifestyle.  His motivation is driven by his deep love for his daughter and a desire to understand what happened to her. His role is to become an unexpected partner in his daughter's investigation, showcasing his resilience and capacity for growth. His key relationship is with his daughter Lily.

Lily

Harold’s daughter who is a sharp, resourceful, and dramatic detective. She's adept at undercover work and infiltrating criminal organizations.  She is motivated by her dedication to justice and a need to address the underlying issues of the gnome syndicate.  Her key relationship is with her father, Harold, and also the various quirky characters she encounters throughout her investigation.

Mrs. Peabody

The seemingly sweet and harmless old woman who is the mastermind behind the gnome-smuggling syndicate. She is cunning and deceptive, hiding her criminal activities behind a facade of innocence and charm.  Her motivation is unclear but is related to a concealed gain or advantage from her illegal operations.

Story Settings

The City

The story unfolds in a nameless city characterized by a somewhat dreary and quirky atmosphere.  The city is depicted as having a somewhat run-down feel, with lukewarm coffee, flickering streetlights, and bold pigeons suggesting a slightly off-kilter, perhaps even slightly comical, urban environment. The specific time period isn't explicitly stated but is implied to be contemporary, judging from the mention of a seasoned detective and modern investigative techniques.

Harold's Neighborhood

Harold's neighborhood is presented as seemingly ordinary at first glance, populated by nosy neighbors and individuals who seem far less remarkable than they actually are.  As the plot progresses, it reveals itself as the unlikely epicenter of a significant criminal operation.  The setting transitions from the appearance of mundane ordinariness to one of concealed intrigue and unexpected excitement.

Mrs. Peabody's House and Yard

Mrs. Peabody's property serves as a key location, depicting a seemingly normal house with an oddly large collection of garden gnomes. The yard itself is described as a ‘graveyard of lawn décor and deceit,’ hinting at the hidden criminal activity taking place within and around the property.