Mary Vermillion

Murder by Mascot Mary Vermillion

Dave DeVoster, University of Iowa star hoopster, is found dead beneath a statue of Iowa's mascot, his blood dripping from Herky-the-Hawkeye's curved beak. Arrested for the murder is the director of the Iowa City Women's Center, Anne Golding, who led a protest against the university when it allowed DeVoster to remain on the Hawkeye squad despite charges that he'd raped another UI athlete-a player on the women's basketball team. To the rescue comes radio talk-show host Mara Gilgannon. She is not only Anne's ex, but also an avid fan of Bridget Stokes, an assistant coach of the women's team. Mara soon butts heads with overprotective parents, tight-lipped players, university administrators, and Bridget herself, whose interest in protecting her team's heterosexual image may mask motives much darker.