
Mystery writer and amateur detective Jessica Fletcher - a down-to-earth, middle-aged widow - ferrets out the criminals in idyllic Cabot Cove, Maine, which apparently is the murder capital of the United States for the show's 12-season run. Though while traveling, she uncovers a fair number of killers as well.
Jessica helps Sheriff Tupper (Tom Bosley) when his seemingly harmless deputy (Rick Lenz) is accused of murder.
Amos Tupper must entertain his sister who has left her husband, but complications arise when his brother-in-law is murdered.
An unhappy wife, a government official, a lovesick assistant and a self-centered astronomer are suspects in the murder of a young executive.
Jessica's first publisher (Arthur Hill), imprisoned for murder, is paroled and requires her help when he is suspected of a similar crime.