
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 is sued for libel after a comic strip version of her accuses prominent New Yorkers of crimes.

In New Mexico, Jessica links the murder of the owner of an Old West tourist attraction to buried treasure.

Michael Hagarty (Len Cariou) is suspected of murdering his future son-in-law, thought to be involved in an illegal banking scheme.

Jessica investigates her accountant and uncovers his gambling, an illegal casino and a police officer's murder.