
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 refuses to believe that the editor of her latest book has committed suicide and is determined to find out the truth.

Infrared cameras seem to prove Jessica's writing student is guilty of killing his abusive stepfather.

The closing of a family-owned department store leads to a double murder in New York, and Jessica has no shortage of suspects in the crime.

Fresh blood stains indicate foul play when Seth (William Windom) disappears; a proliferation of strangers in town raises Jessica's suspicions.