
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 cooperates with private detective Harry McGraw (Jerry Orbach), whose partner died while researching a murder trial.

Jessica inherits part of a pro football team, but the owner's murder convinces her there is more roughness off the field than on.

A Broadway legend's (Vivian Blaine) life is threatened after her daughter (Lorna Luft) is seriously injured in a mugging.

A talk-show host (Clive Revill) and a cab driver (Garrett Morris) help Jessica solve the murder of a New Orleans jazz musician.