
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.

A Texas trucker (Earl Holliman) is charged with insurance fraud; his son (Patrick Cassidy) is accused of murder.

Jessica searches for a motive when a legendary maestro, who is about to lose control of his protégé, is found murdered.

Burglaries and a murder occur when the carnival comes to Cabot Cove but doesn't seem to bring in a great deal of money.

Internal strife at an earthquake-shaken California zoo culminates in an employee's death from snake bite.