
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 investigates the mysterious disappearance of her editor's millionaire father along with $150 million from his corporate account.

The future son-in-law (Sean O'Bryan) of a prominent Cabot Cove family is suspected in the shooting of a hardware store employee.

Jessica uses her knowledge of music to investigate the murder of the owner of the record company that is producing one of her mysteries on tape.

Seth's friend (Peter Donat), an actor coming out of retirement to launch a play, is implicated in the murder of his ex-manager (Bradford Dillman).