
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.

Researching a novel, Jessica unravels the mystery of a Thoroughbred trainer's (Mickey Rooney) murder.

In Ireland, the son of Jessica's friend (Fionnula Flanagan) is accused of killing another family member (Andrew Robinson).

Jessica consoles a playwright (Darren McGavin) after his wife's suicide, then realizes that he was the intended victim of a family member's murder.

Seth's old Army pal (Gerald S. O'Loughlin) is accused of murdering his new employer (Cliff DeYoung), a yacht dealer.