
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 finds herself amid international espionage while attending a trade reception in Washington, D.C.

Jessica is convinced that a ballerina who died during her premiere performance in a new ballet was actually murdered.

Cabot Cove suspects a woman (Mary Crosby) playing a witch in a community play is the real thing; guest Robert Vaughn.

The would-be producer (Ron Leibman) of the movie adaptation of Jessica's latest book dies, leaving Jessica to identify possible suspects.