Cabot Cove's townspeople are concerned about a proposed massive coastline development. It's more complicated for Jessica as the development company in question employs her nephew, Grady. Soon, malfeasance and murder are ushered in.
While Jessica is enjoying her stay at a fishing lodge in Ireland, she finds out the owner is beset by a consortium that wants to buy his land for a strip mine.
When Jessica's friend Norma asks her to come to Gila Junction, Jessica is roped into helping Norma investigate a possible conspiracy while a rumored treasure may have led to a murder.
Jessica is doing re-writes for a movie that is beset with both artistic and financial problems. When the stunt man dies doing a car jump scene, the director is charged with murder. It is up to Jessica to find the real killer.
Gary and Larry's Frozen Stuff accountant is found dead. Shortly thereafter, $750,000 earmarked for Jessica's Literacy Fund is found missing. It's up to Jessica to find the killer.
After being subpoenaed to testify at the Grand Jury probe of a brokerage house, Jessica is charged with contempt. Released on a technicality, she has to dodge further subpoenas while finding out who killed the man they think she talked to.