In this Pilot episode we are introduced to Jessica Fletcher, a recent widow, who lives in Cabot Cove, Maine. Jessica is a substitute English teacher who becomes a mystery book author thanks to her nephew, Grady Fletcher. Grady submits his aunts manuscript to a publishing company who loves it and publishes it immediately. It is a best-seller and Jessica goes to New York City to promote her new book. While there, Jessica gets involved in a murder while at her publisher's home for a costume party. When her nephew becomes a suspect of the murder, Jessica must find the real killer.