While in Seattle for a series of lectures, Jessica is drawn into a dangerous case involving young secretary David Tolliver accused of killing his wealthy older lady friend Allison Brevard.

While visiting relatives in Kansas, Jessica gets caught up in the plot of scheming theme park owner who wants to turn her novel into an attraction at her park. After she politely turns him down and he ends up being murdered inside his self-locking private office, Jessica is propositioned by the police to help find the culprit.