Jessica Fletcher is invited by astronomer Dr Leonard Palmer to witness the reappearance of a comet unseen for over a century, but soon finds herself involved with bodies other than heavenly ones, and murder to boot.

Jessica is shocked when famous playwright Eugene McLendon proposes marriage, confiding in her that he doesn't have long to live and would like to spend his last few months with her. However, there are more shocks in store for Jessica when Eugene is arrested for the murder of his embezzling business manager.