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.

Jessica heads to wine-growing country to help wealthy vintner Salvatori Gambini celebrate his 75th birthday. Unfortunately, Gambini's fractious family isn't in a celebratory mood, and the festivities come to a grim climax when a corpse is found in the wine cellar. In her efforts to solve the mystery, Jessica is heartbroken over the likelihood that she might have to turn an old and cherished friend over to the authorities.