The residents of Cabot Cove are pulling out all the stops for their 4th of July celebration. After a businessman's body is found on the evening of the fireworks show, Jessica Fletcher pores over a long list of potential suspects.
Jessica's plans to enjoy a relaxing cruise to Alaska are dashed when her friend Kathy Copeland joins her. Kathy's sister vanished from the very same vessel on a prior voyage, and though Wilimena often disappeared on flights of fancy, this time Kathy is convinced of foul play. The Copeland sisters had a notorious aunt?the most famous madam in Alaskan history?who, rumor has it, struck it rich during the Gold Rush.

It seems the daring Wilimena has gone in search of the treasure, and may have attracted the wrong kind of attention. Suddenly, Jessica's vacation becomes a challenging investigation. And before she and Kathy are even halfway to their destination, Jessica senses that someone is watching every move they make.