Jessica Fletcher has settled in France for a much-needed monthlong holiday. And bucolic, idyllic Provence offers Jess plenty of diversions, as she soakes up Gallic charms, immerses herself in the romantic language, and enjoys classes with esteemed chef Emil Bertrand. But her gastronomic getaway is cut short when someone stabs Chef Bertrand with one of his customized carving knives. To Jessica's chagrin, the murder weapon is found too close to home, casting a whiff of suspicion on Jess and her new friend, Mallory-a mysterious young American traveling through Europe. Against the wishes of the local police captain, Jessica starts cooking up her own investigation, and soon she has whipped up a medley of motives among Bertrand's spurned lady loves, business partners, rival chefs, and students. But to catch the culinary killer, she'll have to turn up the heat-before her own goose gets cooked.