Everyone in Cabot Cove is surprised when Sheriff Amos Tupper introduces his sister Winner Banner to everyone. She's left her boisterous and somewhat gruff husband Elmo Banner and has no intention of returning to him. Soon the entire Banner clan seems to descend on Cabot Cove. Elmo, his brother and sister - and their spouses - all seem to have an opinion on who should do what. At a dinner in her home, Jessica serves her famous chowder, but midway through the meal everyone falls asleep. Everyone that is except Elmo, who is dead. It's apparent that the chowder was drugged and it's clearly a case of murder. Meanwhile, Amos hires a new Deputy, the over-eager Marigold Feeney.