A revealing novel published by a former student (Page Hannah) of Jessica's (Angela Lansbury) triggers a Cabot Cove murder. Kathryn Grayson, Gloria DeHaven, Ruth Roman and Julie Adams return as guest stars.
The children complain about the lack of space and privacy in their home. Mike takes the complaints seriously and puts the house up for sale. The kids immediately have remorse and devise a scheme to scare off potential buyers.
It's Halloween night, and Jon and Ponch investigate the disappearance of a little boy in a haunted house. In other action during the night, a "ghost" robs supermarkets and a mysterious woman steals candy from trick-or-treating kids in the neighborhood. Bobby Van and Fran Ryan guest star.
Mary Ellen interferes in the mountain tradition of promising young girls in marriage, and the frustrated groom retaliates by kidnapping Elizabeth. The Baldwins welcome their eccentric cousin Octavia.
Jack's meddling father drops in unexpectedly.
