Judge Reginald P. Cogsworth, a curmudgeon who hates sweets, is judging a charity bake off, albeit grudgingly. Countless entries have been whittled down tot three: a tart submitted by Lucy "Scooter" Bright, owner of a nail salon; a Depression - era style cake by Edna Mae Carter, the local librarian; and a riche torte created by Margaret Mason, a local society lady. In the middle of tasting all the goodies, the judge falls dead, and it's up to Miss Peabody, the haed of the contest, and the audience gets to determine the murderer.