It's the innocent 1950's in Santa Lucia, California, and a casual walk through a beachfront art show with their boyfriends, suddenly turns horrifying for Poppy Cove dress shop owners Margot Williams and Daphne Huntington-Smythe. A man's body has been found and, with a gunshot wound in his chest, it's not an accident.The startling discovery becomes even more bizarre the next day, when the police arrive at the girls' shop and reveal that the dead man is none other than Margot's ex-husband! Everyone is astounded. Of course, Margot has always been secretive about her background, but no one thought it included a spouse. When it's discovered that Margot's handgun is missing and is the same caliber as the bullet that killed her ex, the young designer finds herself the prime suspect in the murder. She feels even more alone when her police detective boyfriend Tom is forbidden to associate with her while the crime is investigated.Just when Margot believes her life can't get much worse, her parents--whom she hasn't seen in years--show up unannounced to "help" in her time of need. This is not the kind of help she needs, so Margot resolves to track down her former husband's killer, find the real murder weapon, and clear her name--all on her own. Luckily, her friend and partner Daphne is there for her more worldly counterpart. Of course, Daphne has her own personal goals in mind, as Margot's predicament just shows her how much more exciting and sophisticated her best friend's life is compared to hers. Daphne makes her own resolution and it involves a painter she met at the beach art show. Maybe from him she can find out some information that will help clear Margot--and liven up her own life at the same time.As both girls proceed with their schemes, the real killer has plans too, and they do not include two nosy, society dress designers. That dead man on the beach is truly A NATE TO REMEMBER.