Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: The Disappearing Game

So much down voting on reviews that are being completely honest. The FACT of the matter is that Aurora is out of line often. She is a border line criminal. I know these shows are meant to be fun but the writing is just so bad. The plots are just too far fetched and they make Aurora into a complete idiot. The only reason she "solves" anything is because she outright accuses everyone until she gets it right, impedes on people's rights (like barging into their homes without concent), blabbing her mouth about everything to everyone, and breaks the law when she interferes into every investigation. If a father gets a ransom demand and they say no cops. It's HIS choice whether or not to go to the police NOT hers and yet she feels she is the only one who gets to make decisions. The police have said a billion times to stop interfering and it's in one ear and out the other. She does what she wants when she wants and nothing, not even the law, will stop her. The last one I watched she left her shot lover and another boy bleeding out, defenseless, and a baby upstairs, in an unlocked house as she ran across the street to peep in on the other house. I thought she was going for her phone to call an ambulance but nooooope, she went to go spy on the neighbors as Martin was bleeding out on the floor. She is ridiculous and I can not deal with it anymore. I have switched to the new Fixer upper with Jewel and I love those. I wish they would make more. At least she has common sense.

6/10 - you know just what to expect going into this one: lighthearted fun and a great mystery

Because I've read all the Aurora Teagarden books, by Charlaine Harris, watching the movies is a bit of a let down. The original book series was well written, with realistic characters, and strong story plots. The characters from the books have been changed quite a lot. Of course, trimming down a book to fit a 90 movie time is one thing, but white washing the characters to fit into Hallmark's moral ideals hurts the stories immensely.

Hallmark changed the order of the first two movies, causing us to have trouble understanding the characters and story lines. The reason Roe doesn't have to work is explained quite well in the second book "A Bone to Pick" and the introduction of many of the characters is covered well in the first book "Real Murders". This is lost in the movies due to the change in their order.

Aurora's character in the books, has more depth and intelligence, She is clever, resourceful and very funny. You watch her character grow from book to book, which doesn't happen in the movies. Her friends and family are also stronger in the books than the characters in the movies. Many of the scenes from the books have been changed so much you have trouble recognizing them.

Roe's character has been changed into a nosy, amateur; impeding justice every step of the way. She commits crimes during her "sleuthing" and gets in the way of the police investigation. I'm surprised she hasn't been arrested by the "real" cops. The character of Martin changed from a strong, forceful, business man with a mysterious past to a "fluff" character. Their relationship in the book is a bit steamy, and a real romance, but the relationship in the movies is more high school dating.

If you really want to enjoy this series, please buy the books and enjoy the adventure.

Aurora is finalizing settled in her new house and she has a brand new next door neighbor Nick Miller, psychology professor at Lawrenceton College where Ro's cousin Phillip has just started. Ro tries to be a good cousin, rescuing Philip from the school's cafeteria. Aida and Ro invite Philip out with his roommate Josh to celebrate his birthday...but he ends up being a no show, which sets Ro's suspicious mind to work.

Meanwhile spoiled rich kid, Clayton Harris, is arrested for vandalizing a statue on the college campus.

Ro and Nick have an adorable meet-cute at her library where he is picking up a book on home repair... "I have a problem, too many books not enough shelves. I don't suppose you can relate?"-Nick "My mother told you about my never ending quest for bookshelf space."-Ro "Or I have insight into the psychology of librarians?"-Nick Their banter is adorable and what in addition to the mysteries is keeping me in this series. (One of my three favorite of the hallmark mystery series along with Hannah Swensen's Murder she Baked and Mystery 101...I keep coming back for the great mysteries and wonderful healthy relationships.)

Philip and Josh are missing and Ro finds Tammy's body which seems to have been involved in a hit and run. They find money in Josh and a Philip's room. When it looks like Clayton may be involved, the wealthy family circles the wagon...or do they? It turns out Clayton has been kidnapped. Gather the Real Murders Club...this is quite the mystery and Nick Miller was one of the last people to speak to Tammy. It is personal for both Nick and Ro and this is the mystery that brings them together.

Great mystery and the start of a new chapter in the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries. This is a must see for cosy mystery fans.

I enjoy this series as it's easy to watch, often has some interesting plot twists, and the banter between Ro and Lynn adds some flavor and continuity. Many of the episodes I've wanted to give an 8, but then there would be some really weak dialogue, silly scenes, etc. and I usually end up posting a 6 or 7.

But with this episode, ugh, I was tempted to give it a 5 or worse! I enjoyed it for the story line, but the dialogue was often boring and some of the scenarios a bit outlandish - walking about the dorms like that, really???

I hope future Teagarden's will be better.