Mystery 101: Playing Dead

Opening scene, hours before dawn, abandoned downtown streets, a lone lady jogger comes across broken glass of a closed store, glances at her phone to check the time, and then ...

does what? Dial 911 on her phone? NOPE! She does something dumb. And she's a COP!!!

This film all starts out with an off duty detective spotting an open pharmacy door while she's off duty and getting knocked on the noggin from behind. Little does she or anyone else suspect that this is connected with the death of film star Rebka Sharmas who is killed with poison after suffering an injury during a play rehearsal.

Sharmas was in town as a guest speaker and to support the small town theater group she was going to do a play sponsored by professor Jill Wagner. The whole thing revolves around her complicated love and a pair of murderers who have a long standing score to settle.

I do like Jill Wagner in the lead for this Hallmark series. She's smart and not all that pushy and knows when to let her detective boyfriend Kristoffer Polaha take the lead. It is his job and case after all.

Amy is working as the dramaturge on a play when lead actress Bella Brightman's life is threatened by two accidents that occur in the theatre. As Travis and Amy look into these incidents, Bella suddenly dies of a heart attack leading Amy to suspect foul play. When Amy and Travis investigate, they discover that a series of burglaries in Garrison, including one that resulted in Claire being injured, may be linked to Bella's death.

Another absorbing mystery with some fine suspects, neat twists, a toy monkey at a burgled shop which is linked to the murder of an actress, secret love letters, and a cracking chemistry between the leads. Their banter is catchy. A nice escapist mystery with a light touch.

I am not complaining about this particular movie, it was okay ..its well acted. My complaint is the ongoing disrespect Hallmark has for its viewers. This is an ongoing problem. Halmark keeps putting these AGGRIVATING promos on the screen while viewers try to get lost in the movie. Every one of these things has a "Hallmark movies and Mysteries" logi on the lower right corner like a permanent tatto, and a HUGE logo saying "Martha Vineyard Mystery priemers Sunday". ,etc. It takes up 33% of the left side of the screen. Why do this to people? You cannot unsee these irritating distractions. Very annoying! Shame on you Hallmark for such disrespect to loyal viewers!!

Pathetic writing. Filled with interfering with an investigation, trespassing, illegal searches and inadmissible evidence. Perpetrators would walk in real life.