A Sprinkle of Deceit: A Hannah Swensen Mystery

I was reluctant to watch this movie given the previous Hannah Swenson movie sans Mike. I think I gave this movie rating one more star than that movie only because Hannah got a little more flirty with Chad than in the last movie and I liked the developing love story between her sister Michelle and Lonnie. However, the flirting between Hannah and Chad seems awkward and a bit forced. It just doesn't have the same rhythm that Hannah and Mike had, or Hannah and Norman, even. And Hannah's mother is so over the top obnoxious in this movie. I adore Barbara Nivens. Have seen just about everything she's been in and have followed her career for years, but am not liking Delores's new line of work as a PI in the latest installments. She was always the squeamish one that didn't want to have anything to do with murder investigations, nor did she want Hannah to do any investigating. And now she's practically encouraging and almost challenging Hannah to do so by telling Hannah that she, Delores, is after all a professional. Who is this "new" person? Not the same Swenson mother we all know and adore. Yes, she's still meddling in Hannah's love life like before - she never liked Mike, so I guess she's glad now that he's gone. But some of us still miss him! I also miss Norman. It's just not the same bouncing ideas off of Chad as it is with Norman. He was the best wing man.

What is up with Andrea? I don't get why she's back in town. Where's Bill and their daughter? And why were Andrea and Hannah dressed up but not Michelle? It would seem like Delores would want all her girls dressed up for her opening.

Also, what's with the sheriff suggesting to use Hannah to help with the investigation? This seems out of character for him. I feel like Hallmark is missing it with the latest string of Hannah Swenson movies, like since they ran out of the original Murder She Baked stories it has not been the same. It's a shame, these used to be my favorite series to watch, this and the Mystery 101 series, which is also gone now. Come on, Hallmark, bring back something familiar, like Norman, don't force this stuff that you've been trying to do on us!

Same formula but that's why I watch Hallmark. I love Allison Sweeney. But her mom definitely needs to be put into the background. She had too much time in this movie. Wayyy too much time. I enjoy Barbara Niven . She would be fine in a more supporting role. Her being a private detective is just not believable. I like having the three sisters together and the new interesting man in her life. I do miss Norman and Mike but Chad fits in really well. And who knows, maybe Norman and Mike will be back someday.

I also like the new shop that Hannah moved into. Roasting coffee is a smart move and makes sense.

I knew it was bad when I decided to clean my place DURING the movie. The focus is too jokey and there is no suspense. Hannah is less involved in solving the mystery - it's all about Delores, her mother. I'm not sure why Lisa Durupt is even in the movie - what a waste of a good actor. The pace is slow. I liked the previous episodes because they had interesting plots and the pace was good. This is worse than the Zest for Death episode, which was worse than the previous one. The trend seems to be heading in the wrong direction. If this trend continues, it'll be my last viewing of Hannah Swensen mysteries. I hope they are not going to do more like this.

First the good: Strong ensemble cast returns and is as strong as ever. Lots of energy and some laughs. They clearly have fun together with these movies and it comes across on screen. I'd say ladies in particular had the strongest chemistry I've seen. And I did legitimately laugh a couple of times. It was very cozy which is frankly most important here.

What I liked less: Hannah herself came off a bit one dimensional and, in many scenes, seemed to be mailing it in a bit acting wise. Also her schtick of bribing with cookies should only be done once per movie. She did it like six times in this film. It gets old.

The mystery itself was just ok although did have some interesting twists. I agree with other reviewers on how Norman's absence takes away from this film.

This is the same formulaic movie that Hallmark churns out. But that's why they're enjoyable. I do have to agree with another reviewer that the mom ruins the movie. She is so pushy, bossy, annoying...you name it. I absolutely adore Barbara Niven and she's better than this.

It's different with Cameron Matheson being gone. But with his move to a rival network, they had to bring in another "love interest". Victor Webster is a great replacement. Not sure if they'll become romantically involved but he makes a good DA.

I'll continue to watch the movies but please tone down the mom. I do like the sisters, too.