Nikki & Nora: Sister Sleuths

The Story was a little weak but the chemistry between the two main characters was a 10 - and the ending was an unexpected surprise - which makes this new Hallmark Mystery series a winner in my book. Given the departures of so many Hallmark Mystery stars over the last few months - this is a breath of fresh air and I am looking forward to the next mystery in this series.

I give high marks for the direction that kept this somewhat weak story moving so that the actors didn't get bogged down with minutia - the head fake romance was a great diversion and super misdirection for the story - that will become clear when you watch the whole show.

I know a lot of people didn't care for this title, thinking it boring, or whatever; but my family and I quite enjoyed it. Nikki and Nora were fun sleuths, sisters and their relationship was pretty believable. The girl who played Nikki (sorry, I didn't look at the actresses names) did an excellent job portraying a fun and quirky character and I liked her a lot. The girl playing Nora likewise did a fabulous job as the more down to earth sister who still got sucked into the mystery and solving it. I thought the chemistry between actors was there and they each played their respective parts well. I love the overarching theme of their parents' deaths, but please don't blow it with this one and never take that story anywhere, Hallmark. I ended up liking all the characters and actually felt empathy at the end, which doesn't usually happen. The ending was a bit of a surprising twist that most viewers might not see coming. This movie was very clean: no woke agenda, no swearing, though there was a shot of the "body" after the fact. I'd like to give all the actors a round of applause for their performances. I hope Hallmark keeps to this formula and makes more of these. Nikki and Nora might actually get my vote for my favorite Hallmark sleuths since Hallmark started movies and mysteries. In fact, the only one they can't top is McBride, IMO. Can't wait for the second installment.

Nora Sullivan (Rhiannon Fish) is a no-nonsense Chicago defense attorney. Nikki Sullivan (Hunter King) is a struggling actress. The estranged twin sisters cannot be more different. They inherit a detective agency from Charles Porter. They've never heard of the man. They investigate the death of Nora's boss who was her supportive mentor.

This is a Hallmark Mystery. I assume that this will be an ongoing series with these two characters. They are fine. These are two beautiful ladies. It's a halting start for the series. There is only one mystery for this first movie to solve. Why did Porter leave his agency to these girls? The reason seems obvious. It's only after a whole other case that the movie gets to that reveal. The Porter case should be the pilot case. It's poor construction for the writers. It's a poor start although the actresses could still be good.

We weren't expecting much. After all, this is a Hallmark Mystery so the bar is set low right from the beginning. Okay, so it isn't going to win any awards for creativity, keeping you on the edge of your seat guessing or acting skills but the ladies did a good job and there were a few surprises thrown in that you normally don't see in a Hallmark mystery. Nobody even got a gun kicked out of their hand by the good guys! At the end we actually were entertained and, rather than dreading the next installment we are hoping that this turns into a series so we can see what they manage to come up with next.

7.6 stars.

Not bad at all if I do say so myself. Where this film lacks in the spit and polish it makes up for with sassiness and spunk. Twin girls (fraternal) now in their twenties have been on their own for years. Their parents are long dead and we are not told how or exactly when. Nikki left Chicago years ago and became a traveler and a grifter of sorts. She returned a few months ago, but doesn't pay rent and has had many odd jobs. In spite of her reputation as an adventurer with no money that to speak of, she still retains the glam and the bling a young woman craves. Nora, 8 minutes older, is a lawyer and a very good one. She stayed in Chicago all these years and never fully recovered from being abandoned by Nikki after their parents died. They discover they've inherited a private detective practice and the legacy of a man who knew their parents well. They somehow make nice with each other after all these years of estrangement and solve a murder by breaking rules and cutting corners. Suffice it to say the police department isn't exactly delighted by their antics.

This film has a ton of potential to become a series, and I'm sure it's in the works. The girls are gorgeous, gritty, and fun. There is no romance, in fact it's anti-romance, and you'll see what I mean if you stick with it until the end. I think this needs a pinch of passion, don't pull a "Mystery 101" where there is only a hint of romance that never comes to fruition, and when it sort of does, we are left with an indefinite cliffhanger.

I highly recommend this first installment of what I'm sure will be many more to come. Hallmark rarely disappoints with their family friendly mysteries.