The Jane Mysteries: Inheritance Lost

I love the mysteries on Hallmark and I want to encourage them to keep making them, but I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say that this one was a bit of a stumble for me. Don't get me wrong there were some things I liked...it's based on the series of books by K. K. Beck...only those are set in my hometown, Seattle...not Baltimore like this film. Since they didn't stick with the motivation in the books, I think they had trouble setting up Jane's reasons and ability to run the foundation. In other words there were a lot of holes and some awkwardness around the set up. I thought the police detective was great and I loved the 'disguise room' filled with potential costumes and disguises. I don't know who the costume designer was for this film, but they made some really unusual, colorful and unique choices for outfits both for Jane and her aunt Sadie. Even though there was a conversation at the end between Sadie and Jane about getting over their grief...they never really show that, so it doesn't ring true.

Jane's uncle passes away and she goes home to Baltimore because it was her uncle's dying wish that she take over his foundation which solves cold cases and gets justice for families...even though he was an investment banker and she is a singer with zero training or skills? The first case she works on is for a piano playing girl who dreams of going to Juilliard, but who's mom seemingly looses their savings and then commits suicide.

This lacks some of the great supporting cast connections that other great Hallmark mysteries like Hannah Swensen's Murder She Baked, Aurora Teagarden and Mystery 101 have...but maybe they will be able to grow the show and work on some good scripts. I really want to encourage Hallmark, so they will continue to produce the mystery series that I love. This one doesn't quite make it into a mystery or romance recommendation from me. But I will give it a second chance if they do another.

IN A NUTSHELL: The story is about Jane DaSilva, a singer who inherits a foundation that runs a detective agency. While investigating her first case, she discovers a company that exploited her client's mother, and she realizes that delving into the past can be dangerous.

The film was directed by Marco Deufemia, and written by Neale Kimmel.

THINGS I LIKED: The mystery movie stars Jodie Sweetin in the lead role. She does a great job and is easy to like. That's really her singing in the movie!

Other cast members include Stephen Huszar, Paris Jefferson, Rob Stewart, Martin Roach, Brian Cook, Cindy Hampton, Tonjha Richardson, and Angelo Grey.

It was fun to see all of the wigs and costumes that Jodie Sweetin got to wear when she was trying to disguise herself. It was a cute idea to have her character's aunt supply them since she was supposed to be a famous actress in years past.

I love that Hallmark has been pumping out mysteries that offer the thinking woman something more than just a cheesy-easy romance.

It's fun to follow the clues and try to figure out what happened.

If you enjoy this movie and Jodie Sweetin's character, you'll be happy to know that sequels may be coming soon. There are more mysteries to solve and only a budding romance by the end of this first installment, leaving much territory left to be explored and expanded upon.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: There are some really big goofs in the script that would never happen in real life.

Some of the dialogue is super cheesy.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: Portrayal of murders (we see 2 dead bodies) Talk of network marketing (multi-level marketing scams) No profanity.

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I agree with 'cgvsluis' - like most of the recent mysteries from HM, this lacks the great supporting casts like my faves Murder,She Baked, Gourmet Detective, Mystery 101, and Fixer Upper. Great supporting casts go a long way to mitigate weak story lines.

Speaking of weak story lines, this ride felt like bad shocks on a pothole-filled road. There just wasn't the depth of character, motivation or transitioning required to keep me engaged.

Stephen Huszar was completely wasted in this - would love to see him in a partnership series aka Gourmet Detective. Speaking of which, why in the world is HM not continuing that series??? Loved the show (expect for Eat, Drink, Be Buried - hopefully with a stake thru it's heart), especially the last entry, Roux the Day, which was absolutely the best!

Please HM, step up your game. Thrilled to have a (supposedly) dedicated Hallmark Mystery Channel now, but that commitment requires a more stellar effort to meet expectations.

Well, it was just that: bad. Not that Hallmark mysteries are brilliant pieces, but many of them leave you with a warm feeling, they cheer you up.

This one was so bad, I didn't even finish it. Unfortunately mostly because of the main chatacter and the actress. Very unlikable.

There are some Hallmark mysteries with actresses, divas, etc. But this one is simply annoying.

The detective is fine, but that's it. A bit above average. I remember him in Rube Herring - he was just that, pretty face and little acting talent.

Kinda sad that they are making more of these films while there are so many left in limbo. Nevermind Mystery 101 - we lost hope. But what about Fixer Upper Mysteries, Emma Fielding Mysteries, etc?

Yes, this first one of the series was very poorly written. And there isn't really chemistry between Jodi and Stephen. Hope this changes with time as they are both really good actors. I do like that they have her singing, as I think she has a good voice. The second and third got a little bit better, but hoping the writer's take note and come up with better scripts.

I know Hallmark has been going down hill for the last few years, but they should be able to come up with much better for this series. Go back to your roots and start doing quality family series. I guess you lost too many people to the other channel.