Mystery 101: An Education in Murder

8.2 stars.

I am beginning to get a little nervous because I just watched the 5th film, which I feel is the best one so far. Don't get me wrong, the first 4 films were all quite delicious little mysteries. I am simply dubious about nearing the end of the journey because there are some blatantly pessimistic opinions of the 7th film.

What's so gratifying about 'Mystery 101' is if you get a pen and paper and jot down all the minutia and press pause every 10 minutes or so, then try to figure out whodunnit, you will have a jolly good time of it. The writers were careful to leave breadcrumbs at every turn, and it's an exciting mystery expedition. A couple of the episodes seemed somewhat obvious, but most were like a jigsaw puzzle and I had a lot of fun. I had a hunch who the killer was in #5, but I couldn't make a case for this person until I started tallying each "insignificant" detail to form a complete picture. Looking back, I realized by the end of the 2nd film I was hooked. Now the 5th film is completed and I can honestly say this has scratched the mystery itch sufficiently enough that I have no need to grab a mystery novel neatly tucked in my bookcase between several other juicy mystery novels.

I've seen a few of the Hallmark mystery series, and some of the movies as well, and 'Mystery 101' is the best of the bunch so far. I'm writing this in April 2023, so who knows if something better has come along since. I just saw 'The Cases of Mystery Lane', which I found to be decent, but does not hold a candle to 'Mystery 101'. I haven't tried Aurora Teagarden because many of the reviews are dissuasive, however it sounds like I should watch at least the first several and then quit while I'm ahead (according to several critics).

I don't understand the negative assessments of 'Mystery 101', what are these nay sayers looking for? This show is well written and while it fits the same formula and contains most of the clichés, it retains its status as upper class Hallmark mystery pleasure.

A few missteps but overall a good mystery and chemistry. The two leads are GREAT together. When would a cop ever stalk and nearly run over someone at the police station? (face palm) I was very impressed that Mr. Polaha did not rely on the fake stuttering he sometimes does. The conversations all felt real. It was an enjoyable movie!!!! Thank you.

I've seen tons of Shows where a woman's pregnancy needed to be disguised. The Lawrence Welk show was outstanding in doing this. Now, I'm pleased for Jill that she is expecting, but you could have used locations where the weather obviously needed the coats.

This is the 5th installment in the Murder 101 series on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. The murder in this one was a bit more interesting & complex than the others in this series, in my opinion (even if I already knew who did it LoL). The moment of the big reveal was a bit more violent than their previous ones. The acting was wonderful, as usual.

Another reviewer said they didn't understand the casting because Jill Wagner is pregnant but considering she was cast in her role WELL BEFORE she was pregnant since there are 4 movies before this one.I just think it's a silly thing to be bothered by. The first movie came out in January of last year (2019). It would be dumb to recast her when they could just cover up the baby bump. Kristoffer Polaha & Jill Wagner have amazing on screen chemistry & I enjoyed how their relationship has unfolded so far. I can't wait for the last installment.

I'm writing this review because I was surprised that some people were not happy with the main character was actually expecting a baby. In Japan, nowadays many actresses and models do work right up until their doctors tell them not to work. Even back in the late 60's when my mother was expecting she was working till a weeks away from her due date. Unless, she was forced to work on a film project there's nothing wrong to work even as an actress. I feel Mystery 101's two main characters have good chemistry and the scripts are not too simple like other murder and mystery series on Hallmark channel. Please, continue filming this enjoyable mystery series!