Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: A Lesson in Murder

To be honest I don't know how well this matches the Charlaine Harris book series that is the source material, but I do know that it doesn't hold a candle to the previous Aurora Teagarden series on Hallmark starring Candace Cameron Burre as Aurora.

If you are comparing the two series, which it's hard not to since they are on the same network, you will notice that none of the actors appear to actually be their "younger" selves. This is supposed to be a prequel to the former series...taking Aurora and her best friend Sally back to their college days. Only this brings up some problems...like it's hard to enjoy Aurora's romantic entanglements as we know who she does and doesn't end up with. Also there are clear character shields on certain characters because we know who survives into adulthood or later life. Therefore it's hard to fear for Sally and Aurora's lives when they are taken hostage when we know they survive.

The mystery in this one is ok. I love Marilu Henner back as Ro's mom and I am enjoying Steve Bacic as the lead detective, Detective Cook. It was fun to see Kavan Smith in a bit role as Ricky, the Pizza and Play owner.

I do like the sweet character of Daniel, played by Jordan Buhat. He seems so perfect for Aurora...I can't imagine how they are going to break them up. Also, knowing what happens with Arthur's character makes me sad...it's like watching a puppy being beaten. Evan Roderick is wonderful and I want him to have a chance...but we know how and with whom he ends up.

Finally, I still feel like Skyler Samuels' Aurora is more awkward than anything...she's pushy and borderline obnoxious. Again I didn't hate the mystery. One of Aurora's true crime class' students ends up dead due to poisoning and Aurora is determined to find out who and why.

I am desperate for new mystery series on Hallmark Mysteries, but I think they can do better. This reboot still isn't on my recommendation list...but I still highly recommend the original Aurora Teagarden series, Hannah Swensen's Murder she Baked, and Mystery 101.

I found it hard to get through this movie. It was not anything like the original ones than the name.

Casting failed at the younger Aurora and Sally. The actress that plays the younger Aorora is completely different. You could not believe her as the part. The original flowed with the part she meshed well with the cast. Younger A-almost comes off jerky, she seems stern and rude.

She the new A is very robotic and comes off dry when she is trying to deliver wit. The original was bubbly, She had a very effervescent personality that was easy to like in her portrayal of the characters. She was a strawberry blonde with no physical attributes like the younger A. She did not wear cake ivory makeup. I was surprised they would hire her again based on her poor performances and no physical similarities to the original A. I thought Hallmark would see the casting failures and re- cast the next movie. Hallmark fails again.

I really loved the last two movies (this one and Death at the Diner). They were both SO good! I adore the main characters and the chemistry between Roe and Arthur is off the charts - PLEASE just put them together and forget about what the future holds lol

The storylines of both episodes were superb. I didn't have this one figured out AT ALL. What a twist! I love all of the main characters, the actors are great, and there's a perfect balance of mystery, romance, and funny "life" moments. I really hope they make more of these movies! I like them just as good as the old ones with Candace Cameron Bure.

A student gets a lesson in murder. In a true crime literature class where Aurora assists Professor Lindo.

The student was found dead outside the diner where she worked. The police conclude it is murder.

She was not popular with everyone but a person working in the diner becomes the main suspect.

Cal is slightly obnoxious but remains cool as a cucumber. Some of the other students remain panicky when the police contact them.

Aurora cannot resist interfering with the investigation. Much to Detective Cook's annoyance.

Aurora does go on to make a vital finding which gives a clearer picture.

Very much following the pattern of Hallmark mysteries. This is better than the subpar Hallmark ones. A good twist with a nasty edge.

The second installment of the "reboot" of Aurora Teagarden series "A Lesson in Murder" improves significantly in every aspect the franchise. The plot is really twisted and completely unforeseeable, the acting is noteworthy and the pace swifter.

Basically it's the story of a perfect murder, with lots of suspects but no clear lead for the police, while Aurora, less bold and pretentious, figures it out with unexpected help.

As I said, if from the previous movie it couldn't have been completely clear if Skyler Samuels could have made her character hers, now it's perfectly obvious: she's more confident, more engaged with her surroundings and most of all, believable as Aurora. Sure, it's still hard to replace the previous actor, but she's increasing the level of her performance. Also it's not that bad to have a love-triangle that's not the sole focus of the movie but a sweet adding, it helps improving the cozy atmosphere of the film.

The other cast is interesting and with some recurring roles from the previous title, like Sally, Arthur, Aida and Detective Cook.

Overall an enjoyable and cozy movie worth of our time.