The Crossword Mysteries: Abracadaver

I couldn't figure out why I didn't remember watching this movie, because I know I would not have missed it. I really like the crossword mystery series and have it set up to record. Well now I know I'm not crazy. What the what Hallmark? **finally saw it, after a 3 month delay. This was a disappointment although in general, I think the Crossword series is going to be my favorite mystery series by Hallmark. Brennan Elliot's investigative skills leave a lot to be desired. They consist of asking everyone in sight, "did you see anything unusual/out of the ordinary/strange?" Lacey Chabert is really starting to get on my nerves with her little "Heh-Heh" giggle after what seems like every other line she delivers.

Tess Harper (Lacey Chabert) is taking magic class at The Magic Manor. She attends a show where the magician Alistair is murdered on stage. NYPD Lt. Logan O'Connor (Brennan Elliott) is assigned the case and finds that Tess is doing her own investigating again.

Hallmark is making this a mystery franchise on its channel. Chabert is a great lead to do one of these harmless murder mystery series. There are a couple of problematic issues. First, the series needs to manufacture a more compelling reason for Tess to keep getting involved in these crimes. It would be easier if she gets a column to write mysteries for the paper and she convinces Logan to be her source. Without that, she becomes Angela Lansbury serial killing across network TV and nobody has figured it out yet. Think about it. Everybody around her keeps dying and she gets the glory of solving each case. She's the killer.

The other issue is a lack of intensity. It's a matter of writing and directing. Of course, this is done on the cheap and one must excuse it to some extent. It takes a more imaginative mind to give this series some better action and thrills. Maybe it can add thrills through other means like a love triangle. It has the ingredients but it barely has a love duet. This is another aspect that desperately needs developing before this franchise can truly be successful.

Her movies are a joy to watch and fun and entertaining. Great to watch for sad days. She is so cute she just lifts my spirits to watch this series. I hope there are more.

Why was the last mystery of the year not shown!? I am so tired of 3 months of the same cheesy Christmas movies when the channel clearly states it is "mysteries" I am furious they took away our last mystery for this crap. The guide said it was Abracadaver. Boo on Hallmark!

The low ratings are due to anger at Hallmark promoting this like crazy and then switching at the last minute to one of their endless supply of Christmas movies. The audience for the mysteries is most likely not the same audience for the Christmas movies. Hallmark! Start a Christmas channel and keep your mysteries channel!! Have mysteries set at Christmas if you want, just give us mysteries!

The Crossword Mysteries is one of Hallmark's better mystery series. I've watched them all, love many of them, like some, tolerated some, etc etc. Here there is a really nice chemistry between the leads. Also they are both intelligent and thoughtful characters. Although all mysteries require a suspension of disbelief, this is so much less ridiculous than so many out there. In fact, in the world of mysteries, it is just about realistic. I grew up watching and reading mysteries with my Mom, so I have seen and read a ton. I really love Crossword Mysteries and look forward to the next!