Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker

I agree with others that this is too much like an Aurora Teagarden movie (minus Marilu Henner).

But my real issue is Willing Suspension of Disbelief. This movie supposedly takes place somewhere in Texas, but is so obviously filmed elsewhere (Hello, British Columbia) that I just couldn't go with it.

Also, as with other GAC movies, there's a lack of "oomph". There needs to be more emotion and energy. I am not sure why this is so consistent across all their efforts. I wish they'd show more zip.

Candace is cute, the mystery is okay, the production values adequate, the cast is trying, but...nope.

Better luck next time!

I haven't read the books, and I know that a new series requires dialogue that sets up to explain a lot of relationships and characters quickly. But this dialogue was rough. The interaction between Ainsley and the other booth-owners at the artist shop is very promising! But the interaction between her and her brother is flat and cheesy. They have a great opportunity there to make a little sibling banter or warmth so I hope that improves. The storyline was fine. Had enough suspects. It was a little weird that the wine owners were losing tons of money but didn't know how.

Ainsley did overstep quite a few legal boundaries inserting herself which as a criminologist she wouldn't have, but it was a catalyst in the story so necessary and easy to overlook :) We all know it's not a true crime type drama, it's a feel good mystery :) But the fact that she had to pepper in that she's too small to do harm or too little to make an impact twice and then that she is into fitness not sports three different times was weird.

Acting was fine, setting was pretty, plot worked, hopefully by the 2nd or 3rd movie they will have their groove! I'm looking forward to the rest of this series!

The acting was pretty bad for the backup characters, with multiple times of "dead air". Not sure if this was for dramatic effect, but the scene by the car where they agree to meet at Dooley's for supper, was painful to watch.

The quality of the movie overall was far below what Candace previously had done on Hallmark and I know GAC is trying, but the quality of their movies just isn't there yet. Stop stealing actors and develop some actors for your series and movies.

The parallels between the Teagarden series is way too obvious - instead of an old boyfriend being a detective to work with, she works with her brother and then, the book club, which was so over the top, again made me uncomfortable and they forced it on us that they were going to discuss the murder and help to solve it, of course putting Ainsley as their leader since she has a criminal investigation background, but couldn't handle the situation so moved out of Chicago to the country. I rate it a 5, not a bad time waster, but definitely not a must watch like the Teagarden movies were.

I love CBB, I really do. I was happy to see her in another mystery. This one didn't get me hooked, but I'll watch a new one if they make any.

This film was a bit too character-wise, they were all over the place. Trying too hard to establish a fun quirky town.

Ainsley herself is a former criminologist, who teaches now. She opens a craft market and runs a book club. Her brother is locl sheriff. Her best friend's husband is a suspect. I wish the writers picked one of these reasons for her to be involved in the investigation. Way too much for Ainsley to do. Focus on one or two things: like she's the sister and the one who found the body. Or she's an off-duty criminologist who helps police in her free time. Etc.

And the book club looks a lot like Aurora Teagarden's club. Probably it's in the books, but I didn't read it. And I insist that it was a mess in this film. Their involvement seemed so forced.

The romantic line was a bit weird to watch. They didn't pretend Ainsley was a blushful maiden, even though the blurring filters were a bit too obvious. We knew she was a woman in her 40-s, he was a man in his 40-s. What's with the clumsy flirting?.. Making a big deal of a dinner invitation, then the whole come home for a cake thing (they really had cake), etc. I get it, these will ber uber-family-friendly films, but it's just way too weird.

As for the mystery itself it was better than I expected! So waiting for another one, hopefully less messy with more adult relationship.

I feel like they were trying to differentiate this character from Aurora Teagarden. You know, a real criminologist versus an amateur sleuth. But one of the things that made the Aurora movies great was the supporting characters.

I just never believed the actor playing her brother as the sheriff. Although I did like the brother and sister dynamics between the two of them. Maybe he needs a demotion so a stronger sheriff can come on board.

The love interest character is handsome but didn't really seem like a good match for someone who had worked for the Chicago police department. I didn't buy their connection.

I always like Cameron so I will wait to see future episodes, but if this movie plays at the same time as an Aurora movie, I'm watching Aurora.