A Sprinkle of Deceit: A Hannah Swensen Mystery

Same formula but that's why I watch Hallmark. I love Allison Sweeney. But her mom definitely needs to be put into the background. She had too much time in this movie. Wayyy too much time. I enjoy Barbara Niven . She would be fine in a more supporting role. Her being a private detective is just not believable. I like having the three sisters together and the new interesting man in her life. I do miss Norman and Mike but Chad fits in really well. And who knows, maybe Norman and Mike will be back someday.

I also like the new shop that Hannah moved into. Roasting coffee is a smart move and makes sense.

This is the same formulaic movie that Hallmark churns out. But that's why they're enjoyable. I do have to agree with another reviewer that the mom ruins the movie. She is so pushy, bossy, annoying...you name it. I absolutely adore Barbara Niven and she's better than this.

It's different with Cameron Matheson being gone. But with his move to a rival network, they had to bring in another "love interest". Victor Webster is a great replacement. Not sure if they'll become romantically involved but he makes a good DA.

I'll continue to watch the movies but please tone down the mom. I do like the sisters, too.

First the good: Strong ensemble cast returns and is as strong as ever. Lots of energy and some laughs. They clearly have fun together with these movies and it comes across on screen. I'd say ladies in particular had the strongest chemistry I've seen. And I did legitimately laugh a couple of times. It was very cozy which is frankly most important here.

What I liked less: Hannah herself came off a bit one dimensional and, in many scenes, seemed to be mailing it in a bit acting wise. Also her schtick of bribing with cookies should only be done once per movie. She did it like six times in this film. It gets old.

The mystery itself was just ok although did have some interesting twists. I agree with other reviewers on how Norman's absence takes away from this film.

I knew it was bad when I decided to clean my place DURING the movie. The focus is too jokey and there is no suspense. Hannah is less involved in solving the mystery - it's all about Delores, her mother. I'm not sure why Lisa Durupt is even in the movie - what a waste of a good actor. The pace is slow. I liked the previous episodes because they had interesting plots and the pace was good. This is worse than the Zest for Death episode, which was worse than the previous one. The trend seems to be heading in the wrong direction. If this trend continues, it'll be my last viewing of Hannah Swensen mysteries. I hope they are not going to do more like this.

Hannah's mother ruins this movie to the point it's almost unwatchable. She's too over the top. She acts ridiculously and is not funny at all. She is given way too much screen time - to the point you wonder who the star of the movie actually is. She distracts from the plot of the movie. Hannah and the mystery should be the focus. I also wish Norman was in the movie. I felt Hallmark missed the opportunity to make him a bigger part on the series now that Mike is gone. Norman would have made a great crime solving side kick to Hannah. Less mom and more Hannah/storyline please. Was looking forward to this movie and was really disappointed.