Mystery 101: Killer Timing

7.6 stars.

This is probably my third or fourth favorite of the 'Mystery 101' series. The reason I'm not totally sure is that I've yet to see #7 and #5 was my favorite, but the next episode could change everything.

My boring introduction being established, I will talk about the specifics of this episode. I suspected one particular person as the antagonist, but the writer brilliantly placed a decoy, a red herring if you will, to throw us off course. They succeeded, and I was pleasantly surprised at the end. The overall archenemy being the serial killer the Wolf Man, was an interesting twist on the usual semi-mundane plots. At the end you will see yet another twist of that particular plot line as well. Good job on this episode, and I'm looking forward to #7. I really do hope there is more to come in 2023 or 2024. For now I will savor the flavor and wait a day or two before moving on to episode 7.

I had very high expectations for this installment of the Mystery 101 series and not only did it not disappoint but it far exceeded my expectations. Hallmark Movies and Mysteries has learned how to construct a movie with multiple twists and turns while not revealing who the murderer is.

It just goes to show that a movie that is well written and well acted doesn't need sex and violence to be powerful.

The chemistry between Kristoffer Poloha and Jill Wagner makes the story come alive! I just love them together.

Erin Cahill was a welcome addition to the cast. It's empowering to see two women who have ties to the same man, support each other instead of tearing each other apart.

I look forward to the next Mystery 101!!!

Overall the movie was really good. Erin Cahill was a good addition. I was ready to give this movie a 10, but the handling of the Wolfman at the end was disappointing.

Professor Amy Winslow (Jill Wagner) is meeting FBI agent Travis Burke (Kristoffer Polaha) for a restaurant dinner when a bomb hits. 33 hours earlier, Burke is in the Chicago FBI office getting ready to testify in a big case. The killer escapes and possibly out to get Burke. In the process, Amy meets his ex-wife and fellow agent Kate Coulson (Erin Cahill).

I actually really like this one. I like the ex. The pairing actually improves with the addition of the ex. I like the twists and turns of the case. I wouldn't mind if Cahill continues on with the franchise. I'm fully admitting that I'm grading on a curve here with Hallmark Mysteries. My expectation is low and this exceeds it.

Pros: Great characters, high production quality for this type of movie, enjoyable relationship storylines.

Cons: Everything about the crimes, especially the ridiculous finale.

Overall: It's perfectly watchable, but I still want the writers to tighten up the mystery plot for the next one in this series. They could make a dozen of these, but we'll all enjoy them more if the crimes make a little more sense.