Framed for Murder: A Fixer Upper Mystery

Shannon (Jewel) is a one woman dynamo. She runs her own home remodeling business, can change a flat, and solve mysteries. Just finished with a Bed and Breakfast project, she attends a lecture in Lighthouse Cove, her town. This talk is by Jesse, who hunts for sunken ship treasure and relates some of his more famous finds. Not long after, he is found murdered, at home. The police believe, at first, he fell and hit his head; no homicide. But, Shannon doesn't think so. Agreeing with her is new resident, Mac (Colin Ferguson) , a famous mystery writer who has just hired Shannon to re-do the crumbling mansion he has purchased. After some snooping and clues, S and M may be in danger themselves, as the killer strikes again. Could it all be over a famous necklace once owned by a Princess? This terrific move by Hallmark, who else, has it all. Jewel is a beautiful star, very talented and smart; she also gets to sing a small bit! In addition, Ferguson has long held my heart and the rest of the cast is wonderful, too. Seaside scenery, costumes, script (based on a series of books) and the enthusiastic direction make for a film that need no fix whatsoever. Get Framed, get it very, very soon.

In the small resort town of Lighthouse Cove, everyone knows that the best man for the job is a woman. And that woman is Shannon Hughes, owner of a construction company and an expert in Victorian home restoration and renovation. Through her renovations she will find clues to uncover the house's secret past and in turn become an unlikely sleuth to help crack these unsolved mysteries.

In this debut episode, her friend's uncle -a treasure Hunter- is found dead in his house. The police calls it an accident. But Shannon thinks otherwise and investigates with the help of her client Mac, who happens to be an investigative reporter.

And the mystery and secrets are unveiled steadily in this good mystery that is well-acted and focused enough. Jewel and Ferguson as the protagonists share a good rapport, working together. There's a few strange acting suspects like the victim's estranged friend. Who's that guy in the blue vehicle? Is he behind the break-ins?

I was pleasantly surprised by the acting abilities of Jewel. I thought she held her own with the professionals. This is another of those cozy pleasant little mysteries with amateur sleuths that have come out in the last year or so. I have enjoyed every single one and eagerly look for new titles. The Fixer-Upper series should be every bit as entertaining as the other series have been,

If the audience keeps in mind that this film was made especially for television and is not a Hollywood blockbuster with an unlimited budget, I can candidly say that "Framed For Murder: A Fixer Upper Mystery" is well worth the price of admission compared to so many big Hollywood flops.

Lead actress/singer Jewel Kilcher plays a building contractor (yeah guys she renovates homes, and changes flat tires for men) named Shannon Hughes who discovers the dead body of her close friend Jesse Hennessey, (Ken Tremblett) in his home. Jesse was a deep sea treasure hunter and it becomes evident quickly that there is someone who wants one of Jesse's found treasures enough to kill for it. The police initially say Jesse's death was an accident and not a homicide. Case closed. Or is it?

So Shannon (Jewel) who is distraught over the sudden death of her close friend Jesse decides to solve this murder mystery with or without the local police's assistance. Shannon has a new tenant living in her studio apartment, a writer named Mac Sullivan (Colin Ferguson) who Shannon has just signed a contract with to renovate Mac's historical mansion. These two romantics Shannon and Mac, have very good on screen chemistry and they team up to try and solve the mystery. But eh, Shannon (Jewel) is easy on the eyes so who wouldn't have good on screen chemistry with her? She also sings professionally with a voice of an angel. (Her hit songs included "Hands", "Who Will Save Your Soul", and "Foolish Games" to name but a few.)

The movie moves along at a good and easy pace with a number of suspects that will keep you guessing. I enjoyed it a lot more than many of the big budget Hollywood releases and I hope Jewel keeps making more of these family themed entertaining films.

I give it a solid 8 out of 10 rating

Being ar home during COVID I watch shows I haven't seen before. I have watched these 3 movies/episodes at least 3 times each. The characters ar3 great and while this may be only the second best of the series the whole thing is enjoyable. I wish I got to see more of Jewel.

No spoilers here but being hallmark not sure why no more effort to keep them running.