Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: A Lesson in Murder

Hmmmm..... I loved the original Aurora Tea garden Mysteries with Candace Cameron Bure. I'm so not a fan of Skylar Samuels as the younger Aurora. I strongly feel this was a very poor match up to the older Aurora. In addition, Skylar needs a new makeup artist. Her eyebrows are way too thin and she has way too much white pale make-up on. You would think that the producers would have done a much better job with their replacement selection of Aurora since they were following big footsteps. At least please fire Skylar's make-up artist and clean her up some. Make her look more wholesome like Candace not like the head of a stuck up sorority.

The second installment of the "reboot" of Aurora Teagarden series "A Lesson in Murder" improves significantly in every aspect the franchise. The plot is really twisted and completely unforeseeable, the acting is noteworthy and the pace swifter.

Basically it's the story of a perfect murder, with lots of suspects but no clear lead for the police, while Aurora, less bold and pretentious, figures it out with unexpected help.

As I said, if from the previous movie it couldn't have been completely clear if Skyler Samuels could have made her character hers, now it's perfectly obvious: she's more confident, more engaged with her surroundings and most of all, believable as Aurora. Sure, it's still hard to replace the previous actor, but she's increasing the level of her performance. Also it's not that bad to have a love-triangle that's not the sole focus of the movie but a sweet adding, it helps improving the cozy atmosphere of the film.

The other cast is interesting and with some recurring roles from the previous title, like Sally, Arthur, Aida and Detective Cook.

Overall an enjoyable and cozy movie worth of our time.

To be honest I don't know how well this matches the Charlaine Harris book series that is the source material, but I do know that it doesn't hold a candle to the previous Aurora Teagarden series on Hallmark starring Candace Cameron Burre as Aurora.

If you are comparing the two series, which it's hard not to since they are on the same network, you will notice that none of the actors appear to actually be their "younger" selves. This is supposed to be a prequel to the former series...taking Aurora and her best friend Sally back to their college days. Only this brings up some problems...like it's hard to enjoy Aurora's romantic entanglements as we know who she does and doesn't end up with. Also there are clear character shields on certain characters because we know who survives into adulthood or later life. Therefore it's hard to fear for Sally and Aurora's lives when they are taken hostage when we know they survive.

The mystery in this one is ok. I love Marilu Henner back as Ro's mom and I am enjoying Steve Bacic as the lead detective, Detective Cook. It was fun to see Kavan Smith in a bit role as Ricky, the Pizza and Play owner.

I do like the sweet character of Daniel, played by Jordan Buhat. He seems so perfect for Aurora...I can't imagine how they are going to break them up. Also, knowing what happens with Arthur's character makes me sad...it's like watching a puppy being beaten. Evan Roderick is wonderful and I want him to have a chance...but we know how and with whom he ends up.

Finally, I still feel like Skyler Samuels' Aurora is more awkward than anything...she's pushy and borderline obnoxious. Again I didn't hate the mystery. One of Aurora's true crime class' students ends up dead due to poisoning and Aurora is determined to find out who and why.

I am desperate for new mystery series on Hallmark Mysteries, but I think they can do better. This reboot still isn't on my recommendation list...but I still highly recommend the original Aurora Teagarden series, Hannah Swensen's Murder she Baked, and Mystery 101.

A student gets a lesson in murder. In a true crime literature class where Aurora assists Professor Lindo.

The student was found dead outside the diner where she worked. The police conclude it is murder.

She was not popular with everyone but a person working in the diner becomes the main suspect.

Cal is slightly obnoxious but remains cool as a cucumber. Some of the other students remain panicky when the police contact them.

Aurora cannot resist interfering with the investigation. Much to Detective Cook's annoyance.

Aurora does go on to make a vital finding which gives a clearer picture.

Very much following the pattern of Hallmark mysteries. This is better than the subpar Hallmark ones. A good twist with a nasty edge.

This was hard to watch. The Aurora character is not as likable as Candace. She's way too pushy and rude. Quite obnoxious, actually. She insufferable and unapologetically involved to the point of infuriating EVERYONE! She assumes just because she is a T. A., that she's a Professor and speaks to the class as though she's above them. She's also very disrespect to her mother. Again, not the same as the original character and makes her completely unlikable.

I'm unsure how or why there were multiple of these movies made at the same time. The acting is also less than the originals. I like Steve Bacic as the cop, though.

Don't waste your time on these.