Mystery 101: Dead Talk

Amy gets invited to give a TedTalk style talk in Seattle on "Why people are so obsessed with mysteries" by a former boyfriend (Tim Bishop), which sparks both curiosity and a little jealousy in Travis. Travis ends up in attendance with Amy's father...as his road trip driver since Graham hadn't a lot of sleep and "it might not be safe for him to drive", to both support Amy and check out this old boyfriend. A tech genius who is also there to give a TedTalk ends up plummeting to his death. Amy suspects foul play, but the local law officers refuse to speak to her...into the fray is Travis, who calls upon a former colleague of his who happens to be working the case in Seattle.

Thanks to their usual great teamwork and good instincts, once again Travis and Amy are integral in solving the case.

This is the second time the song "who can it be now?" gets used in a Mystery 101 movie.

Travis and Amy continue to build their connection and their on screen chemistry keeps on sizzling. How can Travis not be jealous of this "genius" former boyfriend with a British accent, Tim Bishop, who does seem to still be in to Amy and can still quote Raymond Chandler..."There is no trap so deadly as the trap you set for yourself"?

I appreciated that Bishop thought the gift of Raymond Chandler's Long Goodbye, was Amy's way of giving him the kiss-off. Note to self, another book to add to my tbr list. Thanks Mystery 101!

I love the relationship that Amy has with her father. They are in a lovely and healthy relationship, in which they challenge each other and want the best for one another.

This time, coffee shop Holly was a font of information. I appreciated Amy's dad's take on Bishop...he was charming and "I should stop worrying...shouldn't I?"

It was nice to see Travis, Graham and Amy all dressed up and as a Seattleite it was nice to see a little stock footage of the actual Seattle. As Amy exclaims when she sees her dad and Travis in tuxes...Dap-per!

Crime solving software that will put Travis out of a job? Yeah, right!

Dead Talk makes the fifth Hallmark mystery movie I've watched recently. In Dead Talk Professor Amy Winslow (Jill Wagner) is invited to speak at a TED Talk like event. But when one of the other participants, a software developer, falls from the roof of the event building, Winslow's focus switches to solving a murder.

Thus far, Dead Talk is easily my favorite movie in the Mystery 101 series. The writing here is the star. Dead Talk features a wonderfully convoluted story. What starts out as a fairly straightforward mystery with a few obvious suspects transforms into something completely different. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. I was guessing (wrong) until the very end. Watching the plot unfold to a nice conclusion was incredibly entertaining. I was also impressed that the plot was fairly straightforward in presenting clues to the viewer. It's a fun one to play along with.

Jill Wagner and Kristoffer Polaha continue to shine. And I really like the continuing storyline involving Winslow and Burke's evolving relationship. It's a small moment, but I really enjoyed the scene where Burke is doing everything he can to be invited to go to Seattle with Winslow's father. Polaha does a particularly nice job of acting.

Overall, no real complaints from me. A nice story, some good acting, and a satisfactory conclusion to the mystery. Dead Talk is solid entertainment.

8/10.

The actors in this series are the best collection I've seen in any Hallmark production. Not just the main actors, but the supporting cast as well. I missed Dead Talk when it aired--but was SO happy I was able to wath on the Ha;;mark app via my internet provider. I never watch movies on my phone--but watched this one straight through. Just great story, well written, and superb casting!

Professor Amy Winslow (Jill Wagner) heads to Seattle to present at Teachable Talks which is founded by her ex-flame Tim Bishop. A jealous detective Travis Burke (Kristoffer Polaha) joins Amy's dad Graham on his drive to attend the Talk. A murder happens and Travis' old acquaintance Rachel Knox leads the police investigation. Amy and Travis decide to investigate it themselves.

As Hallmark franchises go, this is one of their better ones. Wagner and Polaha have good easy chemistry. This one has their past relationships pop up for added spice. The mysteries are functional although they are never that intense. This one has a compelling reveal. It's fine.

This is the best of all Myster 101 series. Great story, characters and I found the typical mystery twist awesome in this movie!