MatchMaker Mysteries: A Killer Engagement

Our female protagonist in the Matchmaker Mysteries is Danica McKellar who has a knack for bringing fated to be mated people together. She's got reality television show for that purpose. She's really hit it big when she matches up CEO Robin Thomas with some younger woman. Danica's big ratings score will be their wedding.

But at the engagement party the bride to be is stabbed to death and collateral damage might be Danica's show. She has to save her reputation and the show. Danica moves in on Detective Victor Webster's investigation with the help of her former detective father Bruce Boxleitner who was also Webster's training officer back in the day.

I have to say I was fooled by the identity of the perpetrator. There is an ocean full of red herring suspects in this one so chances are you will be as well.

I've become quite a fan of several of Hallmark's recent mystery series, and was looking forward to this first Matchmaker Mystery as it has two actors I really admire. Victor Webster (have the whole Continum series on DVDs) as well as Danica McKellar, a renowned mathematician who also is a talented actress and then surprised by the delightful presence of Bruce Boxleitner in the cast. I read the derogatory comments posted by some previous viewers, and I can only say, "haters gonna hate". I think some folks just like to see their negative comments in print. I liked this mystery. There were complications, twists, surprises, suspense, and humor. Of course, there is murder, skulduggery, intrigue, threats, danger, and redemption. It, after all, a Hallmark movie. I have to say, my only disappointment, there is no date listed yet for episode #2. I hope we won't have to wait very long for the next Matchmaker Mystery. Would love to see a couple a year !!!!

When a woman is murdered, and her fiancé is the prime suspect, successful matchmaker Angie works to prove her client's innocence, much to the dismay of Kyle, the detective working the case. But he soon becomes grudgingly appreciative of her involvement, even if she can be quite interfering.

Danica is perfect for this role, and adds some bubbly energy to the proceedings, making this watchable even more. The mystery is decent, though a little convoluted. One gets a little tired keeping up with so many changes in the plot. Victor Webster comes across better than the second entry of this series, mainly because he has more scenes. He's the totally opposite to Danica's character which adds a decent dynamic.

Good story and great cast. Left me guessing till the end. Folks composed about sappy start, but she is a matchmaker. Duh.

The acting was bad. Painful to watch at times.

Even Danica McKellar's cuteness could not mask her substandard acting here.

It's a shame. Was hoping I had found something to watch now that there is no longer any more new Aurora Teagarden or Garage Sale Mysteries.

Mystery 101 and even Crossword mysteries are both better than this movie. I might try another, but do not hold out much hope.

I have to admit I am not THAT familiar with Danica's body of work, knowing her primarily from a classic episode of How I Met Your Mother (The Pineapple Incident) and the episode she appeared on of The Big Bang Theory.

She was pretty good on these two sitcom roles, but not here.