Crossword Mysteries: Riddle Me Dead

Crossword-maker Tess Harper (Lacey Chabert) reconnects with former boyfriend Hunter Hall, a producer on the popular game show Riddle Me This. He invites her onto the show. When the host is murdered, detective Logan O'Connor is the first cop on the scene. He had gone to the studio to surprise Tess with flowers.

This is a Hallmark Mysteries series. The franchise noticed its building problem with its lead couple's faltering chemistry. This is their best movie so far. In this one, their lukewarm relationship gets some heating up by entangling Tess' ex into the mystery. There is real tension. The stakes are raised in more ways than one. It introduces a real conflict between Tess and Logan. This time, it's personal.

Tess and her Aunt Candace (Barbara Niven) are happy when the former is invited to read clues for the Jeopardy!-like program, Riddle Me This. Thanks to Tess's ex, Hunter (Jon Cor), a logic and word puzzle writer for the show, they also score tickets to a taping and a private meeting with its magnetic host, Aiden Brooks. Their impression of Aiden sours though when they see him berating staff, and the night ends on a real downer when he is found strangled on the studio floor.

The suspects are: a fired PA, exasperated executive and an overworked producer. All came under fire from Aiden's abusive personality and naturally aren't sad that he's dead. Star contestant Matthew Nasr is quite an obnoxious character and suspected of cheating and possibly dropping headlights on Lacey Chabert.

Normally the chemistry between Chabert and Brennan is the appealing part of this show, however, here, it's dampened by the inclusion Lacey's ex- fiancée. Brennan is jealous. In addition to this, this isn't as engaging to the other episodes, though the backdrop of a quiz show is enticing.

Crossword-maker Tess Harper (Lacey Chabert) reconnects with former boyfriend Hunter Hall, a producer on the popular game show Riddle Me This. He invites her onto the show. When the host is murdered, detective Logan O'Connor is the first cop on the scene. He had gone to the studio to surprise Tess with flower.

On the road trip to Connecticut to look for evidence, Tess talks about vows and the idea of a wedding in the country. Explaining to Logan that she was raised on a farm and could milk a goat.

The romance is still growing between Tess and Logan.

"No it's a meal between friends, it is not a date."

Meanwhile his father and her aunt Candace, who have been enjoying their Italian cooking classes together, have an honest conversation about their relationship and where it is going.

Tess gets invited to make a guest appearance on a TV game show called "riddle me this!" (a Jeopardy like game show). While she is on the set working with a former love interest, Hunter, the host's dressing-room is broken in to and a security guard struck. This begins the eventual mystery around who killed the very popular host...whose fans are called "the riddlers".

Hunter sends Tess red roses with a note reading "a measure of time not found on a clock but in your heart-Hunter". This is just the first of some jealous inducing moves by Hunter. Logan happens to show up with flowers for Tess post show...only to be just in time for a murder.

"Yeah when you really think you know someone they can still surprise you" (Apparently Logan is allergic to chocolate.)

"There was a short period there when I thought you weren't the most cynical person I've met."- Tess about Logan.

Thankfully when both men offer to take Tess home after a mishap...the aunt sweeps in for the rescue.

"The things we do for love."

Best line-"when you met me, I was a cynical emotionally closed off homicide detective." "And now?" "I'm a slightly less cynical emotionally closed off homicide detective."

This has the most happily ever after ending of the crossword mysteries...but I am still waiting for their chemistry to grow in to their "inn love" series heat!