cricketmusings

This Hallmark mystery pilot had unexpected pizazz: family life that highlighted healthy relationships, a fairly credible plot, and snappy dialogue. The rapport between the actors came off as genuine. There was even kissing!

With such a promising start it was with anticipation to continue the series. Unfortunately the decision was made to replace the husband, and other main characters. The pizazz petered out although it is still watchable, the subsequent shows now fall into that predictable Hallmark plot mode of actors going through their lines as there is no chemistry except for the friendship between the lead and her business partner.

After reading the book and watching the series the series is preferred. Why? Horowitz, as the author of both, had the foresight to take the separate aspects of his book, Susan's story and Pund's story, and combine them in a unique format that added dimension and flair not previously seen before in a whodunnit.

Horowitz is adept at poking fun at classic detective stories and is constantly name dropping in his books. In this series he comes close to parody with his borrowing from Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie, yet being such a talented author and screenwriter the stories are very much his own. Binge watched and enjoyed it so much I rewatched it when I heard Moonflower Murders was coming out.

In Magpie Murders viewers enjoyed the clever conceit of present day editor Susan Ryeland receiving help from author Alan Conway's 1950's fictional detective Herr Pund to solve a mystery. Anthony Horowitz created a delightful TV series adaptation from this book.

The second book, Moonflower Murders, is more of the same, except Susan is now hired to solve a mystery as a result of a book she edited for Alan Conway. Herr Pund is still present, guiding her in her quest. In fact, the fun double timeline and doubling of actors in the timeline roles is still present in this second adaptation. However, due to the complexity of the book's plot Horowitz made some tweaks to the TV storyline which streamlines the story, and unfortunately takes some of the punch out of the impact. This isn't a distraction unless the book was read first before watching the series which proves the saying of "The book is the book and the movie is the movie." Both the book and the movie showcase the talented writing of Horowitz.