The Crossword Mysteries: A Puzzle to Die For

With this film Hallmark launched its Crossword Mysteries series and as I write this there are three out there and three more in the works. Lacey Chabert plays the puzzle maker/editor at a New York newspaper.

Only a devoted crossword fan would pick up on the fact that someone is using submitted crossword puzzles that have clues for various art heists. Manhattan Homicide starts looking into it once Chabert spots a pattern after the owner of an art gallery surprises a thief.

As is usual in Hallmark Mysteries the clever woman sleuth intrudes in the investigation, but she knows her stuff as the detective/foil Brennan Elliott has to admit.

I'm not sure how the crossword puzzle gambit will work for a series. But there are six films already out there. This inaugural one was good viewing.

A gallery owner is killed during an art heist. Police detective Logan O'Connor (Brennan Elliott) finds a strangely half-filled crossword puzzle at the crime scene. He goes to the New York Sentinel to talk to a reporter and raises the interest of crossword puzzle editor Tess Harper (Lacey Chabert). She uncovers unusual clues in the puzzle. Logan is dismissive and she decides to investigate on her own.

Chabert is adorably cute and charismatic. That goes a long way in these types of TV movies. It's not surprising that Hallmark is doing a whole series of these with her. Elliott is functional although it would be great to have someone with a lot more screen presence. The basic premise is a little overly complicated. I get that these types of movies need a hook and it's getting harder to find an original premise. It's workable enough to get this franchise off the ground. Chabert is so sweetly charming that she is able to propel this initially but the sequels will determine whether this is a success or not.

The concept of solving a murder with a crossword puzzle is interesting and could work but the first episode has weak points. The mystery of "who dunnit" pulls you in bc of the intellectual connection between Lacey and Logan. However a romantic chemistry is definitely lacking. Maybe it's a slow start? My main concern is the writing, it feels awkward. May lines don't feel authentic or even appropriate. I'd like to see a more fluid natural flow in the scenes especially the interaction between leading characters. The series has promise if the writing improves. Enjoyable for a mystery movie but needs work.

Very good, enjoyed it a lot. These two are becoming a franchise of their own. Elliot is sporting a new, leaner look. Nice hair. Looks like another winner.

The reliable Hallmark pairing of Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliot team up again for the first in what I am sure will be many 'Crossword Mysteries'.

This is good engaging stuff, with nice performances from both the two leads.

I think people have been a bit harsh on it. It's not trying to be anything more than a fairly light-hearted murder mystery, if you accept it as such you'll enjoy it.