Murder, She Wrote: The Celtic Riddle

With strong performances by all players, this was one of the best episodes of "Murder She Wrote". It was refreshing to watch a "Who done it" that wasn't easily solved in the first 10 minutes of the movie.

Fionnula Flanagan's character, Margaret, kept Jessica's eyes rolling with her finger-snapping and explosive temper. The setting was beautiful giving one a sense of Ireland and it's people. Let's have more episodes, please.

Murder, She Wrote: The Celtic Riddle (2003) is a television film penned by Rosemary Anne Sisson, a name I recognized from her work on the Indiana Jones series. While it's an adaptation of a novel with the same title, I must confess I haven't read the book, nor was I familiar with the author until now. The late Angela Lansbury, who sadly passed away two years ago, holds a special place in my heart as a beloved figure in theater, musicals, television, and film. I fondly remember watching her in musicals as a child, Agatha Christie adaptations, and of course, the beloved "Murder, She Wrote" series that captivated audiences across Turkiye.

This TV film serves as a fitting tribute to Lansbury's legacy, allowing us to revisit her iconic portrayal of Jessica Fletcher, the mystery writer turned amateur sleuth. In "The Celtic Riddle," Fletcher travels to Ireland to visit her cousin, only to find herself embroiled in a murder investigation. As always, she uses her sharp wit and keen observation skills to unravel the truth, proving that age is no barrier to solving crimes.

The film's Irish setting provides a picturesque backdrop for the mystery, with rolling hills, quaint villages, and ancient ruins adding to the atmosphere. The supporting cast, featuring Irish actors like Patrick Bergin and Colin Stinton, lends authenticity to the film's portrayal of Irish culture and traditions.

While "The Celtic Riddle" may not be the most groundbreaking or suspenseful entry in the "Murder, She Wrote" franchise, it's a charming and entertaining film that showcases Lansbury's enduring talent and charisma. Her portrayal of Jessica Fletcher is as sharp and witty as ever, and her interactions with the other characters are filled with warmth and humor.

The film's plot, while somewhat predictable, is still engaging, with enough twists and turns to keep viewers guessing until the very end. The mystery itself is well-crafted, with clues cleverly hidden throughout the narrative. And the film's resolution is satisfying, offering a sense of closure while leaving the door open for future adventures.

In conclusion, "Murder, She Wrote: The Celtic Riddle" is a delightful and nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of the series. It's a testament to Angela Lansbury's enduring talent and charisma, and a reminder of why Jessica Fletcher remains one of television's most beloved characters.

This is truly one of the greats as far as movies go And along with south by south west is my favourite Murder She Wrote Movie From the opening scene as camera soars of the beautiful Ireland landscape With the equally beautiful song second chance playing your hooked It's such an amazing movie you must watch it If you are a Murder She Wrote fan and haven't seen it watch it trust me If you are a MSW Fan and have watch it again If you have never experienced MSW please watch it and discover one of the greatest shows the world has produced

As for the movie Jessica Fletcher a crime writer travels to Ireland to attend A friends will reading only to be dragged into a clue driven hunt for her friends secret treasure

After MURDER SHE WROTE - The Series, Finished in 1996 after 12 Years and nearly 300 Episodes, Angela Lansbury returned in 4 Murder She Wrote TVMs, with THE CELTIC RIDDLE being the last.

This time around Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) is solving another mystery - this time in the picturesque surroundings of Ireland, Where she has been invited to attend an old acquaintance's recorded last Will & Testament, Where each family member (who are really unlikeable and don't get on at all) along with Jessica are given clues, which supposedly are used to uncover a secret treasure, and as this is Murder She Wrote, a dead body falls at JB's feet within a matter of minutes so Jessica as always investigates.

Not bad, But I can't help but feel that this is a 60 Minute TV episode stretched out to feature length with a lot of padding along with some very shaky Irish accents but nevertheless it's enjoyable enough with another great performance from Lansbury.

*** out of *****

I love the show and I have really liked all the TV movies. The Celtic Riddle is my least favourite of the TV movies, but it is very enjoyable still. So what were its problems? Some scenes felt a little too padded out and I do have to agree some of the accents are rather shaky. Plus there is some uneven pacing. However, the story is a good one, it intrigues and the ending is suspenseful enough. What delighted me most though was the beautiful scenery and the photography is nice and lush. I also liked the music, it was melodious, beautiful and haunting and the end credits song was a lovely touch. The script is decent, the direction is good and the acting is pretty good- Angela Lansbury is wonderful as always while Fionnula Flannagan is beautiful and fiery. Nobody else stands out really, but they certainly aren't bad. Overall, enjoyable and definitely worth seeing for the scenery and Lansbury. 7/10 Bethany Cox