Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker

I agree with others that this is too much like an Aurora Teagarden movie (minus Marilu Henner).

But my real issue is Willing Suspension of Disbelief. This movie supposedly takes place somewhere in Texas, but is so obviously filmed elsewhere (Hello, British Columbia) that I just couldn't go with it.

Also, as with other GAC movies, there's a lack of "oomph". There needs to be more emotion and energy. I am not sure why this is so consistent across all their efforts. I wish they'd show more zip.

Candace is cute, the mystery is okay, the production values adequate, the cast is trying, but...nope.

Better luck next time!

The acting was pretty bad for the backup characters, with multiple times of "dead air". Not sure if this was for dramatic effect, but the scene by the car where they agree to meet at Dooley's for supper, was painful to watch.

The quality of the movie overall was far below what Candace previously had done on Hallmark and I know GAC is trying, but the quality of their movies just isn't there yet. Stop stealing actors and develop some actors for your series and movies.

The parallels between the Teagarden series is way too obvious - instead of an old boyfriend being a detective to work with, she works with her brother and then, the book club, which was so over the top, again made me uncomfortable and they forced it on us that they were going to discuss the murder and help to solve it, of course putting Ainsley as their leader since she has a criminal investigation background, but couldn't handle the situation so moved out of Chicago to the country. I rate it a 5, not a bad time waster, but definitely not a must watch like the Teagarden movies were.

I haven't read the books, and I know that a new series requires dialogue that sets up to explain a lot of relationships and characters quickly. But this dialogue was rough. The interaction between Ainsley and the other booth-owners at the artist shop is very promising! But the interaction between her and her brother is flat and cheesy. They have a great opportunity there to make a little sibling banter or warmth so I hope that improves. The storyline was fine. Had enough suspects. It was a little weird that the wine owners were losing tons of money but didn't know how.

Ainsley did overstep quite a few legal boundaries inserting herself which as a criminologist she wouldn't have, but it was a catalyst in the story so necessary and easy to overlook :) We all know it's not a true crime type drama, it's a feel good mystery :) But the fact that she had to pepper in that she's too small to do harm or too little to make an impact twice and then that she is into fitness not sports three different times was weird.

Acting was fine, setting was pretty, plot worked, hopefully by the 2nd or 3rd movie they will have their groove! I'm looking forward to the rest of this series!

My husband happily watched the Aurora movies with me, but won't watch more of these after this. Even the opening scene with *all* of the background information was so awkward. Poor production quality is understandable, but poor writing is tough to watch.

I really appreciate what GAF is trying to do and want to support them. But why mystery? What good does that contribute to the world? Don't all of the other channels provide more than enough dead bodies to keep people satisfied? I wish they would do comedy instead. I'd love 23 minutes of Full House-style warm squishies at the end of a hard day.

An enjoyable watch with an interesting plot, excellent acting, wonderfully developed characters, and really lovely scenery. We really, REALLY loved the main characters, but also really, really liked the supporting characters as well - their acting was all around superb. The mystery unfolded quite nicely and the vineyard angle was such a beautiful backdrop for the mystery. Yes, the script was a little bumpy in only a few places with the reciting of background details, but this didn't detract from the story at all (as other reviewers here suggest). For mystery fans, this is a truly enjoyable watch. Looking forward to additional installments with these characters in this beautiful scenery. Really hope there are more to come.