Meurtre al dente

This series is nothing excited and not particularly well acted, but the chemistry between the leads is a bit charming. I'm glad it was a short series, as I probably wouldn't have watched many more of these. Only one left!

I really like this film series. I think the two leads work really well together and it's very reminiscent of the relationship between Beckett and Castle in 'Castle'. In this movie they've even used a line from one of the Castle episodes. Of the Hallmark mysteries this one might be favourite with Aurora Teagarden a close second and then Picture Perfect Mysteries. It's just really light and fun with some suspense thrown in.

This third movie in the series is really fun and enjoyable since the formula, chemistry and characters are coming together well and the mystery unfolds well too. The similarities to "Castle" (which I loved for the first 7 series) are glaring though. The pairing of attractive, bossy female Detective and attractive, kinda goofy Writer (foodie blog), the two of them solving cases in the field while her TWO colleagues do the background work at the station and most of all the character, dialogue and humor of the Gourmet Detective. I could have sworn I was watching "Castle" during the whole sweet ending of the movie. I guess it's the "Canadian" version supposedly set in San Francisco but I'm getting used to and enjoying it as such.

Detective Maggie and Chef/Consultant Henry are back in this the third entry in the Gourmet Detective series, Death al Dente. Henry is teaching Maggie's mom to make a crown roast. Henry and Maggie are funny and sweet together...almost as sweet as her meddling family's not so subtle meddling. Maggie and Henry end up going to a fancy restaurant called Carmela's where Henry is friends with the owners. After describing a break in to Maggie, another break in occurs and this time it ends with Leo getting shot and in a coma. Enter the B&E detective who just happens to be one of Maggie's ex's. Maggie has the case declared an attempted and pairs up with the B&E unit...allowing Henry to have a front row seat to the two detectives' flirty banter.

I really appreciate the mature relationship between our protagonists Henry and Maggie where they are allowed to be equal partners...(and they share some good witty and flirty banter of their own).

This was a fun case that involved some interesting clues and a kiss between colleagues.

One of the better Hallmark Mystery offerings. I recommend. I hope they continue this series.

I mentioned in reviewing an earlier installment that it seemed like these productions don't have a technical adviser because they seem to have no concept of police procedures. In this episode, Maggie executes an illegal search and later another. There are many other such problems. And this is not about police procedure but Steve commits blatant sexual harassment (Maggie's resulting tension is palpable), but Maggie just rolls with it.

But so it goes with most of the amateur detective movies. We don't watch them for good police procedure. It's just annoying for it to be so blatant.

Both leads have egos, but Henry's is huge. I can't believe actual police detectives stood there and let him boss them around including telling Steve to get lost.

The mystery in this one is not bad, but the hook in the series is the relationship between Maggie and Henry. That and their banter. So far as this installment begins they are still in stage of dancing around their feelings, but they are starting to recognize that there is something there. There is definite chemistry.