Arabesque: Le fils perdu

I was not a fan of the "Murder, She Wrote" TV series, but that was because I didn't know what I was missing, and I have enjoyed all the TV movies based on the series since it went off the air.

In Ireland, a group of people watches a video will. Jessica Fletcher is one of those witnessing the now-deceased man explaining how he wants his estate divided, because she made a difference in the man's life many years earlier. Certain members of the man's family do not get all that they feel entitled to, while some servants receive more than they probably should have. Jessica gets the Rose Cottage, though she doesn't really want it. That is just as well, because the man's will is challenged by certain members of the family. In addition, there is a mysterious treasure, and each person named in the will is given a sheet of paper with clues to finding the treasure.

While Jessica intends to return home quickly, she cannot leave after she witnesses a murder (or perhaps the aftermath of one). And someone warns her that she and others should watch out, because certain people cannot be trusted. In fact, Jessica is subjected to danger several times during the movie, but do you think the producers will let anything happen to the star? An additional complication: it appears someone has been embezzling from the family business.

Angela Lansbury makes Jessica charming, perceptive, intelligent, and quite likeable, as she has for years. No one else's performance really stands out, except for a storyteller who resembles a leprechaun. I was led to believe we were going to be sent in several different directions, but at no time did I ever feel I knew who the murderer might be (so I never was given false hope) until Jessica revealed his or her identity at the end. The process of seeing the mystery solved was quite enjoyable, though, as usual.

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

The Celtic Riddle was a richly drawn mystery that captured all the best of the "Murder, She Wrote" episodes, with an additional twist at the end for good measure!

If this is the last MSW-it is a great story to go out on. Angela Lansbury is supreme as Jessica Fletcher, once more traveling to Ireland to hear the reading of a will of a man she only met once. The wonderful Peter Donat makes a cameo appearance and only adds to the spice of the story. One key of this very well written story is the theme of "second chances"-you will have to see this movie to find out more!

I hope this gets lots of reruns on CBS and USA-it is worth it!

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