Roman noir

I love the series as a whole and have watched them over and over. However, I've never seen the pilot movie. Hallmark does not show it. I have fount it in two places where you can supposedly watch for free, but each time I try to register, my credit card is rejected. Definitely watch what you can. Hallmark Channel, SHOW US THE PILOT!!!!

This story was really good. I do admit that at times, it could've been better, but I really enjoyed it as it kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending was perfect. Who knew that reading mysteries could get you to learn so much? I really recommend this movie.

The cast was great! Kellie Martin is one of my favorite actresses anyhow, but I really enjoyed her character. Robert Wagner was great, as was Constance Zimmer as Cassie.

A perfect movie and a perfect cast. What more could you want?

Recently divorced from art gallery owner Elliot McCallister, Samantha Kinsey inherits her Uncle Bobs' crime mystery-specialized bookshop. Jack Stenning (Robert Wagner) is Samantha's former literature professor and is working on a new true crime book. His adopted daughter Tracy tells Samantha that she worries her father's pursuit of his latest story may turn out to be dangerous. At a party in his home, Jack is murdered by a surprise guest who stages Jack's death to look like a suicide. Jack's estranged son Tom (Troy Bishop) and his boss Lieutenant Robert Hawke (William R. Moses) investigate but rule it a suicide. Although general heir and claiming she loved Jack despite serial adultery, his widow Mary (Joan Severance) asks Samantha and her friend Cassie to investigate it as a murder. Shortly after, Sam is the target of a break-in and sabotage convincing her that there is more to the mystery. She and her uncle's mysterious friend, Ian Philby (Freeman), discover that Jack's new book was connected to the disappearance of heiress Rebecca Carlson 10 years ago and his own murder may be linked to Carlson's murder.

Started out well, however gradually gets a bit tedious and drags on. Lacks a bit of a light touch. The direction is flat, but it's well acted, has Robert Wagner in it and has a good twist. I would still check out the other episodes as they might be a improvement.

This TV film should be made into a regular series like "Murder She Wrote". It kept me spellbound, never knowing who the killer really was, with hidden doors and passageways. Robert Wagner played a role like Janet Leigh in "Psycho" and made you wonder how the killer could have entered or left a bolted door. Try to catch it the next time it is shown on TV, lots of romance and mystery!!!

Kellie Martin was fantastic in this movie. She is a very earnest and appealing actor. The supporting cast was excellent. It was wonderful; I am looking forward to more. Kellie Martin proves that books can teach us all kinds of things. I also liked seeing her photographs in this movie.