Mystery 101: Killer Timing

Okay, there are several things happening at the same time and it's kind of messy: Travis has to testify in Chicago for a case he was involved in and his ex-wife, Kate is there. Amy is offered to be head of a committee to select a new dean for the students. While getting together to have dinner, a house explodes, leaving Travis hurt. 3 different mysteries are woven together.

I think I have said this in every Mystery 101 review I have ever done but I just LOVE these movies. The most important thing for me is the story itself, and the most important element: the chemistry between Kristoffer and Jill. I don't care if things are accurate of not, specially the procedures and stuff, they are only a mild annoyance.

I love how flirty Amy and Travis are, they don't even pretend anymore. And I love the fact that Graham (Amy's dad) is their number one fan.

We have new characters! The first one was Maria Valdez, Travis new's partner. And Travis' ex wife, an FBI agent called Kate. I like her. When I first saw the trailer, I didn't know what to expect but i'm glad that she just was there to do her job and didn't have any intentions towards Travis. (It would have been a terrible cliche)

Amy fighting the bad guy in high heels? Unrealistic. Uncomfortable. Badass. There wasn't enough Bud in this one, I like him.

THE ENDING? I did NOT see that plot twist coming. (maybe I should have) I was pleasantly surprised. Also, the final moments of this one?W They came out of the blue but that means that we will definitely have a 7th movie and I'm SO HAPPY!

The characters really work here. I really enjoy what looks like real chemistry between the two leads. By far the best but I still believe they are holding back. It's ok for the two leads to get joined. The events in the movie were a little soft, almost like the writers wanted to much in the necessary timeframe. Note to Hallmark, make a4 hour show but display it two hours at a time. Could have made way more out of the wolfman. Also could have spent more time on ex wife.

That being said I know what I'm watching ang this series I really like.

Professor Amy Winslow (Jill Wagner) is meeting FBI agent Travis Burke (Kristoffer Polaha) for a restaurant dinner when a bomb hits. 33 hours earlier, Burke is in the Chicago FBI office getting ready to testify in a big case. The killer escapes and possibly out to get Burke. In the process, Amy meets his ex-wife and fellow agent Kate Coulson (Erin Cahill).

I actually really like this one. I like the ex. The pairing actually improves with the addition of the ex. I like the twists and turns of the case. I wouldn't mind if Cahill continues on with the franchise. I'm fully admitting that I'm grading on a curve here with Hallmark Mysteries. My expectation is low and this exceeds it.

Pros: Great characters, high production quality for this type of movie, enjoyable relationship storylines.

Cons: Everything about the crimes, especially the ridiculous finale.

Overall: It's perfectly watchable, but I still want the writers to tighten up the mystery plot for the next one in this series. They could make a dozen of these, but we'll all enjoy them more if the crimes make a little more sense.

I had very high expectations for this installment of the Mystery 101 series and not only did it not disappoint but it far exceeded my expectations. Hallmark Movies and Mysteries has learned how to construct a movie with multiple twists and turns while not revealing who the murderer is.

It just goes to show that a movie that is well written and well acted doesn't need sex and violence to be powerful.

The chemistry between Kristoffer Poloha and Jill Wagner makes the story come alive! I just love them together.

Erin Cahill was a welcome addition to the cast. It's empowering to see two women who have ties to the same man, support each other instead of tearing each other apart.

I look forward to the next Mystery 101!!!