Cozy mystery movies are my not-so-secret addiction. I suppose it all started in 1986 with Stand By Me, adapted from Stephen King’s The Body. My VHS tape played on the VCR (yes, I’m dating myself) more times than I’d ever dare attempt to count. I was 12 years old, so River Phoenix might have had something to do with that. But I was equally as hooked on the storyline.
Thirty-ish years later, I discovered Aurora Teagarden and Hannah Swenson.You’ll find a bit of a theme here, and that theme is Hallmark. Not exclusively, but noticeably.
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries
This series, starring Candace Cameron Bure, premiered in 2015 and resulted in a grand total of 18 movies. Based on the book series by Charmaine Harris, an amateur sleuth/librarian solves murders with help from her best friend and members of The Real Murders Club. As a die-hard fan of Taxi, Marilou Henner, starring as Aurora’s mother, might be my favorite character. Now that Candace Cameron Bure has moved on to GAC, the series has ended. However, Hallmark recently announced the series will be rebooted as a prequel with Skyler Samuels taking on the role of Aurora as a young, post-college graduate. I’m looking forward to seeing this new take on an old favorite.
Crossword Mysteries
Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliott star in this Hallmark series about a crossword editor who helps a detective solve mysteries in New York City. I originally tuned in because I love crossword puzzles and always wanted a bird’s-eye view of the job. But I continued to watch thanks to the storylines, cast, and city setting.
Matchmaker Mysteries
Yes, another Hallmark offering – this one starring Danica McKellar and Victor Webster. The matchmaker has her own TV show but spends her free time solving murder mysteries. Danica McKellar also moved over to GAC. Fortunately, reruns pop every once in a while.
Flower Shop Mysteries
I loved this series, starring Brooke Shields and Brennan Elliott. Originally a book series by Kate Collins, the movies follow former-lawyer-turned-florist, Abby, as she spends her free time solving the whodunits in her small town. I love this series, but future installments don’t appear to be in the works.
Murder, She Baked
I’m a huge fan of Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swenson book series, and this is my favorite of all Hallmark movie series. Allison Sweeney stars as baker/amateur sleuth, Hannah. When not running her bakery or following a trail of clues, she dabbles in the romance department with local police officer, Mike (Cameron Mathison). I’m excited to see a new movie is scheduled for release this year.
Knives Out
Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is tasked with solving the mysterious death of crime novelist Harlan Thrombey. Everyone in her family is a suspect. I was reminded of classic murder mystery movies set in a gorgeous yet creepy, old house – think Clue.
Glass Onion
Detective Benoit Blanc is at it again, this time solving the murder of a guest on billionaire Miles Bron’s private Greek island. Here’s to hoping for a third installment in a fun movie franchise that always delivers an entertaining mystery and an eclectic cast of characters.
Murder Mystery
This movie starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston is so much fun to watch. While on a European vacation, a New York police office and his wife are framed for the murder of a billionaire and must work to prove their innocence. This was one of those movies I knew I’d love, and it delivered. Murder Mystery 2 is now streaming on Netflix. I’m itching to watch, but waiting for my daughter’s next trip home from college. Family Movie Night!!!
Stand By Me
Four Oregon boys set off on a coming-of-age quest to find a missing teenager’s body. This movie doesn’t quite fit the cozy genre. But I felt compelled to include the title because the suspense surrounding the missing teen is second only to an emotional, yet humorous, story of friendship.
Jill Piscitello 