I would like to like this series more than I do.

In this entry Allie, our plucky photographer turned detective, is backstage on opening night of celebrated murder mystery writer/director Neil Khan's big comeback. The leading lady ends up murdered before her queue. In walks detective Sam Acosta...who is not at all surprised to discover Allie at the scene of the crime.

Note: "You are going to Regret it."

"When you don't have time to prevent your mistakes, your focus shifts to cover them up. And that is when you make more of them."-Sam Acosta

Allie finally says yes to a drink date, somewhat under duress from her friend the aspiring actress Maya, with reporter Daniel Drake. While waiting for said drinks...Allie observes someone working the pool table. She takes him on and almost has an altercation over his cheating...Daniel steps in to save her from her opponent who turns out to be the local monster/loan shark, Tony Mack. While there she observes Tony Mack and his goons hassling Neil Kahn...our now broke playwright.

The entire cast and crew is invited to the gorgeous home of the playwright and his wife, Sarah, to hear the play has been permanently halted as the theatre has been declared an active crime scene. While there Allie overhears several odd conversations around the crime and our former leading lady. The house is truly lovely filled with gorgeous dark wood and lovely antique details...exactly what you might expect to be a celebrated mystery writer's home.

It turns out Neil and Sarah took out a second mortgage on their home in order to cover the play's production. They had insurance, but it doesn't cover everything...in fact the famous playwright is considering pulling up stakes, selling their home and starting fresh somewhere else.

Meanwhile two masked robbers are having their way in another part of town.

Noah, Allie's assistant photographer, finds a game changing photo from the night in question and Allie gets attacked walking back to her car.

Carlos Peña Vega is fantastic in this series. His character, Sam comes to Allie's home after her attack and tries to be comforting...and ends up watching her home all night so she is safe after she refuses a detail. As a thank you, Allie makes him a pancake breakfast the next morning...but refuses to play it safe.

"If anything happens I have Noah to protect me."-Allie

Queue the Murder board, seems to be a Hallmark Mystery requirement!

Noah adds some much needed humor...like when he says, " I think it is time I negotiate a much needed raise."

I am hoping this real life married couple can eventually bring the heat to their on camera role. I love the addition of uncle Luis, played by the much loved Erik Estrada, and was sad to see him as only the correspondent chess player in this episode.

"Oh I think we both know why I am here."

"Well, what do you see when you look at me?" "B15, true blue."

Loved this little mystery play - a great update of the older types of this style. The actors were great (and VERY attractive). A fun little watch!

I love Hallmark mysteries and I do like this one. This whole series is a fun watch James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 03/20/2021