A Sprinkle of Deceit: A Hannah Swensen Mystery

Same formula but that's why I watch Hallmark. I love Allison Sweeney. But her mom definitely needs to be put into the background. She had too much time in this movie. Wayyy too much time. I enjoy Barbara Niven . She would be fine in a more supporting role. Her being a private detective is just not believable. I like having the three sisters together and the new interesting man in her life. I do miss Norman and Mike but Chad fits in really well. And who knows, maybe Norman and Mike will be back someday.

I also like the new shop that Hannah moved into. Roasting coffee is a smart move and makes sense.

First the good: Strong ensemble cast returns and is as strong as ever. Lots of energy and some laughs. They clearly have fun together with these movies and it comes across on screen. I'd say ladies in particular had the strongest chemistry I've seen. And I did legitimately laugh a couple of times. It was very cozy which is frankly most important here.

What I liked less: Hannah herself came off a bit one dimensional and, in many scenes, seemed to be mailing it in a bit acting wise. Also her schtick of bribing with cookies should only be done once per movie. She did it like six times in this film. It gets old.

The mystery itself was just ok although did have some interesting twists. I agree with other reviewers on how Norman's absence takes away from this film.

Hannah Swenson Mysteries were my favorite so it's extremely disappointing how poor the new series has been so far. I understand Mike having moved to Great TV but not aware of Norman deserting the Network. If he hasn't, I can't imagine why he's no longer in the scripts. Was he removed from the novels? Did the novels change so dramatically? I'm not familiar with them but I doubt they drastically changed her mother's role for example. The screen writers should be fired for ruining the dynamic.

Having the three sisters together is quite a nice move but not developed properly. Where's Bill? The sherif was suddenly recommending Hannah be involved. A complete (and unlikely) change of heart. Chad is a dreadful choice as a possible love interest I think. There's no chemistry there and he's got "Norman" stand-offish politeness without any of the warmth. Plus ...why is he at every crime scene? He's the prosecutor not a detective.

The worst change is her mother's character. I love Barbara Niven in all her Hallmark roles and she was great in the previous series. But she was squeamish and always trying to stop Hannah getting involved in the investigations so why she's now an overbearing PI I can't imagine. This episode was worse with her embarrassing role as an "actress". It was so OTT and cringe-worthy. Ruined it for me.

The Murder itself was like an afterthought and I got so bored as the investigation plodded along with no enthusiasm. No twists. No turns. I barely remembered they were investigating a murder.

Changing her bakery and having her branch out to roasting coffee beans made logistical sense to me because she obviously doesn't have to bake so much anymore. But it lacked the warmth and character of her old ones. It was harder to imagine her running it, creating and baking new cookies there. There was always a lot of banter at the counter and the seating arrangement was much friendlier for the main cast and customers to sit down and chat. It just looked like a sterile patisserie counter to me and I think the seating is around the corner at the side of the counter from the one quick glance we got of it.

I'm almost rating this in the region of the Curious Catering series which is so dreadful I've stopped watching. I love both the leads but they have no chemistry in that series because of the dreadful scripts and Andrew has lost his sparkle and seems to just dial in his performance. He doesn't look well, too skinny, and does not suit the scruff on his face.

With Mystery 101 disappearing, I wonder if Kristoffer Polaha and Jill Wagner are still with Hallmark. They have brilliant chemistry together in everything they do... but her character was a little stupid and overbearing in it. Not her fault just the scripts. But inspite of that, it was still a favorite to the old HS series along with The Chronicle Mysteries. Let's hope they don't mess with that one.

The writers should be sacked for the whole ridiculous farce of her mother becoming an "actress". It was embarrassing and way below the level we've come to expect of their characters and acting on the show. It became all about her and was even worse than making her a OTT PI.

The mysteries used to be interesting, clever and really enjoyable and it was always a little tricky to guess who the murderer was. Hannah always got herself in some sort of danger. I was tempted to change channels half way through but stuck with it. Cringing when her mother was on the screen.

If the next on is as bad as this I'm sadly giving up on them.

This is the same formulaic movie that Hallmark churns out. But that's why they're enjoyable. I do have to agree with another reviewer that the mom ruins the movie. She is so pushy, bossy, annoying...you name it. I absolutely adore Barbara Niven and she's better than this.

It's different with Cameron Matheson being gone. But with his move to a rival network, they had to bring in another "love interest". Victor Webster is a great replacement. Not sure if they'll become romantically involved but he makes a good DA.

I'll continue to watch the movies but please tone down the mom. I do like the sisters, too.

Hannah's mother ruins this movie to the point it's almost unwatchable. She's too over the top. She acts ridiculously and is not funny at all. She is given way too much screen time - to the point you wonder who the star of the movie actually is. She distracts from the plot of the movie. Hannah and the mystery should be the focus. I also wish Norman was in the movie. I felt Hallmark missed the opportunity to make him a bigger part on the series now that Mike is gone. Norman would have made a great crime solving side kick to Hannah. Less mom and more Hannah/storyline please. Was looking forward to this movie and was really disappointed.