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!!!!

Recently the Hallmark Channel aired the first movie in their Hallmark Mystery Movie series revolving around Samantha Kinsey, a young woman dabbling in photography and is starting out again after the break up of her relationship with her ex spouse or ex boyfriend. And she inherits a bookstore from her late uncle and begins her new career as owner and manager and part-time detective.I am glad that they recast one of the roles in subsequent movies, the one of Philby, the friend of her late uncle's who seems to have some kind of secretive past. Clarence Williams III was missed here, along with that typical police officer who discounts Sam's opinions.Here, Robert Wagner was fun to see as the writer and victim. The reason why he was killed was linked to a strange death and to several other events throughout the story. Even with his limited scenes, Wagner was engaging. I wanted to see more of this guy and what went wrong. Too bad it didn't lead to similar casting cues in later movies.What I like most is Kellie Martin's character. She has a lot of book and street smarts and likes pictures and has regard for writing and mystery novels and authors. And she gives a perspective to solving these crimes that the other detectives can't and often won't. Since she is not a detective or a cop or a lawyer she is often discounted and ignored by those in the know but like Jessica Fletcher she picks up on things that those in the know miss. And I too like pictures, books and have lots of trivia and knowledge so the character is easier to identify with.The movie though is an okay if not a great mystery with the revelation surprising and then not so, but it is held together by a nice performance from Martin. The guy who played Philby here did not seem to spark well with her though. Glad they changed that with the next film.Recommended for those who want a break from procedural dramas and plot based shows and those who grew up with the mystery movies like "Columbo" where an unlikely character solves the crime and finds what others miss. It is a good way to pass several hours, not great but fine.

I was surprised and pleased to see the 'quality' look and feel of MYSTERY WOMAN. It was no low-budget cable experiment, it was polished. Kellie's a natural, and looked great. Robert Wagner's name in the tv listing and face on the TV screen was a BIG plus. (If it becomes a series, perhaps a celebrity 'victim' each week?) Mystery Woman was definitely left 'open' for further adventures.To be honest, the story could have been a bit 'tighter'. The mysteries and their solutions should be able to be held up to scientifically accurate scrutiny. For the production monies spent, the 'little' discrepancies should not be there (and there were more than a few). STANDARD OPERATING PROCECDURES for cops, coroners, victims, and family members are not strictly enforced. But, the result is a 'not' overly-complicated story, perfect for an 8pm Sunday-night, network slot.Now that the main character Samantha Kinsey is established, I would like to see storylines that stick more to 'mystery' and not dwell on her ex-husband, love life, or other personal aspects just to fill out the show to it's 'run time'. One more thing... I'm sure Kellie is a wonderful photographer in real life and it was a great idea to make her character's profession something that she loves so much. It even gives her an 'excuse' to travel to the locales of 'other' mysteries, but... BUT... please stop mentioning 'PHOTOGRAPHER' (or variations) every 5 minutes !!! It's distracting.As a fan, I'd be happy to watch Kellie Martin read the phone book. As a critic, I'd have to say (even after my criticisms) that MYSTERY WOMAN is a great 'vehicle' for Kellie, and that I was very entertained and would love to see more installments. GOOD JOB !!!

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?