Search - Mystery Woman: Mystery Weekend on DVD

Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL
Reviewed on 4/22/2023...

Although this kept my attention and the cast was good, I found it very predictable.

1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 7/17/2021...

Solid Hallmark soft crime drama that you will enjoy!

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Charming Bookstore Sleuth

Mel Odom | Moore, OK USA | 06/05/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Samantha Kinsey owns the Mystery Woman Book Store, and occasionally runs into murder mysteries of her own. During Mystery weekend, a chance for fans to gather and meet their favorite writers, writer diva Clare Beckman puts in the first appearance in almost fifteen years. No one knows why she's avoided the limelight. Arriving fashionably late, Clare immediately seizes everyone's attention, makes the announcement that her latest book is her last, and is promptly nearly murdered. Samantha ends up on the suspect list, alongside her most treasured patron. In short order, things go from bad to worse as the mysterious killer succeeds in killing Clare Beckman. With the police certain they've got the killer in custody, it's up to Samantha, her partner Philby -- who used to be a spy, and her assistant district attorney friend Cassandra to track down the real murderer.

This is the second entry in Hallmark Entertainment's MYSTERY WOMAN movie series. Kellie Martin stars as Samantha Kinsey, bringing a lot of experience as an actress as well as directing some of the series' entries. Created by Michael Sloan -- who's created or written for HARRY-O, COLUMBO, THE HARDY BOYS/NANCY DREW MYSTERIES, McCLOUD, THE EQUALIZER, and LA FEMME NIKITA, the series is off to a promising start.

Samantha Kinsey is an enjoyable sleuth. She's an everyday woman, with just a touch of something extra. Her curiosity about mysteries is a deeply rooted passion, and in her movies she's given a good chance to exercise it. Although there's no real drama involved in this movie, there is a good storyline that will keep avid mystery fans guessing up until the final moments. The story plays fair with the clues and the background to solve the murder. Doubtless, the writer, Joyce Burditt, wound the plot largely around British mystery maven Anne Perry's real life, which only came to public light in the last few years. The dialogue is quick and fast-paced, and the subplot involving Samantha and Cassandra's interest in the new lawyer in town is great fun.

The only real drawback to the DVD version is the lack of extras. These days all DVDs come with a little more than the movie, and interviews with the cast would have been a nice addition.

MYSTERY WOMAN: MYSTERY WEEKEND is highly recommended for the armchair sleuthing couples who want to while away a lazy hour and a half over the weekend playing guessing games with each other. This series doesn't have the intensity of something like FOYLE'S WAR, but it is an engaging effort well worth the visit."

Nancy Drew Grown Up

R. Schultz | Chicago | 09/18/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is a little bit too Nancy Drew. The characters are stock suspects, and the action is rather contrived. "Mystery Woman" is anything but edgy. Whatever edge the plot may have had was neatly gone over with pinking shears. So we end up with good, clean family entertainment that some might relegate to the pile of "chick flicks."

Nevertheless, it was a relief to get out of the rawness and irresolution of daily life and to spend some time in this polished hardwood mystery-fans bookstore. And it was good to see Clarence Williams III on the screen again.

The bookstore is the kind of business we all dream about having; and Clarence Williams is the kind of business partner we all wish we could have. He's smart, mysteriously well-connected, and supportive. After each draining homicidal attack, Mr. Williams is ready to go brew a tea for himself and his partner. For many of us, that is the ultimate wish fulfillment.

What more could you ask out of a "cozy?" A bookstore, a dead body, and a cup of tea..."

Great Fun For Mystery Fans

Bobby Underwood | Manly NSW, Australia | 02/01/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This series of films from Hallmark Entertainment is delicious fun for mystery lovers and Kellie Martin fans. Martin is Samantha Kinsey, the owner of the Mystery Woman Book Store who finds herself involved in her own favorite pastime. There is a warmth and sense of fun to the story in this one and a fine atmosphere just right for light entertainment.

Samantha is making plans for a "Mystery Weekend" for her avid customers sure to please them. At her weekly "Thursday Night Mayhem" event, however, the very reclusive and prolific mystery writer, Clare Beckman, just misses being shot. Samantha's close friend and Assistant D.A., Cassie (Nina Siemaszko), is shot in the arm instead, and the mystery begins.

One of Samantha's elderly customers is the obvious suspect, at least to Chief Connors (Casey Sander), but Samantha has other ideas. There are two other female mystery writers present at the shooting whose jealousy is hardly masked. And when bee venom is used by someone to finish the job, Clare's trophy boyfriend might have motives also.

There is a real sense of fun as Samantha starts questioning people to get to the bottom of things. Clarence Williams III of "Mod Squad" fame is simply terrific as Samantha's pal, Philby, with a past so mysterious he has access to the Prime Minister! Pretty Nina Siemaszko is endearing as Samantha's best friend, helping her best bud and getting into hot water while fending off a hunky lawyer trying to romance she and Samantha at the same time.

It's all tied to a 30 year old murder. And as Samantha knows, everybody loves a murder. Mystery lovers won't be able to get enough of Samantha and her buds sluething around. Martin looks fantastic and it's great to see her find a fun project like this one. It's a great premise executed with just the right sense of mischief. A great find."