29 reviews
Disappointed in this one. All of a sudden a brown haired sister we NEVER heard of before? There isn't quite the chemistry with Cameron Mathison as in all the others. This mystery series was always my favorite of all the Hallmark signature mystery shows. And Norman? What happened there? Not the wingman of the past. I do hope there will be more shows though and we get that great chemistry back!
Storyline was pretty good. Not a fan of the surprise 3rd sibling role. Actress is good and would have been better storywise as a lifelong friend who is back in town to help Hannah solve murders. The 3rd sibling role seemed forced.
- peachy-keen-645-923407
- Sep 11, 2021
- Permalink
Still my favorite of the Hallmark mystery series (along with Aurora Teagarden and Mystery 101), but there were some things I missed. I am hoping they are going to keep these new sets and new cast members and do a bunch more entries in the Hannah Swensen series in order for us to grow accustomed to all the changes.
I missed her sister Andrea and her brother-in-law. Hannah didn't seem to have the same rapport with her sister Michelle. (In fact I don't remember Michelle ever being mentioned...which would be weird considering their mother, who I was happy to see as a beloved return character.)
There were so many changes it was hard to get engrossed initially which was exacerbated by Mike and Hannah having very little face time . (Even the cat was different!)
Some of the things that remained the same were how sweet Mike and Hannah are together (more Mike and Hannah time please!), Hannah's baked goods, Hannah's best friend, Hannah's meddling and opinionated entrepreneurial Mother, and Norman. Norman continues to be the best wingman ever for Hannah.
"She's our mother, not a velociraptor." Hannah to Michelle.
It didn't go unnoticed that there were loose ends at the end, like who is doing the break-ins? They only had one suspect and no evidence.
Also Norman's new King Charles Spaniel puppy, Scooter, is adorable.
I missed her sister Andrea and her brother-in-law. Hannah didn't seem to have the same rapport with her sister Michelle. (In fact I don't remember Michelle ever being mentioned...which would be weird considering their mother, who I was happy to see as a beloved return character.)
There were so many changes it was hard to get engrossed initially which was exacerbated by Mike and Hannah having very little face time . (Even the cat was different!)
Some of the things that remained the same were how sweet Mike and Hannah are together (more Mike and Hannah time please!), Hannah's baked goods, Hannah's best friend, Hannah's meddling and opinionated entrepreneurial Mother, and Norman. Norman continues to be the best wingman ever for Hannah.
"She's our mother, not a velociraptor." Hannah to Michelle.
It didn't go unnoticed that there were loose ends at the end, like who is doing the break-ins? They only had one suspect and no evidence.
Also Norman's new King Charles Spaniel puppy, Scooter, is adorable.
6/10 - nice for the Murder, She Baked series to return after a little while with a fairly run-of-the-mill, but plenty enjoyable mystery.
- JoBloTheMovieCritic
- Sep 4, 2021
- Permalink
Why did they change the name of the show and why had people you don't know. The mystery part was good but the rest I just didn't get it and I love this series as Murder she baked.
- tqlrse-956-221500
- Jul 10, 2022
- Permalink
The newest installment of the Hannah Swensen series was a disappointment, though. The electricity between Hannah and Mike seems to be shorting out.
- queeniefound
- Aug 14, 2021
- Permalink
I really enjoyed this. The Murder She Baked were okay, but this was so much better. Most of the original cast was in the movie. I missed Andrea and Mike, but Michelle was a fun addition.
- pattersonjamie-12079
- Aug 11, 2021
- Permalink
This is actually the sixth installment in the Hannah Swenson saga. I don't know why Hallmark decided to title it as another series. Nothing's changed, except we no longer have those elderly ladies gossiping in the bakery. We're also missing the blonde sister and the brother-in-law. And a new sister shows up out of nowhere. My best guess is that the actress playing Andrea wasn't available, so they had to write her out and replace her character.
The mystery itself is just as good as the others. And, once you get over the shock of the new sister, she's a pleasant addition to the cast. The mother, on the other hand, is at her worst in this movie. The script goes overboard with her ridiculousness. And, in real life, I think her debut novel would have provoked some serious drama in the family.
The love triangle with Norman has run its course. If Hallmark makes any more, I hope he'll just be a platonic friend to Hannah and Mike. And I hope he moves on with some other gal (Hannah's sister?).
The mystery itself is just as good as the others. And, once you get over the shock of the new sister, she's a pleasant addition to the cast. The mother, on the other hand, is at her worst in this movie. The script goes overboard with her ridiculousness. And, in real life, I think her debut novel would have provoked some serious drama in the family.
The love triangle with Norman has run its course. If Hallmark makes any more, I hope he'll just be a platonic friend to Hannah and Mike. And I hope he moves on with some other gal (Hannah's sister?).
- athompsonblue
- Dec 15, 2022
- Permalink
I miss Andrea and her husband. I don't like the new bakery. Where are all the regulars? A new sister who has never been mentioned before? All new people at the police station. Eden Lake changed its name to Lake Eden? Hannah's mom is now a published author? Where did that come from? At least Norman is still there. I love Norman!
- jmwoodtex-344-265910
- Aug 15, 2021
- Permalink
I had not watched any of the Hannah Swensen movies until recently. This is rebrand name of Murder She Baked. Love this series and love this movie. Interesting plots and great acting. Hope to see many more.
- Michaela6569
- Sep 3, 2021
- Permalink
What a disappointing evening. I miss the auxiliary characters and turning Delores into a complete ditz wasn't necessary. Please go back to the old production values and label this one "Hannah has a Dream".
- charlotteiflick
- Oct 20, 2021
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Love to see another Hannah Swensen Movie. I really missed Andrea, Bill and the old background music. Really like the character Michelle.
- ashlyansalam
- Aug 11, 2021
- Permalink
Wondering where this is going. Seems it will be a series, but the background story seems to be moving sideways. The one thing I don't get at all is why is Barbara Niven playing the mom of Allison Sweeney? I get they are about 20 years apart, however they look more like sisters. Kudos to Ms. Niven for looking so young! And, though I really like Allison Sweeney and Cameron Mathison, but they don't seem to have any chemistry. Being engaged, they sure should have a little more love-pops! Cameron surely can learn the traditional waltz box! 1-2-3! 1-2-3!
- Jazzie-too
- Sep 13, 2021
- Permalink
Aside from the recurring regulars - Hannah, Mike, Delores, Norman and Lisa - not a single one from the previous series. Even the town is different - Lake Eden vs. Eden Lake
It's been 6 months since the engagement (according to Hannah), but in that time:
1. Fairly small scale bakery changed into something big and shiny. Where's the money come from? I wouldn't be surprised if she has a new car/SUV too.
2. Delores moved from air-headed antique shop owner to the air-headed published author. Must be a record. And a new house/mansion too... 3. Out of the blue we have a new sister never mentioned before ever, but somehow even Mike knows who she is. And brunette... At least they mentioned Andrea, but what would possess the self-employed mother of a toddler to move to Seattle. And where was her husband... 4. All the sheriff's department is completely new. In 6 months?
5. Disappearing ring? Give me a break! Why remove it in the first place? How it ended up under the locker? Crawled out when the sheriff took the watch?
Other. Goofs I wouldn't even mention.
2. Delores moved from air-headed antique shop owner to the air-headed published author. Must be a record. And a new house/mansion too... 3. Out of the blue we have a new sister never mentioned before ever, but somehow even Mike knows who she is. And brunette... At least they mentioned Andrea, but what would possess the self-employed mother of a toddler to move to Seattle. And where was her husband... 4. All the sheriff's department is completely new. In 6 months?
5. Disappearing ring? Give me a break! Why remove it in the first place? How it ended up under the locker? Crawled out when the sheriff took the watch?
Other. Goofs I wouldn't even mention.
- vzykin-867-624031
- Aug 11, 2021
- Permalink
This is set 6 months after the end of the 'Murder, She Baked' movies and most of the characters are the same. Glad to see Norman is still around, and there is room for another male character with Andrea and her husband having moved away. Having a previously unmentioned, much younger sister taking Andrea's place is slightly weird but fresh and fun. Great job, especially being filmed during the chaos of 2020, plus there's more ethnic diversity - hope Hallmark includes more 'differently abled' actors next.
- SunnyDaise
- Sep 26, 2021
- Permalink
Really enjoy Alison but most of the rest of the cast needs to go. I don't see any chemistry with Cameron. Hannah's mom is the worst only next to Marilu Henner on the Aurora series. The long lost sister who was never mentioned before. Just UGH. I miss the quaint bakery. I wish she'd go back with the other guy. Points for a cute dog.
I have waited several years for another movie and had almost given up. Great storyline and characters. Looking forward to the next one!!
- fkdavis-950-603771
- Aug 13, 2021
- Permalink
Hannah Swensen is even better than the Murder She Baked movies. Great start for her new series. Hope they make more.
- zombiecrab
- Aug 10, 2021
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What a snoozer this episode was...literally..I kept dozing off while watching. Dull story highlighted ny uninspired acting. Half way through I even forgot who was murdered. The mother and Hannah's new sister were a couple of self centered characters... Oh well, on to the next Hallmark "Mystery"
- laurieannebaker
- Nov 12, 2021
- Permalink
I really enjoyed the Murder She Bakes movies and was excited to see this new movie, but this is no where near as good. The changes they made were not an improvement to this story.
- javajones-25606
- Sep 28, 2021
- Permalink
In the books (I love them all!) there are 3 sisters. Since Michelle is away at college we see more of Andrea in the books. Michelle is mentioned in the books and featured in some of them. I would love to see all three sisters together in future movies.
I highly recommend the books to all the fans of the movies. I read the books long before seeing any of the movies and other than Hannah's hair color (red in the books) i think they did an amazing job of casting all these wonderful characters. Seeing them on screen is like a reunion with old friends. Even my husband is enjoying the movies!
The books also include recipes for Hannah's amazing baked treats!
I highly recommend the books to all the fans of the movies. I read the books long before seeing any of the movies and other than Hannah's hair color (red in the books) i think they did an amazing job of casting all these wonderful characters. Seeing them on screen is like a reunion with old friends. Even my husband is enjoying the movies!
The books also include recipes for Hannah's amazing baked treats!
Alison Sweeney, a veteran of "Days of Our Lives", is 40-something baker Hannah. She is dating the local 50-ish police captain. Hannah's mother, an author of romance novels, is doing a reading and a party as she rolls out her new book. While this is going on the young fitness instructor at the 24-hour fitness center is found deceased in the indoor pool, it seems like it might be a murder.
OK, this is a Hallmark movie but does not use the usual story arc. But it does represent a quick, limited budget production with familiar faces in the lead role. They go through great efforts to explain things to make sure no one comes away confused.
My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library. We were suitably entertained, in fact it is quite nicely made for a limited budget movie. But I chuckled at an indoor scene near the end, two violinists are playing at the party and it is clear that the bow was passing back and forth about two inches above the strings. Being careful to not make any sounds at all!
OK, this is a Hallmark movie but does not use the usual story arc. But it does represent a quick, limited budget production with familiar faces in the lead role. They go through great efforts to explain things to make sure no one comes away confused.
My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library. We were suitably entertained, in fact it is quite nicely made for a limited budget movie. But I chuckled at an indoor scene near the end, two violinists are playing at the party and it is clear that the bow was passing back and forth about two inches above the strings. Being careful to not make any sounds at all!
At the very least they didn't do anythingsrupidlikemystery 101 did. They teased it but heldtrue. The murderwassomewhatweek but the whodunnit part had teeth. It's usually so predictable gutless so in this one. I had it right but I had doubt.
These two actors work well and have great chemistry. It's a shame th3 channel drags these thingsout. Mystery 101 went from favoriteto bottom have in a minute. Justwh3n fixer upper was getting good it 3nded and SA with flower shop.
Hailey dean is good but no validation from channel.
Where to go. Catch a spy was tough but like the mains but how do u put them together next time.
These two actors work well and have great chemistry. It's a shame th3 channel drags these thingsout. Mystery 101 went from favoriteto bottom have in a minute. Justwh3n fixer upper was getting good it 3nded and SA with flower shop.
Hailey dean is good but no validation from channel.
Where to go. Catch a spy was tough but like the mains but how do u put them together next time.