Mystery 101 (2019–2021) User Reviews

Follow the clues

[cgvsluis · 8/10 · 4 January 2021]

I have three favorite mystery series on Hallmark's Movies and Mysteries Channel: Murder she Baked, Aurora Teagarden Mysteries, and Mystery 101. Murder She Baked used to be my favorite, thanks to the lack of recent entries and the continued entries of Aurora Teagarden (that and Candace Cameron Bure's star power along with her fellow cast members)...I think Aurora has now eclipsed Murder she Baked in to my favorite. I mention these, because Mystery 101 has been a slow burn that I am really enjoying and thanks to the on-screen chemistry between our two stars playing Travis and Amy may be working it's way to the top of my list.

Mystery 101's main protagonist is professor of mystery fiction, Amy Winslow, who's father happens to be former professor turned famous deceive writer, Graham Winslow. In addition to teaching Amy ends up consulting with and eventually helping at first reluctantly our hard nosed former big city detective, Travis Burke.

What do I like about the series? Travis and Amy are adults and treat each other with respect...all the while developing a slow smoldering chemistry that is fun to be a witness to. Amy's father and his serial novels are woven throughout the series and occasionally used as a fun hook for the audience. There is great humor in this series that isn't afraid to poke fun at itself and it's genre. The dialogue is smart and I love all of the mystery novel references and throwbacks. I have actually added books to my tbr thanks to this series.

I would have loved to take Amy's course in college!

WHAT???

[kathaul · 9/10 · 2 August 2021]

Episode 8 better be out SOON!!!!! These are some of the better Hallmark mysteries. Love Kris and Jill as they are really great together but I really hope we don't have to wait too long for the next installment!!!!

Another feature-length TV mystery series of movies from THE HALLMARK CHANNEL...

[Reddragon84 · 8/10 · 23 February 2021]

Which is NO bad thing in my house - being an avid reader and viewer of fictional crime/whodunnit-type mysteries, I have thoroughly enjoyed most, if not all of the various TV mystery Film series from the aforementioned channel over the last 15 years or so. The most recent of such series include "HAILEY DEAN MYSTERIES " RUBY HERRING MYSTERIES" and AURORA TEAGARDEN MYSTERIES.

MYSTERY 101 (not to be confused with MURDER 101) stars JILL WAGNER as college professor and amateur sleuth Amy Winslow, who along with some of her students and her father Graham Winslow, who also happens to be a renowned best selling author of fictional murder mysteries aid or sometimes hinder the Police and Detective Travis Burke in particular in solving murder mysteries in their home town.

The acting by all is pretty decent, the chemistry between the stars is genuine with the inevitable will they / wont they get together subplot between the leads and the mysteries while undemanding are a very enjoyable way for this crime buff to while away a couple of hours.

At the time of writing, 5 feature-length mysteries have been produced and released with another on the way. Having seen the first 3 so far I definitely give this series a big thumbs UP

The Best of all the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries franchises

[kbarker83 · 10/10 · 25 March 2021]

As an mystery enthusiasts, I will watch every mystery series that Hallmark puts on but there are none that I look more forward to with anticipation than Mystery 101. Kristoffer Polaha and Jill Wagner have insane on screen chemistry that leaves you wanting to watch Travis and Amy over and over. The cases are fun as well as they give you enough clues to help you figure out who dunnit along with them and things that may seem little at the beginning turn out to be big in the end. Another thing I love is how things the characters do and say carry over from one episode to the next. The progression of Travis and Amy's relationship is very organic and realistic. Give this a try!

Mystery 101

[rhondablaski · 10/10 · 3 May 2023]

Mystery 101 is the best of all the mystery movies. Hallmark made a huge mistake when they canceled this one. The easy laid back chemistry that they have and The cast of characters is absolutely the best. I will truly miss these two. And as far as the new mystery that just came out this week, Francesca Quinn PI. I couldn't even finish it. But the cut color and murder one is very good as was Dying for chocolate. I just wish you would reconsider not Canceling my favorite, mystery 101. And why would you leave 101 as a cliffhanger??? Like bad decisions all around. I am really not happy about this..

Clean, Well Arranged and Excellent Movie

[bandameek-24307 · 7/10 · 17 April 2021]

This movie is very clean and well articulated. No nudity, no violence, no stupid dialogues, no cursing, no sex, no drugs and above all well arranged.

It is a movie for smart people.

Bring it back!

[Fammjm · 10/10 · 14 July 2023]

These two actors Kristoffer Polaha and Jill Wagner, had great chemistry, would love to see the show come back as a regular series with the same people! Robin, Thomas As Graham Winslow was also a perfect supporting character. Every time we find a show we love, it only runs one "season" with six or seven episodes and then it's gone. Very disappointing!

The storylines have been well thought out, casting as I mentioned is excellent, and dialogue is well written. Much better than most of the other mystery shows on the Hallmark channel. So many of them need better writing (and better acting) but this one was spot on.

The romance side of the show was nicely done without being overly "sugary", and balanced very well with the mystery side of the story.

We find it extremely refreshing to watch the shows on Hallmark without the extreme violence and cursing that every other network seems to think is necessary. It's some thing we feel safe in allowing our children to view as well, which is hard to find in the current social environment.

Please stop trying to make everything "new and better" and keep what already works.

Favorite Hallmark movie series.

[sherryrp · 10/10 · 16 July 2021]

My favorite Hallmark movies & mystery series! Hope they make many more of these.

Ending this past Sunday?

[bmayer-68838 · 8/10 · 4 August 2021]

So what is with the ending on the latest episode. That sure came out of left field, and I hope that the next episode is out sooner than later. Any ideas?

Painfully bad

[feck-58942 · 1/10 · 14 March 2022]

A mystery show as flat as, well, a Hallmark greeting card. The crime happens in a world, where only beautiful but brainless people live who say insignificant things to each other. The script shows no imagination. The characters are exchangable. Everybody has perfect hair. Everybody has a perfect body. Everybody wears designer clothes.

Just like the real world.

"The bold and the beautiful" goes mystery.

One star, thanks to mrs. Wagners curling iron.

Excellent Mystery

[michel-05066 · 10/10 · 23 March 2022]

Best series of Movies I've seen on Hallmark. Mystery 101 franchise pairs two leading actors who have the best chemistry and rapport. Its a much more adult like movie and the writer puts them in the most interesting situations. In addition to attempting to solve the mystery yourself as you watch you can see the awesome slow build of a bit of flirtation happening with the lead characters that leaves you waiting impatiently for the next movie to come out! Bravo Hallmark. Love Kris and Jill! (and Graham too).

Will really miss this series of movies

[cthyqc · 10/10 · 19 June 2023]

Just got done watching the last of these episodes. Hallmark movie and mystery final admitted there will be no more. This was one of the best written,casted and executed of any of the mysteries they have done. The acting was great and stories really held together and held my interest even after a few watching. The characters where all grown ups. I will miss the actors/ characters they were all good . The chemistry between the leads was believable and fun. I know that nothing last forever but it appears Hallmark really just wants to attract a younger audience not sure why. I enjoy the inclusion of diverse characters but you didn't have to get rid of everything that has characters over 40.

Hands down the best Hallmark mystery series (and I've watched all of the recent ones)

[mzmmtdzxd · 10/10 · 29 July 2023]

My wife and I have watched almost every episode of every Hallmark series that has been produced since 2010.

Mystery 101 stands out in every way except for comedic dialogue (Darrow and Darrow is the best there) and leading actor chemistry (tied with Darrow and Darrow).

• Best writing. Mysteries feel real and not entirely implausible. Sure, there's some suspension of disbelief, but not like other series.

• The role that the non-detective lead has feels more believable than other series.

• You care about the characters and they really click (beyond just the leads). It is better than Darrow and Darrow here.

• It's memorable, which can't always be said.

• The setting is pleasant without being heavy handed.

• There's growth and continuity.

One of my favorite of the Hallmark Murder & Mystery series.

[mamad9394 · 8/10 · 2 April 2022]

I enjoy several of Hallmark's M&M's series including Mystery 101. These are written with interesting dialog and characters that have developed with each episode. I have enjoyed watching Amy & Travis's relationship grow and I like how it is a mature respectful one. Their characters seem to truly enjoy each other's opinions and have an almost geedy fascination with each other. I liked how at the end of the movie the finally got around to admitting how they felt about each other but then the end wasn't the end and all the sudden Amy has a fiance and it's not Travis WTH is up with that and more importantly when is the next movie coming out so you can explain what kind of BS you thought you were going to pull.

My current favorite Hallmark mysteries

[MickyG333 · 8/10 · 8 April 2023]

8.2 stars.

I am beginning to get a little nervous because I just watched Episode 5, which I feel is the best one so far. Don't get me wrong, the first 4 were all quite delicious little mysteries. I am simply dubious about nearing the end of the journey because there are some blatantly pessimistic opinions of episode #7.

What's so gratifying about 'Mystery 101' is if you get a pen and paper and jot down all the minutia and press pause every 10 minutes or so, then try to figure out whodunnit, you will have a jolly good time of it. The writers were careful to leave breadcrumbs at every turn, and it's an exciting mystery expedition. A couple of the episodes seemed somewhat obvious, but most were like a jigsaw puzzle and I had a lot of fun. I had a hunch who the killer was in #5, but I couldn't make a case for this person until I started tallying each "insignificant" detail to form a complete picture. Looking back, I realized by the end of the 2nd episode I was hooked. Now the 5th episode is completed and I can honestly say this has scratched the mystery itch sufficiently enough that I have no need to grab a mystery novel neatly tucked in my bookcase between several other juicy mystery novels.

I've seen a few of the Hallmark mystery series, and some of the movies as well, and 'Mystery 101' is the best of the bunch so far. I'm writing this in April 2023, so who knows if something better has come along since. I just saw 'The Cases of Mystery Lane', which I found to be decent, but does not hold a candle to 'Mystery 101'. I haven't tried Aurora Teagarden because many of the reviews are dissuasive, however it sounds like I should watch at least the first several and then quit while I'm ahead (according to several critics).

I don't understand the negative assessments of 'Mystery 101', what are these nay sayers looking for? This show is well written and while it fits the same formula and contains most of the clichés, it retains its status as upper class Hallmark mystery pleasure.

More thoughts on what use to be a fun show

[hypzrkunt · 5/10 · 3 August 2021]

I have lowered my rating to 5 because the ending kills all good will that the show has built up. I won't watch these episodes anymore and I have watched them at least 4 or 5 times each.

I think Hallmark has some new execs that have changed the channels foundations. Good witch is killed, Jesse leaving Chesapeake shores over show direction . All in all maybe they are trying to appeal to new audience which is ok if they don't hurt the people currently watching.

Sad to see. I feel bad for the two leads as they didn't write this trash.

Ring back fixer upper and hailey dean.and gourmet detective.

GREAT MYSTERYS

[alextwolfe · 10/10 · 30 November 2023]

Mystery 101 is just a really awesome show. The characters are really cool. It's just great. Not too gory and doesn't show much blood, or if it does at all. Most mysteries like Chicago PD have a serious amount of bad language, but mystery 101 is different, to me I think it would be a fun family mystery ( That is if your kids or adults aren't too sensitive ) to watch. Also there isn't that much violence, maybe a couple of chases or a gun getting pointed at someone, but these mostly take place near the end of the film. I think after you watch the first one it will make you eager to watch the rest. And if you're a Sherlock Holmes fan, you'll have fun hearing them talk all about it. Also there is a lot of comedy in this movie, like a lot of jokes and stuff. So I hope you have fun watching this mystery. Oh and leave me a comment on who your favorite character was. Thank You!

A Promising Start with Some Detective Missteps

[andre-terrabrasilis · 8/10 · 12 September 2023]

"Mystery 101" offers a compelling premise right from the get-go, and the first episode sets the stage for what could potentially be an intriguing series. However, there is one glaring issue that needs to be addressed: the inaccurate portrayal of missing person investigations.

The show introduces us to the charismatic and enigmatic Travis Burke, portrayed by Kristoffer Polaha. He's undoubtedly a fascinating character, and Polaha's performance adds depth to the role. The chemistry between Burke and his unlikely sidekick, Amy Winslow (played by Jill Wagner), also shows promise, providing a unique dynamic that keeps viewers engaged.

Yet, as a viewer with a keen interest in crime dramas and detective work, I couldn't help but cringe when Burke claimed that they needed to wait 24 hours before initiating a missing person's investigation. This is a common misconception perpetuated in many crime shows and movies, and it's unfortunate to see it pop up here as well. In reality, law enforcement agencies do not require a 24-hour waiting period to start looking for a missing person. This inaccuracy can mislead viewers and detracts from the show's credibility.

Aside from this misstep, the episode offers a decent mystery with some intriguing twists and turns. The small-town setting adds to the cozy, charming atmosphere, and the supporting cast delivers commendable performances.

In conclusion, "Mystery 101" has the potential to be an enjoyable series with its charismatic leads and engaging mysteries. However, it's essential for the writers and producers to do their homework when it comes to the procedural aspects of crime-solving. While the first episode may have stumbled in this regard, I hope to see improvements in future installments. If you can overlook the inaccuracies in detective work, this show could be an entertaining addition to your watchlist.

what did i miss

[memine23 · 4/10 · 14 October 2022]

I love jill Wagners work but this is a dud - not on her part but as a project a yawn of no small effort - no chemistry between main protagonists and mysteries just plain silly - i tried to watch but ended up fast forwarding through most all episodes because of useless filler.....and nonsense dialogue - but i can say the scenery and back drop Quest university is just gorgeous... trying to compose a negative review in 600 words is a stretch - this was just not great - 4 stars is mean but i would not recommend this for a time waster to anyone. I don't understand how many of these Hallmarks get made - or continued - some are B works at best some are home runs....

Unwatchable

[roccof13-848-639431 · 1/10 · 4 May 2021]

So poorly written (implausible) and terribly acted. It appears that the actors don't believe what they're saying - they show little commitment and are almost hesitant to deliver the lines.

Paint by the numbers

[mdoliner43 · 5/10 · 19 September 2023]

Leaden dialogue. Anyone who knows the structure will know just about everything that is going to happen before it does. Given that its sort of like rowing a boat on a pond to let it just flow along till you come to the end. I knew the killer the moment I saw him, but that was because in this type of mystery the killer must always appear very early and look completely irrelevant. The character fit the bill just about perfectly . Cardboard characters, but hey it's a TV series. All in all about par for the course for American art these days. Makes you realize just how much the world has changed since this came out. Don't think the complacency of this show is possible today.

Even for Hallmark . . .

[nraquestions · 4/10 · 11 September 2023]

Even for Hallmark, this show is pretty bad. It's a different spin on "Murder She Wrote" and all the other "amateur detective solves the crime" shows. But still predictable.

The production values are pretty high school too. In the pilot, the chief is wearing a shield badge on his shirt but a star badge on his jacket. That doesn't happen in the real world. The detectives' badges don't look anything like the chief's badge, either one.

Now I'm watching episode two and. Travis asks the chief, "How's your daughter?" She's Travis' partner, wouldn't he say, "How's Claire?" or "How's my partner?"

....