Aurora Teagarden Mysteries - Episodes 1-18 (2015-2022)

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This review is of the original 18-movie series. Since there will be no more Aurora Teagarden Mysteries on The Hallmark Channel and I have watched all of them (the entire series this year!), I decided to post one overall review. The movies came to my attention when I first started watching Hallmark movies. I noticed that Candace Cameron Bure is the lead actress in the series and since I'm familiar with her, I decided to watch it. I did eventually read the first two books in the series, but I watched the movies first. Most of the time, I find that books are better than the movie adaptations, so when I did read the books afterward I wouldn't be disappointed (or so I thought) and I could fully enjoy both experiences.

However, this is a rare exception where I felt the movies were much better than the two books in the series that I read. I will eventually post my review of the books, but for now, let's focus on the movies.

The movies really have well-developed mysteries with a cozy vibe. There is an ongoing storyline throughout the movies, which ties them all together, but each movie is a separate mystery. The secondary ongoing plot is just a minor part of the movies and it does not overpower the mysteries.

Candace Cameron Bure makes a fantastic on screen Roe, who is a librarian and amateur sleuth. However, it's really the supporting cast that takes this series of movies to a higher level. I liked seeing the same familiar faces each time. Most of them are on Roe's side and they work with her to solve the mysteries. I found this comforting, like coming home to old friends each time. Others see her as a nuisance, but deep down even they know she is observant and smart.

On the rare occasion when one or more of the supporting cast member is absent from a movie, they are dearly missed. The entire cast has amazing chemistry. My favorite character is Roe's best friend, Sally. I enjoyed seeing her quirky, down-to-earth personality. 

I definitely have a least favorite in this series, "A Bundle of Trouble", but even that was a great movie. Later in the series, I was often able to figure out whodunnit almost as soon as that character was introduced. Still, the movies held my attention and I was curious to see how they would unfold.

I really enjoyed all of them. It is a very strong mystery series and I am disappointed there will be no more Aurora Teagarden. Perhaps one day I will go back and re-watch them, but for now it is time to bid this movie series farewell and move on to others.