by Doward Wilson

Hallmark Movies and Mysteries newest mystery offering is Picture Perfect Mysteries: Newlywed and Dead starring real-life husband and wife, Alexa and Carlos PenaVega, Jr.. Alexa starred in the three-part series of movies, Spy Kids, Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams, and Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over as Carmen Cortez. She also has numerous television and other movie credits and has released songs on the soundtrack of the Spy Kids movies. Carlos is an accomplished actor and singer who has written, co-written, and performed songs with the pop boy band, Big Time Rush. The couple have been married since January 4, 2014. They have one son and are currently expecting a second son. The couple have also been featured in several Hallmark Channel Movies.

In Newlywed and Dead, Alexa plays professional wedding photographer Allie, and Carlos plays police detective Sam, who has recently relocated from New York City to small town New England. Jon Cor plays Allie’s big brother Greg. While filming a friend’s wedding Allie witnesses the groom being shot to death during the newlywed’s opening dance. Her brother Greg soon becomes the prime suspect as he is the ex-boyfriend of the bride and was trying to stop the wedding. Allie is convinced that Greg is innocent and starts to bring other possible suspects to Sam’s attention while he is busy trying to keep her out of his investigation. Can Allie find the real killer without getting killed herself?

This was an extremely well done murder mystery. The entire cast works well with a great storyline. The photography background adds to the story, which is filled with lots of red herrings, surprise revelations, and an unexpected ending. Hallmark has again out done itself and more entries are expected in this new series after the start of the New Year! I can’t wait for the next one and encourage all mystery buffs to check this mystery film out!

You can check out KRL’s reviews of other mystery movies on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel, including some very recent ones, in our mystery section. You can also go to the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel website to learn more and check out their schedule for more new movies coming soon.

Join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. Don’t forget to check out KRL’s new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! A new episode goes up next week!

Doward Wilson is a retired and avid cozy, paranormal, and adventure reader who can’t say no to most books. He recently moved from Independence, Missouri to Gladbrook, Iowa. Located in Central Iowa, Gladbrook (population 900+) is small town, rural farming at its best.