by Doward Wilson

Hallmark Movies and Mysteries newest mystery movie is More Bitter Than Death, an Emma Fielding mystery based on the books by Dana Cameron. Emma is played by Courtney Thorne-Smith, known for her roles on Melrose Place, Ally McBeal, According To Jim, and Two and a Half Men. Her fellow investigator is FBI Agent James Tupper, played by Jim Conner, who deals with frauds and forgeries in the art and antiquities world. Connor is known for his roles on Men In Trees, Mercy and Revenge. Assisting them in their investigation is Emma’s ex-fiancé, Duncan Thatcher, played by Mark Valley. Valley is know for his roles in Boston Legal, Harry’s Law, and Human Target.

Emma is hosting the annual meeting of the Association for the Study of American Archaeology at Kenzer College. When the president of the association, Althea Harrison, is poisoned at the opening banquet just before she is to announce her successor, Emma, James, and Duncan start an investigation into the murder. With several archaeology professors vying for the president’s position, they have plenty of suspects to choose from. They also have to investigate the theft of an ancient skull from the campus museum that happened during the same time as the banquet. Is the theft of the skull tied to the activities of the secret society on the campus which involves secret tunnels running beneath the college or is part of the murder plot?

I really enjoyed how well the three main stars worked together in this puzzling mystery. It was fun watching the two male leads vie for Emma’s attention and affection. The college campus setting was well done and made the perfect backdrop for the archaeology conference. The archaeology professors and their bickering really portrayed the perfect suspects and showed how back stabbing is alive and well in the academic world. I highly recommend this movie for anyone who enjoys a delightful and entertaining murder mystery. The murder plot gave us lots of red herrings and was skillfully plotted, giving us a surprise ending that was totally unexpected.

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 check out an interview with Dana Cameron, the author of the Emma Fielding books. 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. And 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!

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.