Before I say anymore, I want to admit total and complete bias with the original Aurora Teagarden cast.

As far as origin stories go, this one feels like it missed the mark. I was hoping they'd explore Aurora's decision to become a librarian and possibly even the launching of the Real Murders Club. This mystery did neither of those things. Instead, Aurora is a TA and working part-time at a diner. Sally isn't a reporter yet and Aida hasn't become a real estate powerhouse yet. All of that may have been fine, but the movie doesn't really dig into that.

Although I recognize that Aurora and Arthur dated at some point, it's still a little awkward to see the longing looks between the two characters. Any romance would make me feel like they were cheating on Lynn and Nick! The movie doesn't exactly explore that piece, so, sigh of relief.

The mystery itself was okay. It gave new Aurora the opportunity to do some sleuthing. But I'm used to Aurora, Sally, and the Real Murders club putting their heads together to uncover the villain. That element was missing, but it was still okay. It didn't feel like Roe and Sally (by Samuels and Heller) were best friends either. So I think some of the chemistry was missing among the cast. I mentioned I was biased, right? I probably wouldn't have been satisfied with anyone stepping into these roles. Except maybe CCB and Lexa Doig's daughters.

Overall, not a horrible mystery. I don't know that I would watch this particular movie again. If you loved original CCB Aurora, I'd say give it a watch. But you won't learn anything new about Aurora Teagarden.

The Aurora Teagarden series has been a successful, staple product of Hallmark Channel. The recurrent characters are true and tested, have enlivened the uneven plots, and are expected by viewers with some fondness. Candace Cameron, no matter how much you like her, has a presence, a warm personality that brings animation to the shows. Now Hallmark proposes a prequel, with almost entirely new actors, though including Marilu Henner, who should best be cast as the grandmother of the younger Aurora. It is only natural that viewers would made comparisons with the old cast and feel uneasy in adopting so much change.

The mystery, itself, works reasonably well, albeit far from spectacular. What does not, and falls unconvincingly flat, is the chemistry of all new characters and the general acting ability of new cast. Do not expect much warmth or animation from most performances. A particular letdown is the new Aurora. Skyler Samuels conveys no warmth whatsoever. Her acting has a certain wooden quality, little expressive. Her body language is often awkward and inconsistent with the action. Even her, rare, smiles look more like contemptuous smirks. Essentially, her Aurora turns out difficult to warm up to.

So, why mess up with a good thing and rehash it? Hallmark would do better creating a new series with new characters. The audience would not feel betrayed in their expectations and, possibly, swallow it less painfully.

I get Hallmark's desire to try again and not waste the talents of Marilu Henner and Steve Bacic (with no new Garage Sale Mysteries), but Hallmark should have left well enough alone. The Ro and Sally characters are tragically miscast. While the cast could likely hold its own with an independent storyline, they couldn't do the original justice. This feels like Hallmark trying to stick it to Candace C. Bure for leaving... but it backfired. The girls don't look like they would grow up into adult versions of Ro and Sally, and the personalities are too different to even suspend disbelief. It's just all wrong. Take the name Aurora Teagarden off the series, and let the cast find its way under a new concept. Good luck.