Best Hallmark mystery movie so far for 2022-I love the Nikki/Andrew pairing and know their movies have done well with ratings in the past. Hoping to see more movies to this series in the future!

On the whole, Hallmark's various Mystery series (this film is clearly the start of another one) are rather variable, mostly leaning towards watchable but unexceptional. Tending to have generally good casts and chemistry, but varying when it comes to the writing and mysteries themselves. Many of them also having unsatisfying endings. Have loved Nikki Deloach and Andrew Walker in many of their films and they have worked so well together in the past. The premise though for this was rather silly, which brought the expectations down somewhat.

'Dying for Chocolate: A Curious Caterer Mystery' is a worth a one time viewing, but it is also no great shakes. It is a chocolate mixture that is not overly full of lumps but is also not smooth enough. While Deloach comes over very well, there are far better representations of Walker. There are good things here but a good deal of shortcomings too, and it doesn't do much to improve a silly sounding story. When it comes to Hallmark's 2022 output, 'Dying for Chocolate: A Curious Caterer Mystery' is a middling effort.

Starting with the good, Deloach carries the film with ease, perkiness and charm. She and Walker do have chemistry together, it has been stronger before when their material has served them better but it is sweet, witty and genuine at least. The supporting cast fare competently, Lochlyn Munro being the most familiar name to me and he is also the standout.

Production values are slick enough and the film starts off with an intriguing set up.

The story however is too slight which makes the pacing drag badly, really predictable with no surprises whatsoever and is truly ridiculous at its worst. The character behaviours were really far fetched, the unprofessionalism through the roof and the culprit didn't surprise me at all. Absolutely agree with those that have criticised the ending, which is abrupt, anti-climactic and also insultingly silly.

Walker is not at his best, despite the nice chemistry between him and Deloach, the character doesn't suit him at all, with him not playing to any of his strengths, and Walker's very tired and uncharacteristically bland performance gave off the sense that even he knew that. Couldn't get behind any of the characters and the dialogue is very cheesy and awkward.

In summary, very average but watchable. 5/10.

The first movie in a mystery series is all about getting to know the characters and their interaction with each other, and this did that well. To be honest I would have been surprised if it didn't work considering a good cast led by two of my favourite Hallmark actors. Good family entertainment, and hope to see plenty more.