The Crossword Mysteries

The Crossword Mysteries is a captivating series of movies presented by the Hallmark Channel that perfectly blend the worlds of crime, mystery and desktop games in one intriguing package. It first premiered in 2019, and is the result of a collaborative effort by Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and renowned crossword constructor Will Shortz. Shortz, who is the crossword editor for The New York Times, teamed up with the network to create a fascinating series that combines his love of crosswords with intriguing mystery plotlines.

The show features the protagonist Tess Harper, a crossword editor brilliantly brought to life by Lacey Chabert, known for her exceptional roles in other TV series including Party of Five and Mean Girls. Her charming but methodical demeanor adds an extra layer of intrigue to the series. Relying on her vast knowledge and intuition, Tess displays an incredible ability to decipher clues hidden within her crosswords that lead her into tangled webs of mystery and crime.

Co-starring in this gripping series is Brennan Elliott as Detective Logan O'Connor, a dedicated and hardworking NYPD detective. Over the course of the show, the professional relationship between O'Connor and Harper develops into a compelling alliance. While O'Connor appreciates Harper’s unique perspective and deductive skills, she relies on his necessary police access and knowledge. This dynamic duo, despite their differing viewpoints on how the investigations should proceed, seem to complement each other perfectly - adding a layer of complexity and depth to their characters. This professional camaraderie, combined with a subtle romantic undertone, makes this crime-solving pair even more engaging.

While the series' storylines are independent from one another, they all share common elements. In each movie, Tess inadvertently stumbles upon a mystery when her crossword puzzles contain clues pertinent to recent crimes. Due to these unique circumstances, she strikes up a partnership with Detective Logan O'Connor to solve the mystery and catch the culprits. In each case, the unique intermingling of crosswords and crime leads to highly entertaining and unpredictable mysteries.

The Crossword Mysteries series is made up of different movies, including "A Puzzle to Die For," "Proposing Murder," and "Abracadaver." The plots vary from one movie to the other, sometimes focusing on issues directly related to Tess, like a crossword contest that turns deadly, while at other times featuring seemingly unrelated incidents that are mysteriously tied together.

"A Puzzle to Die For" is the first in the series where Tess finds her uncanny ability to solve crosswords is useful in solving actual, and potentially deadly, mysteries. The second movie, "Proposing Murder," involves Tess and Logan again, unraveling the puzzle behind a murder linked to a diamond heist. The third installment, "Abracadaver," dips its toes in the world of magic, misdirection, and illusion as the pair investigates a suspicious death during a magic show.

One of this series' distinguishing features is the fusion of wholesome mystery, endearing romance and the charm of a small-town setting. The Crossword Mysteries offer the perfect blend of lighthearted entertainment, with just enough suspense to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Moreover, these individual movies are presented in a casual, easy-to-follow format, with each story's plot gently leading to a conclusion. Episodes don’t leave viewers hanging with unresolved cliffhangers or complex subplots. This makes for inviting viewing, as you can watch any of the movies at any time without feeling like you've missed crucial information.

Aesthetically, 'The Crossword Mysteries' doesn’t disappoint either. Capturing the understated elegance synonymous with Hallmark productions, the series beautifully portrays its location with stunning scenic views, cozy corners, and warm, rich hues. Plus, the well-written dialogues, the delightful performances of the leads, and the brisk pacing round out these episodes, leaving viewers satisfied and waiting for the next installment.

All in all, The Crossword Mysteries offers a unique twist to the conventional mystery genre. It is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries who appreciate a touch of suspense and love unraveling cryptic clues, just like in a crossword puzzle. The overwhelming popularity of this series proves just one thing - solving crosswords has never been so thrilling.