Aurora Teagarden: Initiation au crime

I really loved the last two movies (this one and Death at the Diner). They were both SO good! I adore the main characters and the chemistry between Roe and Arthur is off the charts - PLEASE just put them together and forget about what the future holds lol

The storylines of both episodes were superb. I didn't have this one figured out AT ALL. What a twist! I love all of the main characters, the actors are great, and there's a perfect balance of mystery, romance, and funny "life" moments. I really hope they make more of these movies! I like them just as good as the old ones with Candace Cameron Bure.

A student gets a lesson in murder. In a true crime literature class where Aurora assists Professor Lindo.

The student was found dead outside the diner where she worked. The police conclude it is murder.

She was not popular with everyone but a person working in the diner becomes the main suspect.

Cal is slightly obnoxious but remains cool as a cucumber. Some of the other students remain panicky when the police contact them.

Aurora cannot resist interfering with the investigation. Much to Detective Cook's annoyance.

Aurora does go on to make a vital finding which gives a clearer picture.

Very much following the pattern of Hallmark mysteries. This is better than the subpar Hallmark ones. A good twist with a nasty edge.

This was hard to watch. The Aurora character is not as likable as Candace. She's way too pushy and rude. Quite obnoxious, actually. She insufferable and unapologetically involved to the point of infuriating EVERYONE! She assumes just because she is a T. A., that she's a Professor and speaks to the class as though she's above them. She's also very disrespect to her mother. Again, not the same as the original character and makes her completely unlikable.

I'm unsure how or why there were multiple of these movies made at the same time. The acting is also less than the originals. I like Steve Bacic as the cop, though.

Don't waste your time on these.

Hmmmm..... I loved the original Aurora Tea garden Mysteries with Candace Cameron Bure. I'm so not a fan of Skylar Samuels as the younger Aurora. I strongly feel this was a very poor match up to the older Aurora. In addition, Skylar needs a new makeup artist. Her eyebrows are way too thin and she has way too much white pale make-up on. You would think that the producers would have done a much better job with their replacement selection of Aurora since they were following big footsteps. At least please fire Skylar's make-up artist and clean her up some. Make her look more wholesome like Candace not like the head of a stuck up sorority.

The second installment of the "reboot" of Aurora Teagarden series "A Lesson in Murder" improves significantly in every aspect the franchise. The plot is really twisted and completely unforeseeable, the acting is noteworthy and the pace swifter.

Basically it's the story of a perfect murder, with lots of suspects but no clear lead for the police, while Aurora, less bold and pretentious, figures it out with unexpected help.

As I said, if from the previous movie it couldn't have been completely clear if Skyler Samuels could have made her character hers, now it's perfectly obvious: she's more confident, more engaged with her surroundings and most of all, believable as Aurora. Sure, it's still hard to replace the previous actor, but she's increasing the level of her performance. Also it's not that bad to have a love-triangle that's not the sole focus of the movie but a sweet adding, it helps improving the cozy atmosphere of the film.

The other cast is interesting and with some recurring roles from the previous title, like Sally, Arthur, Aida and Detective Cook.

Overall an enjoyable and cozy movie worth of our time.