Chronicle Mysteries: The Deep End

6/10 - still not the best, but a noteworthy upswing in the Chronicle Mysteries series

Instead of going back over a cold case as was done in the previous season crime podcaster Alison Sweeney is covering a current murder case involving an estranged couple. The two were going through a bitter divorce when the husband is found dead in a pond on their estate. At first it is thought to be an accident, but then the wife is arrested and charged with his murder.

Sweeney is covering the trial and she starts to believe the wife innocent. So she and her podcast team of Benjamin Ayres and his daughter Olivia Steele Falconer go to work.

The deceased was popular in the country club set and he was hiding assets which many do during divorce proceedings. He also had a number of interesting sidelines. It was one of those that got him killed.

This Chronicle Mystery was pretty good and I guessed the sideline, but not the suspect. I think you will too.

There's good chemistry between the two leading characters, so move this along a little faster! I like both of them. In some of the Hallmark portfolio, the female lead is annoying as possible. This cast are all appealing. I enjoyed the mystery aspect, but the criminal was definitely a surprise. I also like the storyline that doesn't include a "falling out" with each other and then a last minute reconciliation! I just think the romance could move along a little faster. They seem to suit each other well, and are appealing as well. Supporting characters make for a good ensemble cast. Looking forward to future episodes.

Stephanie Burke is currently on trial, charged with the murder of her ex-husband, Elliot Burke. Alex hears about the case because her friend, Katie Wyer, is serving as Burke's attorney. Elliot was found face down in the deep end of the lake behind their property, and the circumstantial evidence could be enough to put Stephanie behind bars. The trial is already past the first week, and after getting a chance to talk with Stephanie, Alex wonders if there's more to this case than meets the eye.

The two leads make this watchable as they try to solve a case, but it's rather slow-paced and a little too average. It's not engaging enough, though it's good to see the romance between the leads beginning to ocur.

This was probably my favorite entry in the Chronicle Mysteries so far, but Aurora Teagarden, Hannah Swenson, and Mystery 101 continue to be my favorite mysteries series on Hallmark.

I do like the two lead actors and I appreciated the team of helpers they have circling around them. The pod cast is an interesting and modern touch. My least favorite part is the awkward re-enactments which seem a staple on the chronicle mystery series.

I am not sure if they are trying to build a live interest or not...but if they are this must be the slowest burn on the planet, because I am not feeling anything yet.

Also they are still toying with her staying or unpacking her boxes...I can see why the potential love interest is such a slow burn!?!?

For me these are still on the watch and delete list.