Cozy Mystery (and Other Favorite) Books, Movies, and TV
Here is the list of new releases for August 3 to August 9!
Donna Andrews: The Falcon Always Wings Twice (This will be the 27th in the Meg Langslow Mystery Series.)
Rhys Bowen: The Last Mrs. Summers (This will be the 14th in the Royal Spyness Mystery Series.)
Susanna Gregory (aka Simon Beaufort): The Clerkenwell Affair (This will be the 14th in the Thomas Chaloner Mystery Series.)
Now that the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel holiday season (Christmas in July) is over – except for every Thursday night, they will be getting back to reruns of mystery shows and two of their regular Hallmark channel’s shows (Good Witch and Cedar Cove). Unfortunately, there are no premieres during August 2020.
I realize that this awful Covid 19 is stopping production on any new shows, however I wonder why the channel can’t show some of best selling author Mary Higgins Clark‘s mystery movies (or even mystery movies by true crime authors like the excellent Ann Rule (considered the Queen of True Crime). I realize that these movies would also be reruns – but from years ago. Oh well… wishful thinking…
***** ***** ***** *****
Saturday – August 1, 202
Perry Mason marathon
***** ***** ***** *****
Sunday – August 2, 2020
8:00 AM
Hailey Dean Mysteries: Murder With Love
Former prosecutor-turned-therapist Hailey Dean is acutely observant. During a tragic week, one of her patients loses her parents to fatal accidents. Stars Kellie Martin, Giacomo Baessato, Cindy Busby.
10:00 AM
Hailey Dean Mysteries: Deadly Estate
When Hailey helps her friend Pam sell her recently deceased parent’s estate, she becomes suspicious when Pam suddenly leaves town without notice. To make matters worse, Pam’s boyfriend is the sudden victim of an accident.
12:00 PM
Hailey Dean Mysteries: Dating is Murder
Attorney turned therapist Hailey Dean is pulled into another investigation when a popular new dating app links multiple missing persons cases from around the city. Stars Kellie Martin.
2:00 PM
Hailey Dean Mysteries: 2+2=Murder
Hailey attends her niece’s school recital only to learn that the beloved music teacher has vanished. Hailey soon discovers several startling secrets amongst the staff. Stars Kellie Martin.
4:00 PM
Hailey Dean Mysteries: A Marriage Made for Murder
Hailey finds herself entangled in Atlanta’s notorious “Black Widow” murder case and it will take all her personal resources to bring the killer to justice.
6:00 PM
Hailey Dean Mysteries: A Will to Kill
Emotionally ready to confront her fiancé’s 15-year-old murder, Hailey finds herself caught up in the case of a missing college coed.
8:00 PM
Hailey Dean Mysteries: Death on Duty
Hailey Dean’s best friend DA Investigator Fincher Garland asks for her help when his old Marine friend is found dead and the Military Police take over the investigation. Stars Kellie Martin and Viv Leacock.
***** ***** ***** *****
Monday – August 3, 2020
6:00 PM
Morning Show Mysteries: Murder On the Menu
Beloved cooking show host Billie Blessings finds herself in hot water when a dead body turns up in the car of one of her guests, a temperamental celebrity chef, with dark secrets in his past. Stars Holly Robinson Peete, Rick Fox.
8:00 PM
Martha’s Vineyard Mysteries: A Beautiful Place to Die
After being forced into retirement, former detective Jeff Jackson returns to a quiet life on Martha’s Vineyard. Quiet, at least, until a body washes up and he’s drawn back into crime solving. Stars Jesse Metcalfe, Sarah Lind.
***** ***** ***** *****
Tuesday – August 4, 2020
6:00 PM
Flower Shop Mysteries: Dearly Depotted
Abby Knight, ex-lawyer and crime buff, and the owner of Bloomers Flower Shop, is having a week to be reckoned with. A reluctant bridesmaid at her drama queen cousin’s wedding, Abby ends up not just doing the flowers…but having to find out who murdered a wedding crasher. Stars Brooke Shields, Brennan Elliott and Beau Bridges.
8:00 PM
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: A Very Foul Play
Aurora and friends are off to a resort for a true crime convention. While there, they take part in a mystery dinner theater, but art imitates life when a fellow actor gets killed. Candace Cameron Bure, Niall Matter, Marilu Henner.
***** ***** ***** *****
Wednesday – August 5, 2020
6:00 PM
Crossword Mysteries: Abracadaver
During her birthday celebration, Tess and Logan find themselves swept up in a world that isn’t always what it seems when the headlining magician at the Magic Manor winds up dead. Starring Lacey Chabert, Brennan Elliott.
8:00 PM
Mystery 101
When a college student is found dead, English professor Amy uses her crime fiction expertise to unravel the case faster than detective Travis, who ends up working with Amy to catch the killer. Stars Jill Wagner.
***** ***** ***** *****
Thursday – August 6, 2020
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Friday – August 7, 2020
6:00 PM
Murder, She Baked: A Peach Cobbler Mystery
With The Cookie Jar, Hannah Swensen has a mouthwatering monopoly on the bakery business of Lake Eden, Minnesota. But when a rival store opens, and one of the owners is found dead, Hannah is determined to prove she isn’t guilty.
***** ***** ***** *****
Saturday – August 8, 2020
Murder, She Wrote marathon
***** ***** ***** *****
Sunday – August 9, 2020
Good Witch marathon
***** ***** ***** *****
Monday – August 10, 2020
6:00 PM
Along Came a Nanny
Detective Mike Logan takes on a special undercover assignment as a nanny when a quiet, upscale neighborhood is turned upside down by a string of robberies. When the mystery begins to unravel, new relationships are threatened.
8:00 PM
Crossword Mysteries: Proposing Murder
Tess dives into Logan’s murder investigation of her friend who was about to propose with her help. As she grows closer to the truth, she fears it could ruin everyone’s happily ever after. Starring Lacey Chabert, Brennan Elliott.
***** ***** ***** *****
Tuesday – August 11, 2020
6:00 PM
Hailey Dean Mysteries: A Prescription for Murder
Hailey Dean must prove a doctor’s innocence in a string of unexplainable deaths at Atlanta Memorial Hospital and stop the true killer before he can strike again. Stars Kellie Martin.
8:00 PM
Mystery 101: Dead Talk
Amy heads to Seattle to give a TED Talk-style lecture. When a tech genius dies, Amy suspects foul play. When local cops shut her out, Travis joins forces with Amy to figure out whodunit. Stars Jill Wagner, Kristoffer Polaha.
***** ***** ***** *****
Wednesday – August 12, 2020
6:00 PM
Emma Fielding Mysteries: More Bitter than Death
After a friend and head of the National Archaeological Society meets an untimely death, Emma and Agent Conner find themselves questioning her colleagues’ motives. Stars Courtney Thorne-Smith, James Tupper.
8:00 PM
MatchMaker Mysteries: A Fatal Romance
When a romance writer is murdered, matchmaker Angie Dove gets entangled in another case…and with Detective Kyle Carter. Can they read between the lines to find the murderer? Stars Danica McKellar, Victor Webster, Bruce Boxleitner.
***** ***** ***** *****
Thursday – August 13, 2020
***** ***** ***** *****
Friday – August 14, 2020
6:00 PM
Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery
When a murder takes place at the local Christmas tree carnival, it seems there are quite a few suspects. With the twelve days of Christmas ticking away, Hannah’s running out of time to nab a murderous Scrooge.
***** ***** ***** *****
Saturday – August 15, 2020
10:00 AM
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: A Bone to Pick
A librarian with a sharp mind for murder, Aurora Teagarden is known around her small town as a master sleuth. When her friend Jane dies and leaves Aurora everything in her will, she also leaves a troubling murder mystery.
12:00 PM
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Real Murders
Aurora finds a member of her crime buff group, the Real Murders Club, killed in a manner that eerily resembles the crime the club was about to discuss. As other brutal “copycat” killings follow, Aurora will have to investigate.
2:00 PM
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Three Bedrooms, One Corpse
When Aurora pitches in to help her busy real estate mother she quickly realizes she has again walked into a life or death situation. She investigates when the body of a local realtor is found strangled in a backyard.
4:00 PM
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: The Julius House
Aurora Teagarden is a beautiful young librarian with a passion for solving murders. After an exhaustive search for the perfect home, Aurora finally purchases her dream house, unaware of its murky history.
6:00 PM
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Dead Over Heels
Librarian and real crime buff Aurora “Roe” Teagarden never liked Detective Sergeant Jack Burns. She also never wanted to see him dead, but when he winds up murdered, she can’t help but get involved.
8:00 PM
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: A Bundle of Trouble
Aurora Teagarden and her boyfriend Martin are thrilled when they get an unexpected visit from his niece and her new baby. Their excitement is short lived when his niece disappears and the baby is left behind.
***** ***** ***** *****
Sunday – August 16, 2020
8:00 AM
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Last Scene Alive
A Hollywood film crew descends on the town to produce a film based on a book written by Aurora’s ex Robin Daniels. However, when the actress who is playing Aurora is killed, the real Aurora and the Murders Club must investigate.
10:00 AM
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Reap What You Sew
Internet sensation and old family friend of Aurora Teagarden, Poppy Wilson, has returned to Lawrenceton to start her new embroidery business. But not everyone is happy with Poppy’s success when she turns up dead.
12:00 PM
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: The Disappearing Game
Aurora and her new neighbor, a handsome professor named Nick, investigate when four students from a nearby college (including her cousin) go missing. Stars Candace Cameron Bure.
2:00 PM
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: A Game of Cat and Mouse
A taunting clue left for Aurora at a meeting begins a cat-and-mouse game between her and a mysterious criminal who commits increasingly serious crimes that leave the town rattled. Candace Cameron Bure, Niall Matter, Marilu Henner.
4:00 PM
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: An Inheritance to Die For
When Sally’s wealthy aunt Gladys, dies from poisoning after giving a wedding toast, Aurora inspects if Glady’s will hints at who may have wanted her gone. Stars Candace Cameron Bure, Niall Matter, Marilu Henner.
6:00 PM
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: A Very Foul Play
Aurora and friends are off to a resort for a true crime convention. While there, they take part in a mystery dinner theater, but art imitates life when a fellow actor gets killed. Candace Cameron Bure, Niall Matter, Marilu Henner.
8:00 PM
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Heist and Seek
When a priceless crown is stolen during a benefit gala held by the Lawrenceton library, Aurora and the Real Murders Club must investigate who would kill to get their hands on it. Candace Cameron Bure, Niall Matter, Marilu Henner.
***** ***** ***** *****
Monday – August 17, 2020
6:00 PM
Ruby Herring Mysteries: Prediction Murder
When crime reporter Ruby Herring receives clues to a murder that happened five years earlier involving a local psychic, she joins forces with Detective Jake Killian to help crack the case. Stars Taylor Cole, Stephen Huszar.
8:00 PM
Mystery 101: Playing Dead
The local theater is producing a mystery that crime fiction expert Amy unearthed. When one of the actress’ life is threatened, Amy & Travis must uncover which character is playing for keeps. Stars Jill Wagner, Kristoffer Polaha.
***** ***** ***** *****
Tuesday – August 18, 2020
6:00 PM
Picture Perfect Mysteries: Newlywed and Dead
Photographer Allie Adams is shocked when the groom at a wedding she is covering is shot dead. What’s even worse, is she must convince Detective Sam Acosta that her brother isn’t the killer. Stars Alexa PenaVega, Carlos PenaVega.
8:00 PM
Roux the Day: A Gourmet Detective Mystery
Henry and Maggie find themselves in a murder mystery where secrets hidden within a treasured recipe book have dire consequences for all who own it. Starring Dylan Neal and Brooke Burns.
***** ***** ***** *****
Wednesday – August 19, 2020
6:00 PM
Fixer Upper Mysteries: Deadly Deed
Shannon Hughes has taken on a charity project renovating an old Victorian mansion. When a local banker is found murdered inside, Shannon must dust off the clues and cement the truth before her renovation becomes a demolition.
8:00 PM
Riddled with Deceit: A Martha’s Vineyard Mystery
Former detective Jeff Jackson teams up with Dr. Zee Madeiras to track down their friend’s missing emerald brooch, a thief, and also… a murderer. Stars Jesse Metcalfe, Sarah Lind.
***** ***** ***** *****
Thursday – August 20, 2020
***** ***** ***** *****
Friday – August 21, 2020
6:00 PM
Murder, She Baked: A Deadly Recipe
Bakery owner Hannah Swensen just can’t keep her hands out of the batter when murder stirs things up in Lake Eden, Minnesota, leaving the sheriff dead, a deputy accused, and a killer on the loose. Stars Alison Sweeney.
***** ***** ***** *****
Saturday – August 22, 2020
Diagnosis Murder marathon
***** ***** ***** *****
Sunday – August 23, 2020
8:00 AM
Jane Doe: Vanishing Act
By all appearances, suburban housewife Cathy Davis is your typical mother of two. But when a top secret government security agency calls on their top-agent-turned-mom back to duty, can Cathy manage to get dinner on the table.
10:00 AM
Jane Doe: Now You See It, Now You Don’t
When the Declaration of Independence is stolen while on display at a Los Angeles bank, NSA agent Frank Darnell calls in Cathy Davis – code name “Jane Doe” – in hopes of figuring out who did it. Stars Lea Thompson, Joe Penny.
12:00 PM
Jane Doe: ‘Til Death Do Us Part
Cathy is brought back to work a case for Frank Darnell and the NSA to find a missing arms dealer who faked a heart attack in prison to escape. Stars Lea Thompson and Joe Penny.
2:00 PM
Jane Doe: The Wrong Face
Cathy is brought in to find the U.S. Attorney’s missing wife and to ensure a money laundering investigation does not fall apart at a crucial point. Stars Lea Thompson and Joe Penny.
4:00 PM
Jane Doe: Yes, I Remember It Well
Cathy’s mom, Polly, a former CSA agent, comes for a visit. When a British agent with some top secret information is kidnapped, Cathy and Polly work together to uncover a plot which has global implications.
6:00 PM
Jane Doe: The Harder They Fall
Horning Cereal is dumping contaminated food on Third World countries. When former CSA agent, Jim Monroe, is found with the drowned body of CEO Melville Horning, he is immediately the prime suspect.
8:00 PM
Jane Doe: Ties That Bind
Though CEO Everett Myers is accused of murdering his partner, CSA puzzle solver Cathy Davis is certain he’s innocent, despite witnesses, surveillance cameras, and a surefire motive.
***** ***** ***** *****
Monday – August 24, 2020
8:00 PM
Murder, She Baked: Just Desserts
Hannah is thrilled when she is chosen as a guest for the first Eden Lake Dessert Bake-Off, but when a fellow judge is found murdered, Hannah takes it upon herself to find the killer. Stars Alison Sweeney, Cameron Mathison.
***** ***** ***** *****
Tuesday – August 25, 2020
6:00 PM
MatchMaker Mysteries: A Killer Engagement
When a woman is murdered, and her fiance is the prime suspect, successful matchmaker Angie works to prove her client’s innocence, much to the dismay of Kyle, the detective working the case. Stars Danica McKellar, Victor Webster.
8:00 PM
Fixer Upper Mysteries: Concrete Evidence
When Mac first moved to Lighthouse Cove, he bought the historic lighthouse mansion that the town is named after. During renovation demolition, the bones of a teenage girl were discovered. Stars Jewel and Colin Ferguson.
***** ***** ***** *****
Wednesday – August 26, 2020
6:00 PM
Hailey Dean Mysteries: Killer Sentence
Hailey Dean knows District Attorney Paulina D’Orazio is innocent of the murder of a man she once put behind bars and must do all she can to prove it in the face of mounting evidence. Stars Kellie Martin.
8:00 PM
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Heist and Seek
When a priceless crown is stolen during a benefit gala held by the Lawrenceton library, Aurora and the Real Murders Club must investigate who would kill to get their hands on it. Candace Cameron Bure, Niall Matter, Marilu Henner.
***** ***** ***** *****
Thursday – August 27, 2020
***** ***** ***** *****
Friday – August 28, 2020
6:00 PM
Murder, She Baked: A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery
Free spirited cookie baker Hannah Swensen jumps in to help a handsome new detective track down the culprit and uncover the mystery surrounding the death of her friend and local milk delivery man. Stars Alison Sweeney.
***** ***** ***** *****
Saturday – August 29, 2020
8:00 AM
Crossword Mysteries: A Puzzle to Die For
After several of her puzzles are linked to the murder of an art gallery owner, a crossword puzzle editor teams up with a no nonsense detective to stop a killer in their midst. Stars Lacey Chabert, Brennan Elliott.
10:00 AM
Crossword Mysteries: Proposing Murder
Tess dives into Logan’s murder investigation of her friend who was about to propose with her help. As she grows closer to the truth, she fears it could ruin everyone’s happily ever after. Starring Lacey Chabert, Brennan Elliott.
12:00 PM
Crossword Mysteries: Abracadaver
During her birthday celebration, Tess and Logan find themselves swept up in a world that isn’t always what it seems when the headlining magician at the Magic Manor winds up dead. Starring Lacey Chabert, Brennan Elliott.
2:00 PM
Chronicle Mysteries: Recovered
Alex McPherson launches a podcast with a cold case from her past. With the help of local reporter, Drew Godfrey, new mysteries mix with old as the two work to recover what’s been lost. Starring Alison Sweeney and Benjamin Ayres.
4:00 PM
Chronicle Mysteries: The Wrong Man
Podcaster Alex McPherson seeks the truth behind the tragic death of a young lawyer, while partner Drew finds himself diving into the shady mishaps of a shipping company. Starring Alison Sweeney and Benjamin Ayres.
6:00 PM
Chronicle Mysteries: Vines That Bind
Podcaster Alex McPherson travels to a vineyard to investigate the suspicious death of a winemaker, while partner Drew explores corporate buyouts surrounding the vineyard’s town. Starring Alison Sweeney and Benjamin Ayres.
8:00 PM
Chronicle Mysteries: The Deep End
When a man’s body is discovered in a pond, his wife finds herself in a complex trial, which causes podcaster Alex and the Chronicle team to seek answers surrounding this unusual case. Starring Alison Sweeney & Benjamin Ayres.
***** ***** ***** *****
Sunday – August 30, 2020
8:00 AM
Hailey Dean Mysteries: A Prescription for Murder
Hailey Dean must prove a doctor’s innocence in a string of unexplainable deaths at Atlanta Memorial Hospital and stop the true killer before he can strike again. Stars Kellie Martin.
10:00 AM
Mystery Woman: Game Time
Samantha is thrilled when she finally gets the reclusive mystery writer Donald Fiske to agree to a book signing in her store. But when Mr. Fiske is found dead, Samantha must solve his latest mystery, his own murder.
12:00 PM
Mystery Woman: At First Sight
When Samantha receives news of a hereditary health problem, she must go in search her birth mother to find answers. Stars Kellie Martin, Clarence Williams III, and Nina Siemaszko.
2:00 PM
Mystery Woman: Wild West Mystery
When a traveling Wild West Show comes into town, Samantha gets involved in solving the murder of one of the cowboys. Stars Kellie Martin and Clarence Williams III.
4:00 PM
Mystery Woman: Oh Baby
When a baby boy is left at the door of the Mystery Woman book store, Samantha gets involved in solving a murder tied to the baby’s missing parents. Stars Kellie Martin, Clarence Williams III, and Nina Siemaszko.
6:00 PM
Mystery Woman: Redemption
Although the Mystery Woman Bookstore is under construction, Samantha and Philby are busier than ever …that is, investigating the murder of a mysterious visitor. Stars Kellie Martin, Clarence Williams III, and Nina Siemaszko.
8:00 PM
Mystery Woman: In the Shadows
Mystery bookstore owner Samantha Kinsey and her secretive friend and store manager, Philby are thrust into the murderous world of international espionage. Stars Kellie Martin, Clarence Williams III, and Nina Siemaszko.
***** ***** ***** *****
Monday – August 31, 2020
6:00 PM
Gourmet Detective
A chef turned culinary sleuth is partnered with a beautiful detective to unravel the clues surrounding the unexpected death of a guest at a prestigious dinner party. Stars Dylan Neal, Brooke Burns and Matthew Kevin Anderson.
8:00 PM
Gourmet Detective Mysteries: A Healthy Place to Die
When Henry, the Gourmet Detective, is invited as a guest speaker at a luxury resort spa, he quickly finds himself at the center of another murder. Stars Dylan Neal and Brooke Burns.
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
If you’re looking for a television series or movie to watch, take a look at the TV and Movies page on my Cozy Mystery site and click on a link (or more!) which will take you to my write-up of the show.
P.S. The above descriptions of the movies were copied from the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries website.
If you read a Cozy mystery this month and want to recommend it to the rest of us, be sure to post it here! For this month, I read the first entry of Eva Gates’s Lighthouse Library Mystery Series. For the reasons I want to recommend it, be sure to check out the blog entry!
So, what have you been reading that you can recommend in July? Please be sure to tell us why you liked these Cozies so much. I know we’re all always on the lookout for more particularly good Cozy Mystery authors! (If you have a lot of Cozies you think are great, please post the ones you like the most at the top of the list.)
As always, please do not tell us about the Cozy Mysteries you did not like.
What really good Cozy Mystery did you read during July 2020 that you want the rest of us to know about, and why did you enjoy it?
Ellery Adams (aka J. B. Stanley, Jennifer Stanley, & 1/2 of Lucy Arlington): Book Retreat Mystery Series
Ellie Alexander (aka Kate Dyer-Seeley): Bakeshop Mystery Series
David Bishop: Rick Carnes Mystery Series (first entry A Promise Kept)
Jacklyn Brady (aka Sherry Lewis & Sammi Carter): Piece of Cake Mystery Series
Julia Buckley: Hungarian Tea House Mystery Series
Eve Calder: Cookie House Mystery Series (first entry And Then There Were Crumbs)
Kate Carlisle: Bibliophile Mystery Series
Sheila Connolly (aka Sarah Atwell): Orchard Mystery Series
Cleo Coyle (aka Alice Kimberly): Coffeehouse Mystery Series
Elizabeth Daly: Henry Gamadge Mystery Series
Diane Mott Davidson: Goldy Bear Mystery Series
Krista Davis: Domestic Diva Mystery Series
Maddie Day (aka Edith Maxwell & Tace Baker): Country Store Mystery Series
Carola Dunn: Daisy Dalrymple Mystery Series
Lauren Elliot: Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery Series (first entry Murder by the Book)
Alex Erickson: Bookstore Cafe Mystery Series (first entry Death by Coffee)
Amanda Flower (aka Isabella Alan): Magical Bookshop Mystery Series AND Magical Garden Mystery Series
Eva Gates: Lighthouse Library Mystery Series
Ann Granger: Cambell and Carter Mystery Series
Elly Griffiths: Ruth Galloway Mystery Series (first entry The Crossing Places)
H Y Hanna: Oxford Tearoom Mystery Series (first entry A Scone to Die For)
Libby Klein: Poppy McAllister Mystery Series
Elizabeth Logan (aka Jean Flowers, Camille Minichino, Margaret Grace, & Ada Madison): Mousse and Murder
Karen MacInerney: Snug Harbor Mystery Series
Carlene O’Connor: Irish Village Mystery Series
Spencer Quinn (aka Peter Abrahams): Chet and Bernie Mystery Series
Ann B. Ross: Miss Julia Mystery Series
Sarah Stewart Taylor: The Mountains Wild
Kirsten Weiss: Pie Town Mystery Series
I will list the authors and series that have been recommended, but I urge you to read the comments below so you can see the reasons other Cozy Mystery readers thought these were their best reads of the month.
♦To access more Cozy Mystery Books Recommendations, click on this link♦
P.S. I usually don’t comment on your recommendations since they speak for themselves.
Well, today I’m going to talk about something I don’t normally do on this blog… talk about a modern, theatrically released movie that doesn’t happen to be an adaptation of an existing mystery franchise. That said, it does have a definite tie to Cozies – it was actually the expressed intent of Rian Johnson, Director/Producer/Writer of Knives Out to produce “an old fashioned murder mystery. Like an Agatha Christie, I love her!” Well, I certainly agree with that sentiment! And I was incredibly pleasantly surprised to find that Johnson’s 2019 movie actually felt like a modernization of an Agatha Christie… and it’s better than most of those!
To start off with, the plot is pure classic mystery. When wealthy, eccentric, cantankerous mystery novelist Harlan Thrombey (played by Christopher Plummer) is found dead after his 85th birthday party, it seems like a clear-cut case of suicide. However, there’s one thing that keeps the police from just signing it off as suicide – Benoit Blanc (played by Daniel Craig), a renowned private investigator. Benoit Blanc, the so-called “last of the gentlemen sleuths”, has been hired to look into the death. I don’t want to go too far into the plot beyond that, as the movie is far too new for spoilers… I can’t even tell you the other classic mystery that that this movie reminds me of, as I want it to be a surprise!
One thing I can talk about more is the cast, and I can’t say enough good things. As already mentioned, Christopher Plummer does an excellent job as Harlan Thrombey, as well as Daniel Craig, who plays the role of “southern fried detective” Benoit Blanc alternately as mysterious, ridiculous, or insightful, as the moment requires. Equally impressive were many of the other people I would consider “big names” of the cast, like Jamie Lee Curtis, who plays Thrombey’s dry, highly successful daughter Linda. But I was also surprised by many of the other actors and actresses, who are a bit too young for me to be as familiar with them (I am more of a “classic movies fan” than a “modern movie-goer”) such as Ana de Armas (playing the on-site nurse and confidante for Harlan Thrombey), Michael Shannon (as Harlan’s son and head of Harlan’s publishing house), Toni Collette (playing Harlan’s slightly hippy-dippy daughter Joni), and Chris Evans (playing a semi-estranged grandson). I need to stop here with the list, because, honestly, the entire cast does such an excellent job that it would just turn into a copy of the closing credits!
Note that there are a few details that some more sensitive readers should be warned of. First, it isn’t entirely bloodless. Let’s face it – when you stab someone, there’s blood, and while there aren’t exactly buckets of it in this mystery, there are a few moments that might put off squeamish viewers. Likewise, one character does have a particular tell when she lies – violent vomiting, which in practice I personally found more off-putting than the blood. Depending on how seriously you view swearing, there are a few instances of it here – though personally, I wasn’t bothered by either the frequency or severity. And as I said earlier, I’ve seen more extreme examples of most of this in actual modern Christie adaptations than here. There are a few depictions of drug use, though nothing particularly strong. There are also some brief political discussions.
This would normally be a great moment to say “They don’t make ’em like this any more”… except, they did. They just made this one in 2019, and there’s word that there’s a follow-up starring Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc already in the works. I’m certainly looking forward to it, and aside from those who are particularly sensitive to the above issues in their Cozies, I heartily recommend it.
PS: At least as of the time of this posting, Knives Out is available on Amazon Prime streaming.
