Review

"Crossword Mysteries: Proposing Murder – Where Love, Death, and Wordplay Collide (But Mostly Love)"

Ah, Crossword Mysteries: Proposing Murder—a 2019 cinematic masterpiece that proves Hallmark movies can indeed combine romance, murder, and the thrilling world of crossword puzzles. Yes, you read that right. Crossword puzzles. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Murder, She Wrote and The New York Times Crossword had a baby, this is it. And like most Hallmark holiday movies, it’s cozy, predictable, and just the right amount of ridiculous.

The plot follows Tess Harper (played by the ever-charming Lacey Chabert), a crossword editor who somehow moonlights as an amateur sleuth. Because, of course, solving 7-down (“a five-letter word for ‘mystery’”) qualifies you to solve actual murders. When a wealthy philanthropist drops dead mid-proposal (rude), Tess teams up with Detective Logan O’Connor (Brennan Elliott), who apparently has no other detectives on his payroll and is totally fine with a civilian meddling in his investigation. Together, they unravel a web of clues that are suspiciously tied to crossword puzzles. Coincidence? Absolutely not. Convenient? Absolutely yes.

The movie is a delightful mix of suspense and cheese, with dialogue so wholesome it could cure a hangover. At one point, Tess quips, “Crosswords are like life—you just have to fill in the blanks.” Deep. Meanwhile, Detective Logan looks at her like she’s just solved the meaning of life, not a 9-letter word for “suspicious.” The chemistry between the two is palpable, which is good because, like all Hallmark movies, you know they’ll end up together by the time the credits roll. Spoiler alert: they do.

What sets this apart from your typical Hallmark holiday movies is the murder. Yes, there’s a dead body, but don’t worry—it’s still family-friendly. The victim is dispatched with all the gore of a paper cut, and the investigation feels more like a scavenger hunt than a crime drama. It’s like Clue but with more flirting and fewer candlesticks.

In conclusion, Crossword Mysteries: Proposing Murder is the perfect movie for anyone who loves Hallmark movies but wishes they had a little more intrigue. It’s got romance, puzzles, and just enough murder to keep things interesting without ruining your appetite for popcorn. So grab your dictionary, your detective hat, and your significant other (or your cat—no judgment here) and settle in for a cozy night of crime-solving and wordplay. Just don’t overthink it—this is Hallmark, after all.