Review

"Hailey Dean Mysteries: A Will to Kill – A Cozy Crime Caper That’s Murderously Predictable (But in a Good Way)"

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a Hallmark holiday movie got drunk on eggnog and decided to solve a murder, Hailey Dean Mysteries: A Will to Kill is here to answer that question. This 2018 gem (or should I say, glittery snow globe of a film) is the perfect blend of cozy mystery, Lifetime-level drama, and Hallmark movies’ signature charm. It’s like someone took a detective novel, sprinkled it with cinnamon, and baked it into a cookie-cutter plot that somehow still manages to be oddly satisfying.

The movie follows Hailey Dean (played by the ever-charming Kellie Martin), a former prosecutor turned therapist who, for reasons that are never fully explained, has a knack for stumbling into murder investigations. In this installment, Hailey finds herself at a family estate where, surprise surprise, someone gets bumped off. Cue the dramatic gasps, suspicious glances, and a lot of people saying things like, “But who would want to kill Uncle Harold? He was so… kind.”

The plot is about as twisty as a Hallmark holiday movie’s plotline about a big-city lawyer who falls in love with a small-town Christmas tree farmer. You know exactly where it’s going, but you can’t help but enjoy the ride. The suspects are all delightfully over-the-top, from the scheming cousin to the shady groundskeeper who definitely knows more than he’s letting on. And let’s not forget the obligatory romantic subplot, because what’s a Hallmark-adjacent movie without a little will-they-won’t-they tension?

The dialogue is a masterclass in clichés. At one point, Hailey dramatically declares, “The truth is like a puzzle—you just have to find the right pieces.” Groundbreaking stuff. Meanwhile, the soundtrack is so aggressively cheerful it feels like it’s trying to distract you from the fact that, you know, someone just died.

But here’s the thing: A Will to Kill knows exactly what it is. It’s not trying to be The Silence of the Lambs. It’s not even trying to be Murder, She Wrote. It’s a cozy, feel-good mystery that’s perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon when you’re in the mood for something light, fluffy, and just a little bit ridiculous. It’s the cinematic equivalent of a warm blanket and a cup of hot cocoa—comfort food for the soul.

So, if you’re a fan of Hallmark movies but wish they had a little more murder and a little less mistletoe, Hailey Dean Mysteries: A Will to Kill is the perfect pick. Just don’t expect any shocking twists or deep philosophical insights. Unless, of course, you count the profound realization that sometimes, the killer is the person you least expect… but also kind of expect because, well, it’s a Hallmark movie. Or close enough.