When I think of getting into a really autumnal mood, I think of mysteries. Books, movies, TV shows, give me all the mysteries. If you've been around here for awhile, you probably know that I am a lover of mystery and crime drama shows. I've been that way since I was a little girl reading the Nancy Drew Notebooks series. And as I grew up, the intrigue with mysteries just grew and it tipped over into crime dramas as well. It goes without saying, but I am obsessed.
And while I certainly watch these sorts of movies all year round, they just scream autumn to me. I don't go for anything scary or gory or graphic. I need to sleep peacefully at night. {{winks}} But suspense, a bit of creepiness, a slightly spooky vibe, and a what's-going-to-happen-next sort of feeling...yes, please.
Today I am sharing my family's favorite mysteries to watch in the autumn...or anytime, if you're like us at all. These are paired perfectly with a dimly lit room, cozied up under a blanket, and a cup of something warm in your hands to sip on...trust me on this. It's the perfect autumnal vibe!
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries
One of the hands-down coziest mystery series on this list is the Aurora Teagarden Mystery Series on Hallmark. I especially love the little town of Lawrenceton that this series takes place in. In many, if not most, of the movies, the weather is also very moody, often snowy or rainy or overcast, creating the perfect atmosphere for a cozy mystery to take place. I especially love the character, Sally, who is Aurora's best friend. Through the movies, Aurora's love interest changes, and I must admit that I'm a much bigger fan of Martin than I am of Nick, but oh well. And one of the best things about this series is that there are 18 movies, as well as a prequel (definitely not as good as the rest of the series), so once you get into it, you can stick around for awhile. And trust me, you'll want to!
Chronicle Mysteries
One of my personal favorite Hallmark mystery movie series are the Chronicle Mysteries. I've always loved movies and such that are centered around a newspaper and the writers, editors, and photographers who work there. This series is particularly moody in atmosphere, with a few movies in particular. There isn't anything I really dislike about this series, except for the fact that there are only five movies.
Vera
In case you didn't realize by the often-mentioned titles I share here, I love British mysteries. And Vera is certainly one of my top favorites. Oh, this is such a winner of a series! And, good news, it has 13 seasons, with the 14th (and final) coming out next year. I do love when I find a series I can stick with for awhile. The scenery and weather in this series make for an insanely cozy vibe. And I am quite the fan of Vera and her spunk and puzzle-solving mind. I also really love the side characters as they really round out a nice little "work family". I prefer the seasons with Aiden as her partner as opposed to Joe, but all the seasons are worth watching, for sure.
Shetland
Shetland is the British mystery that stole my heart first. I fell in love with the moodiness of Shetland's scenery. I also really love that in this series we see the lead detective, Jimmy Perez, at home quite a bit with his daughter and a bit of his personal life. It's not just all work and business on this show; you do get a bit of the at-home life of a detective as well as how, sometimes, the cases he finds on his desk are tied to his personal life, bringing more depth to the storyline. Tosh, Jimmy's partner, is a favorite character of mine. And I also love the "work family" on this series as well.
Agatha Raisin
My sister got my mom and I hooked on Agatha Raisin, and now, we're all obsessed. Oddly enough, this has since become one of my "comfort shows". I don't really know how to explain this show as it is quite...well, nuts. It's got a mystery to solve (obviously), tons of comical and laugh out loud moments, bits of romance and drama and tons of small English village charm. One of my favorite things about this series is Agatha's found family that she has around her...who knew a mystery series could be so heartwarming. Well, with Agatha Raisin, it can. Sadly, this series only has four seasons, but they are worth watching over and over again.
Mystery 101 Mysteries
Another Hallmark series that is definitely worth watching is Mystery 101. This series isn't that long, either, as it seems the best ones with Hallmark never are long enough. But I found this series fun to watch as many of the mysteries are quite a tangled web to unravel. A really sweet aspect of this series is the relationship between Amy Winslow, the female lead, and her father, Graham, a crime fiction author. And once Detective Travis Burke enters the scene, he is welcomed into their little family with open arms...and much love, as it slowly and gently blossoms between him and Amy.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Now, for a bit of a twist on "mystery", as Signed, Sealed, Delivered movies (and the original TV show) aren't about solving murders or other such crimes, but rather, they are about solving the mystery of lost mail. These are some of the most quintessential feel-good movies I know of. Just like how I love stories set around newspapers, I also love a good post office setting. And this show just hits the nail on the head perfectly. On top of the delightful setting, the sweet foursome, known as the Postables, are just the best group of friends. There is so much to love about this series, the stories told and the characters and their love and tight bonds with each other. Perhaps, sometime, I'll do a post just about this series. It certainly deserves it!
The Good Witch
If you want the perfect small-town setting, then look no further than the town of Middleton in The Good Witch. These movies are such a vibe all on their own; you can't beat them. I love a good story with a witchy, magical aspect. Cassie is the perfect witchy character, and I do want to be her when I grow up. {{smiles}} There is a TV series that continues on after the movies, which I have yet to watch myself, but I can say that the movies are really great. These mysteries are also a bit different...no murders or anything of that sort. Oh, how I wish these were a book series!
Murder, She Baked (Hannah Swensen Mysteries)
This is, personally, one of my least favorite Hallmark series, but I still do enjoy these movies. Murder, She Baked movies are based on Joanne Fluke's mystery series, which my mom is a huge fan of. What brings me back to this series, despite it not being a top favorite are: the bakery setting and the small town of Eden Lake, as well as I really love the holiday themes on several of the movies. The love triangle in these movies does drive me nuts, though, as I have strong opinions about which guy Hannah should end up with.
Another Hallmark favorite for us is the Garage Sale Mysteries series. There are quite a number of these movies as well, so plenty to get into. What I really enjoy about this series is the antique shop setting and Jen's friendship with Dani. I love all the garage sale shopping bits and the coffee shop scenes with Jen and her friend, Detective Lynwood, as she "helps" him solve murders. This was the very first Hallmark mystery series we watched right when it premiered in 2013.
And finally, we have just begun watching Hallmark's Crossword Mysteries and Curious Caterer Mysteries, along with a few new series that they're coming out with. I haven't watched much in any of these series yet, but what I have seen, I have really enjoyed.
What are your favorite mysteries to watch in the autumn? Share your favorites with me!