Book vs. Movie
I know, I know. You always pick the book over the movie correct? I mean it was the original format of the content. That makes the most sense. However, I have two series where I prefer the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries adaptation over the books.
Granted. I have only read part of the first book in one series and only one book in the other. So you have to take my opinion with a grain of salt. Okay? Okay.
Just so you know, there WILL BE SPOILERS! Proceed at your own cost.
Murder She Baked
AKA Hannah Swenson Mysteries
By Joanne Fluke
I have now watched all of the Murder She Baked movies on the Hallmark Channel. I have loved every single one. I love the actress Alison Sweeney for Hannah. I think she is spunky, kind, and fits into the Cozy Mystery world really well.
The character in the book, from what I remember, was kind of whiney and I didn’t really like her sleuthing-ness. I know that isn’t a word but I made it up.
When it came to the love triangle in the book between Hannah, Mike, and Norman, I wanted to pull my hair out. Granted, I only read the first book and it’s okay for the love triangle to go on for a few books. But it does get to the point where you want the sleuth TO PICK ALREADY!
From what I’ve gathered….*SPOILER AHEAD* she doesn’t end up picking Norman or Mike! She ends up marrying this guy, in like book 17, that she barely knew and didn’t have near the relationship with that she made with Mike or Norman. How freaking frustrating.
In the movies the love triangle was spread across 5 or 6 movies. This was almost too much for me but it did keep me on the edge of my seat waiting to see who she finally chose. I will not be telling you that! Go watch the movies!
I feel like the movies did our heroine more justice than the books. Which is something I never thought I’d say.
I always say not to judge a Cozy Mystery by their first book.
They are starting to build the characters, their back story, and the town itself.
That being said, the movies would not exist without the wonderful writing of Joanne Fluke.
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries
By Charlaine Harris
To be honest, I did not finish the first book to this series. I DNF’d it. Hardcore.
I don’t know if it was because I thought the sleuths inner monologue was too self-involved or maybe I might have been in a bad mood when I read it the first time.
This was given to me as a present from one of my closest friends. You know how it goes when a good friend gives you a book they love. They are eagerly awaiting your opinion of it. Did you like it? Did you love it? Did you love this character? etc.
I of course, told her that I didn’t get to finish it. I am a wimp when it comes to confrontation or hurting someone’s feelings.
I feel like I will now give the book one more chance.
I love the movies so much the books must get better right?
I have watched two of the Aurora Teagarden Mystery movies and truly plan on watching the rest soon.
I love her friendship with Sally. It feels real and genuine in the movies. I love how Sally keeps Roe in her place, supports her decisions, but then also calls her out on her crap. She is the real MVP.
Her rocky relationship with her mother cracks me up and makes it totally relatable! You can really tell that her mom has what’s best for Roe in her mind. Even though her and Roe don’t always get along you can feel the love between them.
So, what did you think? Have you watch any of these Hallmark Movies & Mysteries? Read any of the Cozy Mysteries? Let me know. Do the books get any better? Should I give them one more chance?
Let me know below in the comments!
Until next time…
XOXO Courtny
