Review

Gourmet Detective: Solving Murders One Appetizer at a Time

If you're wondering what happens when Hallmark movies pump a little cayenne into their typical saccharine formula, look no further than 2015's *Gourmet Detective*. This culinary caper is the love child of Agatha Christie and the Hallmark holiday movies lineup—serving up mystery, romance, and enough kitchen scenes to make even Gordon Ramsay roll his eyes.

The premise is simple: take an ex-chef turned sleuth, sprinkle in a reluctant but charming detective partner, and garnish with a generous helping of red herrings. Stir frequently with witty banter and serve lukewarm. Dylan Neal stars as the titular Gourmet Detective, a man so suave he could slice a tomato without a knife. Why solve crimes the traditional way when you can solve them with a side of truffle oil?

As with all Hallmark movies, there’s a comforting predictability to the plot. Picture this: our culinary Sherlock admits spice is his second love—after solving murder mysteries, of course. Together with Detective Maggie, played by Brooke Burns, they tackle a web of intrigue that’s almost as tangled as my earbuds.

Despite the occasional cheese that isn't on the charcuterie board, the film delivers exactly what you'd expect from a Hallmark movie: cozy entertainment wrapped in an apron. The chemistry between Neal and Burns simmers just below a boil, much like the perfect risotto.

So, if your idea of a thrilling Friday night is watching a well-groomed detective drizzle some olive oil while contemplating whodunit, *Gourmet Detective* is your cinematic three-course meal. Just don't be surprised if you find yourself craving a killer soufflé—and a sequel that stirs in the mystery of why there aren't more Hallmark holiday movies solving crimes with a side of crème brûlée.