Review

"The Jane Mysteries: Murder at Moseby – A Cozy Crime Caper with a Side of Cheese"

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Agatha Christie and a Hallmark holiday movie had a baby, The Jane Mysteries: Murder at Moseby is here to answer that question. Released in 2024, this film is the perfect blend of small-town charm, amateur sleuthing, and enough clichés to make you question whether you’re watching a murder mystery or a Hallmark movie where someone accidentally solves a crime while baking cookies.

The plot follows Jane, a plucky amateur detective (because of course she is), who returns to her quaint hometown of Moseby just in time for the annual Harvest Festival. But instead of sipping apple cider and rekindling a romance with her high school sweetheart (a staple in Hallmark movies), Jane stumbles upon a dead body in the pumpkin patch. Cue the dramatic gasps and the obligatory shot of a cat jumping out of a hay bale.

What follows is a whirlwind of quirky suspects, red herrings, and a lot of people saying things like, “But Jane, you’re not a real detective!” (Spoiler: She proves them wrong, obviously.) The film leans heavily into its Hallmark roots, with cozy sweaters, picturesque autumn scenery, and a subplot about Jane’s estranged sister who runs the local bakery. There’s even a scene where Jane solves a clue while frosting a cake shaped like a turkey. It’s ridiculous, but somehow it works.

The dialogue is as sharp as a butter knife, with lines like, “If there’s one thing I’ve learned from knitting, it’s that every knot has a solution!” (Yes, Jane knits. Of course she does.) And let’s not forget the obligatory romantic tension with the town’s handsome but skeptical sheriff, who spends most of the movie rolling his eyes at Jane’s antics before inevitably falling for her charm. It’s like the writers took a checklist of Hallmark holiday movie tropes and sprinkled in a murder for good measure.

But here’s the thing: The Jane Mysteries: Murder at Moseby knows exactly what it is. It doesn’t try to be Knives Out or Gone Girl. It’s a cozy, feel-good mystery that’s perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon when you’re in the mood for something light, predictable, and just a little bit silly. If you’re a fan of Hallmark movies but wish they had more dead bodies, this is the film for you.

In conclusion, The Jane Mysteries: Murder at Moseby is a delightful mess of murder, muffins, and small-town shenanigans. It’s not going to win any Oscars, but it might just win your heart—or at least make you laugh while you’re figuring out whodunit. Just don’t think too hard about the plot holes, or you might end up as confused as Jane’s knitting patterns.