Review of Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Haunted by Murder

The Plot

The opening scene shows a flashback to Aurora as a teenager entering a “haunted” house on a dare. She discovers a dead body which is later ruled as an accidental death.

Aurora never believed that report and has been unable to let the case go. During a meeting of the Real Murders Club, Aurora learns that her mother just bought the old mansion with a plan to restore it to its former (ghostly) glory.

Aida (played by Marilu Henner) never met a property she couldn’t flip. Not really caring about its tragic past, Aurora’s mom goes about interviewing contractors and is surprised by all the fuss.

Enter The Paranormal Society, a group founded by Lillian, Aurora’s colleague at the library. Annoying but funny, Lillian worms her way into a meeting at the infamous mansion and chaos ensues.

The Actors

My favorite character has to be Lillian played by Ellie Harvey, who you might recognize as Morticia in “The New Addams Family.”

Actually, you may not recognize her at all. She delves so carefully into her characters, it’s hard to distinguish Ellie as an actress, because she so embodies the roles.

Lillian is so annoying, she is actually funny and brings a lot of levity to a very serious investigation.

Niall Matter, who plays Nick Miller is quiet and unassuming, yet his presence is powerful in that he always has the answer but doesn’t ever say “I told you so” to his wife, Aurora!

Niall started out as a third general oil rigger in Alberta, Canada, but turned to acting after an accident where he very nearly lost his leg. Thank goodness for us, Niall pursued acting rather than getting back on the rig!

Marilu Henner makes an excellent foil, err mother to Aurora. She is fierce and gutsy. And to her daughter’s chagrin, never lets anyone get in her way…Not a pushy contractor who may be more than a contractor…or anyone really.

If you are of a certain age, you remember Marilu’s award winning performance in Taxi, a hit 1970’s show. I remember it well and will never forget her role as the only woman in the office..She went to bat with the boys often and won!

Candace Cameron Burke makes a fantastic Aurora. She is dogged and determined yet never bullies anyone, and handles the police detectives with ease. She is clearly smarter than they are, but never shoves it in their faces.

My Thoughts on the Movie

My husband figured out whodunnit about a third of the way through. But I wasn’t certain. Turns out, he was right, but his revelation didn’t stop me from enjoying the mystery as it unfolded. I thought the story moved nicely and was never redundant. You didn’t get confused by the characters as is sometimes the case in cozy mysteries.

I loved the relationship between Aurora and her husband. I thought it was sweet and tender. I would have liked to see more interaction between Aurora and Aiden. Mother-daughter relationships are often fraught. I thought there could be some interesting dialogue between these two head-strong ladies.

Also, could Lillian get a bigger part…please? She is so compelling in that annoying sort of way. I like to see people fall on their faces and get right back up.

Favorite Line from Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Haunted by Murder

Lillian responds to a comment from Nick by replying, “Paranormal research is not woo woo.”

You see what I mean? Lines like that add a little goofiness to an intense murder mystery (or as intense as cozy mysteries can get.)

This was my first Aurora Teagarden mystery. I am definitely going to watch all of them.