‘Eat, Drink and Be Buried: A Gourmet Detective Mystery’ (2017): Duels! Pastries! Romance! Hallmark’s Detecting Duo Returns

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As the autumn season descends,  a shift in our choice of entertainment follows. If you’re anything like me, where the summertime is full of contemporary stories and light beach reads, during the autumn season, you discover some cozy mysteries. This is just one of the reasons I was so excited to discover the Gourmet Detective is back! eat drink and be buried a gourmet detective mystery

Eat, Drink and Be Buried: A Gourmet Detective Mystery (2017) Hallmark TV Review

From professional (albeit reluctant) partners, to sparing partners (let’s face it, they still are) to 3-month anniversary. This is a
snapshot of the relationship timeline and current status of Henry Ross (Dylan Neal) and Maggie Price (Brooke Burns). Following their working relationship with the SFPD (he’s an ex-chef turned consulting detective, she’s a detective), the two began dating. On this particular evening, Henry has plans to dazzle Maggie on their anniversary.  

Only trouble is, the event, a costume party for an old friend, ends up not being a costume party. Needless to say, Maggie is a little annoyed with Henry (she now feels ridiculous in her 18^th century garb!). But she soon forgets when David’s, the guest of honor, son dies.  

As the investigation unfolds, they discover this wasn’t an accident. Between David’s four children (all of whom never get along), business rivals and employees, the list of suspects begins to stack up.  

RELATED REVIEW | Death Al Dente A Gourmet Detective Mystery (2016): Hallmark’s Castle-esque Crime-Fighting Duo

‘Eat, Drink and Be Buried: A Gourmet Detective Mystery’ (2017): Duels! Pastries! Romance! Hallmark's Detecting Duo Returns #hallmarkarchives Click To Tweet

Though this sleuthing duo doesn’t seem as popular as the finds of an antique shop (Garage Sale Mystery) or the emotional journeys of a postal team (Signed, Sealed and Delivered), this is actually one of, if not my favorite mystery series. Housed under Hallmark’s Movies and Mysteries brand, there’s something about them that makes each one stand out.  

For me, one of these things is the fantastic chemistry between its leads. I’m so glad that kiss (from ‘Death Al Dente’) translates to an actual dating relationship rather than a “let’s ignore that ever happened” script. These two together have a smart, easy-going and sassy (especially Maggie – she’s all about the sass!) chemistry. This keeps the viewer laughing often over their antics and hilarious arguments. Plus makes the story “pop” and keeps the rapport between them fun.    

For anyone who watched crime dramas with a lighthearted feeling (like Castle), you’ll enjoy this franchise. It’s fun, full of mystery and of course, flirty. Those of us who’ve been rooting for these two to couple up, will be grinning with abandon as we watch them navigate the waters of a professional and personal life. One of the most humorous parts of the film is watching them navigate the pros and cons of personal and professional life blends. A potential snag in their otherwise blissful relationship is the introduction of Henry’s past; a past that crops up in the form of Bruce Boxleitner’s character! But to discover more, you’ll have to tune in.

With the primary cast remaining the same, a fun subplot setting up and an emotional component that is Henry’s past, ‘Eat, Drink and Be Buried’ is a fantastic telefilm. For those who love a good mystery, you won’t want to miss this latest installment. Plus for the romantics among us, the ending is fulfilling and cute, aka flirty bliss. 

Photos: Hallmark Channel / Crown Media Press