We returned to Eden Lake with Hannah, Chad, Delores, and the gang. The second Hannah Swensen Mystery of the year premiered last night on Hallmark Channel. “When a suspect in a forgery case is murdered and the prosecutor goes missing, Hannah and Chad must uncover how the two cases are connected and solve them in time for the trial.”
Alison Sweeney has starred as Hannah for more than a dozen movies, and she also writes and produces many of them. She is always reliable and enjoyable in the role. Victor Webster, who joined the series after Cameron Mathison departed, appears here in his sixth Hannah movie. This installment gives Chad more screen time, and we actually learn something personal about him, including why he never eats Hannah’s baked goods. More of that, please. As a Victor Webster fan, I would love to see the show continue peeling back those layers.
Delores is over the top and obnoxious, and I mean that as a compliment. She opens the movie with her signature flair, and Barbara Niven clearly has a blast in the role. The character is not for everyone, but she absolutely is for me. I enjoy every bit of the dramatics. It was also good to see her still paired with Sheriff Ron Ealing, played by Mike Dopud.
Detective Lonnie, played by Daylin Willis, was back in Eden Lake as well. The rest of the regulars, including The Cookie Jar’s Lisa, played by Juliana Wimbles, and Hannah’s sister Michelle, played by Tess Atkins, felt underused this time around. Hallmark regular Peter Benson directed.
Typically I enjoy the Hannah Swensen movies, but this one did not hold me the way they usually do. If you prefer slower-paced mysteries, this one may be right up your alley. For me, it was just okay. Not bad, just not enough to keep me fully invested. I am not giving up on Hannah, and I will be back for the next one. This earns 3 out of 5 popcorn buckets.
You can stream Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery along with all the other Hannah movies on Hallmark+ now. The mysteries continue next week on Hallmark Channel with True Justice: Eye for an Eye.
Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery Review – Does It Deliver?
