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What happens when a Hallmark mystery heads to a remote island with a group of rich strangers, a locked-room setup, and a murder to solve? You’d think perfection. But in this episode of Hallmark Mysteries and More, Eric breaks down why Mystery Island: Play for Keeps didn’t quite stick the landing—and why that’s such a surprise given Jonathan Christian Plummer’s track record with fan favorites like Mystery 101 and Curious Caterer.

From standout performances by Amelia, Jason, and Janey (who sleuths up a storm) to a billionaire character who never clicks, Eric unpacks the highs, lows, and confusing twists that left both him and Andrea feeling underwhelmed. Along the way, he digs into audience poll results, the budding romance subplot, and how this entry compares to earlier Mystery Island installments.

Highlights:

• Why the “closed mystery” setup worked better in past Mystery Island films
• Janey’s breakout moments as more than just a sidekick
• Performances that shined versus characters that fell flat
• A mystery resolution that left even hardcore fans puzzled
• Audience reactions: how fans scored the film across the board

If you love the Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mysteries, or cozy mysteries with an island twist, this review is for you. Press play now and don’t forget to subscribe for more reviews, interviews, and cozy sleuthing fun!

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This podcast was created by fans for fans and is NOT affiliated with or sponsored by Hallmark or the Hallmark Channel.