Mystery 101: Words Can Kill (2019)

In the quiet town of Garrison, Washington, the anticipation hangs heavy in the air as book lovers and mystery enthusiasts descend upon Elmstead College for the eagerly awaited Mystery Book Festival. The architect behind this literary spectacle is English Professor Amy Winslow, a woman with a penchant for crime fiction. Adding a dash of celebrity to the mix is the keynote speaker, Professor Emeritus and renowned author of the acclaimed Atticus Keller series, Graham Winslow - who also happens to be Amy's father. Yet, beneath the surface of this bookish gathering lurks a labyrinth of past resentments and simmering conflicts. Among the throng of admirers is Hannah Steinhousen, the zealous president of the Graham Winslow fan club’s Frankfurt chapter. However, not everyone shares her admiration. Graham's former friend turned literary rival, Rick Fitch, harbors a long-held grudge for a stolen book idea. Meanwhile, the rumor mill churns with whispers of Betsy Crane, Graham's former and Rick's current editor, who allegedly leaked Graham's manuscript to Rick. The festival also marks the first face-to-face meeting between Graham and his current editor, the New York-based Celia Bunton, previously known only through electronic correspondence. Their professional animosity takes an unexpected turn when Graham finds himself drawn to Celia, the first woman to pique his interest since the death of his wife and Amy's mother. Intrigue deepens with the unexpected arrival of Detective Phil Jenk from Reno, who had previously served as a consultant on one of Graham's books. Lured to the festival by a cryptic invitation hinting at danger for Graham, his presence sends ripples of unease. This tension escalates when a series of crimes disrupt the festival, ranging from a puzzling break-in at Amy's office to a chilling string of murders. Leading the investigations are Detective Travis Burke and his partner Claire Tate, a former student of Amy's. Although Travis values Amy's insight, he finds himself needing to curtail her involvement to protect her, potentially jeopardizing the simmering chemistry between them. The plot thickens when an unlikely suspect is arrested, forcing Amy to plunge headfirst into the mystery to clear their name. As the lines between fiction and reality blur, the festival takes a deadly turn, transforming into a real-life mystery that Amy must unravel before it's too late.

Mystery 101: Words Can Kill is a mystery movie featuring Marci T. House.

Mystery 101: Words Can Kill is currently streaming on DIRECTV and Hallmark Movies Now Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Mystery 101: Words Can Kill on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.