Hailey Dean: Death on Duty – Amateur Sleuth Solves New Case!

As one of Hallmark’s women of mystery, Kellie Martin returns as former-DA-turned-therapist in a trio of new Hailey Dean mysteries. This time, Hailey finds herself pulled into a mystery through her friendship with DA investigator Fincher Garland (Viv Leacock). When a Marine from Fincher’s military days re-appears in his life, Fincher reconnects with his old friend. But things quickly turn bad when his friend goes missing, and it would seem, with a secret.

Together, Hailey and Fincher investigate the mysterious event, and stumble unto a mystery that goes deeper than they anticipated.

Hailey Dean: Death on Duty (2019) Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Review

Though this isn’t my favorite mystery series, the Hailey Dean films are some of my favorite. They’re always feature a cast with talent, production is good, and usually have a great story to tell. Plus, the emotional backstory of Hailey is a dramatic part of her character arc that works really well for her journey; and the place we find her in this seventh installment (‘Death on Duty’) is a testament of this change.

What’s interesting about this one is that it moves away from being about Hailey’s life (at least in an intimate sense). Instead the script’s focus lets us see and know Fincher better, and it’s such a fun shift. While I love all of the characters, and I never though Fincher wasn’t given his dues, this go-round, its clear whose story this is. Either way, I love how supportive Hailey and Fincher are of each other; whether it be his protectiveness and sense of humor or her compassion and nose for clues, these two are best friend goals. They’re relationship is, in part what keeps us invested.

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Of course, there is also Hailey’s new boyfriend, Jonas (quite the gentleman), who’s so very patient with his girlfriend. For those of you who like them and their relationship together, never fear. They still share some really fun (like Jonas’ sudden “fame”) and sweet moments; this includes one near the end that those of us who’ve been with the series from the start will recognize as significant.

If a good whodunit is your thing over the lighthearted romances from Hallmark Movies and Mysteries’ sister channel, the Hailey Dean mysteries just might be your cup of tea. It’s fast-paced and features familiar Hallmark faces including guest star Lauren Holly who will feature into one of the upcoming mysteries! Of course, to learn the how and why, we’ll have to watch the upcoming installments.

Content: there’s some minor violence (“tense moments”) but nothing graphic.

Photos: Hallmark / Crown Media Press