Same Time, Same Murder

Celebrating their seventh anniversary together, St. Louis bookstore owner Gil Hunt and his wife, shopping channel seller Claire Dunlap, head to the Ozarks where their friend Tucker hosts them. Tucker asks the obviously in love couple how they met and both say over a homicide at a mystery convention in Omaha. Curious, Tucker asks for the full story. The first time Gil and Claire met was through author Marlys Milhauser at the convention, but they were married to other spouses. They met again the next year, but nothing came of it as Gil was going through hard times with a divorce and a dying dad. The third time they came together proved the charm as the homicide served as matchmaker. Gil's friend convention organizer Dave Spenser sends Gil to find renowned writer and guest of honor Robin Westerly. Accompanied by Claire they find a dead body. Omaha Detective Ed Donovan leads the investigation, but Gil and Claire begin working together to uncover a clever plotter who designed a killing tale. The latest Gil and Claire amateur sleuth provides the audience with insight as to how the pair met and the early days of their courtship. This brings fullness to each of the lead characters, but also delays the murder mystery investigation that served as their first dates. Fans of the series will welcome the look back at the beginning of a couple still in love while newcomers might find the cozy a bit slow getting started, but worth the wait once the duo describe their inquiries. Harriet Klausner