A Review of ‘One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Alison Sweeney as Hannah Swensen in ‘One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery’. (Photo Courtesy of Bettina Strauss/Hallmark.) ©2024 Hallmark

There was a time, where the cozy mystery was nothing more than an afterthought in the world of television. Because murder, and any crime really, happened to be serious business, and the thought of offering a story that featured more lighthearted moments as it was solved, just seemed disrespectful. But as the years rolled on, and audiences expected a little more from their crime stories, the cozy mystery began to become a staple. Because they are true escapism from the horrors of the world and they feature justice and so much more and just like that, they began to grow and one particular character that helped bring them into the mainstream is Hannah Swensen.
​
For Joanna Fluke’s books were adapted into a fine series of cozy mysteries for the small screen on the Hallmark Mystery Channel, and well… audiences loved them. Since they did indeed offer up the escape they promised and these stood out, because they featured lovely acting, and care, and stories that were more than just crowd pleasers, but solid mysteries that captivated and engaged. If anything, the wonder of the cozy mystery and the wonder of Hannah Swensen, are top of mind today, simply because Hannah returned to the airwaves last night, to bring us her finest mystery to date. One that surprised in a lot of ways.

Which are feats that One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery accomplishes by having Hannah, take on quite the crime amid a new chapter in her life. For when we catch up with her, here, she’s teaching at the local school and going about her business. When of course… odd occurrences and seeming attempts on another professor’s life come to fruition. Giving rise to real stakes when the professor in question is found dead with a knife from Hannah’s kitchen sticking out of him. Because that surprise puts her on the suspect list and prompts her to work harder than ever to solve this crime in record time. For if she cannot uncover the killer’s true identity by the end of the quarter… they will never be found, and she may be held responsible.

---

Victor Webster and Alison Sweeney as Chad Norton and Hannah Swensen in ‘One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery’. (Photo Courtesy of Bettina Strauss/Hallmark.) ©2024 Hallmark

Which is a plot that really is the most refreshing one to date for the saga. In large part, because there is a lot of growth here. With Hannah extending her career into new territory as a teacher of culinary arts at the local school and with her friends and family getting into new roles as well. Including of course, a change at the police station since Mike is no longer part of the picture. But there are new players in the legal world that captivate and intrigue, including the electric interaction between Chad Norton, a prosecutor, and Hannah. Which may take us to new romantic places down the line. But what matters more, is that growth, and that understanding that this little universe of mysteries is becoming more and so are its characters and that outright excites us and engages us. 
​
But of course, we are here to solve a mystery, and that… is no simple task for Hannah in this tale. In fact, this particular hunt for justice, one written by Alison Sweeney, makes use of misdirection often. So, just when it seems as though Hannah has a solid lead and justice will be served, a curveball is sent our way. Which keeps us guessing, keeps us playing along and it eventually brings about, one juicy finale that is pretty darn epic in nature. One that answers our burning questions and of course… leaves us satisfied. Because that’s what cozy mysteries do, but it is quite nice and quite lovely that this particular tale shakes up the mythos a bit and really tasks the characters like never before and offers up some fun surprises along the way to really take the audience on quite the ride.

Of course, it is mission accomplished when it comes to that for this special. Because from beginning to end, we are captivated by this tale. Courtesy of change, humor, a top-tier mystery and of course, the warmth and fun and humor that we’ve grown to love about this franchise. Much of which stems from Hannah’s mother, humor wise, thanks to her career change and from the awkward moments from everyday life that have been injected into this story. Which makes this, a must-see cozy mystery. One that really does whisk us away, pun intended, to a world where a pure hero does their best to make sure justice is served to ne’er do wells, and you simply cannot go wrong with another chapter in this grand and sweeping story that continues to the lead the way in providing the world with wondrous cozy mysteries.

---