Why ‘Mystery Island: Play for Keeps’ Could Be Hallmark’s Biggest Miss Yet

Mystery Island: Play for Keeps is the third chapter in the Hallmark Channel’s Mystery Island series. This time, viewers are whisked back to the murder-mystery-themed resort, where the stakes feel a bit higher.

Elizabeth Henstridge, Charlie Weber, and Kezia Burrows return. The story centers on a high-profile V.I.P. party thrown by a wealthy couple, and things go off the rails—fast.

There’s intrigue, a hint of romance, and a tangled web of suspects. But does it really deliver the suspense and charm fans crave?

The Plot Thickens: A V.I.P. Party with Deadly Consequences

In Play for Keeps, the murder-mystery game gets a little too real. The wealthy Ainsley and Franklin Trask arrive at Mystery Island with their entourage, and the tension is obvious from the jump.

Franklin is the ex-fiancé of Dr. Emilia Priestly, who’s one of the island’s game planners. Pretty awkward, right?

As the story unravels, it’s clear this isn’t just another game. There’s a real puzzle here, and the consequences are deadly.

Key Characters and Their Roles

Here’s a quick rundown of the key players:

• Dr. Emilia Priestly (Elizabeth Henstridge): Island psychiatrist and game planner, tangled up in old and new feelings.
• Detective Jason Trent (Charlie Weber): Emilia’s coworker and fellow game writer, the guy trying to piece it all together.
• Baroness Jane Alcott (Kezia Burrows): The COO, who brings a dash of earnestness and a bit of quirky fun.
• Ainsley Trask (Emily Eaton-Plowright): The abrasive wife whose death kicks off the whole mess.
• Franklin Trask (Kris Mochrie): Emilia’s ex, still nursing old wounds and making things complicated.

Unfolding the Mystery: Clues and Red Herrings

Ainsley’s death is sudden and violent—a severed carotid artery, an “S” scrawled in blood nearby. Her missing bag turns up in an employee’s room, which just makes things messier.

Emilia, Jason, and Jane start digging. They find a web of motives, all tied up in love and money.

Suspects Galore

The film tosses out a handful of suspects, each with their own secrets:

• Franklin Trask: Still in love with Emilia, so he’s got motive written all over him.
• Viveca Bentley (Victoria Bolt): Franklin’s right-hand woman—there’s something she’s not saying.
• Spencer Trask (John MacDonald): Ex-NFL, ex-Trask Global VP, and carrying his own baggage.
• Patricia Collacello (Nisha Aaliya): Spencer’s model girlfriend (and actually his wife, surprise!).
• Mickey Carlyle (Barney White): Ainsley’s childhood bestie and old flame.

Character Dynamics: Love, Betrayal, and Suspense

The film digs into the messy relationships between these folks. Emilia’s history with Franklin brings in plenty of emotional baggage.

Meanwhile, her growing feelings for Jason add a romantic twist. The tension between Ainsley and Franklin, plus Ainsley’s sharp edges, keeps things dramatic.

Performance Highlights

Kezia Burrows, as Baroness Jane Alcott, really pops off the screen. She brings a fun, earnest energy that the movie sorely needs.

The rest of the cast? They’re fine, but sometimes their characters just feel a bit flat—like there’s something missing under the surface.

Comparisons and Inspirations

Mystery Island: Play for Keeps definitely borrows from other whodunits. Think Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery or even The White Lotus if you squint a little.

But, honestly, it doesn’t quite have the originality or sharp wit of those titles. Familiar tropes and predictable twists are everywhere, which might leave you wanting something fresher.

Memorable Moments and Dialogue

There are a few memorable bits, especially after Ainsley’s death. Her travel companions don’t exactly hold back:

• Mickey: *Ains was the president of the theater club in high school. She’s a drama queen.*
• Patricia: *I mean, Ainsley was totally brilliant, but she was a horrible person.*
• Spencer: *I mean, look, I don’t want to speak ill about the dead, okay? But she was a controlling monster.*

Conclusion: A Middling Addition to the Series

Mystery Island: Play for Keeps doesn’t really stand out as a must-watch. At the same time, it’s not a total flop either.

There are a few moments here and there that feel intriguing or even a bit charming. Still, it just doesn’t quite manage to fully pull you in.

Maybe it’s worth a look if you’re already a fan of the series, or if you’re just in the mood for a light mystery. Otherwise, you might find yourself wondering if your time could be better spent elsewhere.

So, what do you think? Is Mystery Island: Play for Keeps on your watchlist, or are you passing this one by? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!