Curious Caterer: Fatal Vows leans into the exact brand of cozy chaos Hallmark does best: a wedding no one wants to attend, a murder no one planned for, and a caterer who keeps stumbling into crime scenes like it’s part of the menu. As the third outing for Goldy Berry, the film wastes no time tossing her into emotional turbulence—this time catering the wedding of her boyfriend Detective Tom Schultz’s ex‑wife. It’s the kind of setup that practically begs for awkward glances over the canapé tray, and the movie milks that tension with a wink.
Goldy remains the franchise’s anchor, a warm, capable heroine whose curiosity is both her superpower and her Achilles’ heel. Nikki DeLoach plays her with that familiar Hallmark blend of competence and gentle exasperation, grounding the story even when the plot starts juggling suspects like hors d’oeuvres. Andrew Walker’s Tom, meanwhile, gets to simmer in a stew of professional duty and personal discomfort, and the film has fun letting their dynamic wobble before it steadies.
Director Paul Ziller keeps the tone feather‑light even as the stakes rise. The murder mystery itself is classic Hallmark: twisty enough to keep you guessing, but never so dark that it disrupts the cozy vibe. The missing bride, the dead groom, the trail of secrets—everything is calibrated for maximum intrigue without ever threatening to break the series’ soft‑focus charm. It’s suspense you can fold laundry to, and that’s part of the appeal.
The supporting cast adds texture, especially as the investigation widens to include jealous exes, disgruntled business partners, and the usual small‑town gossip mill. The film knows exactly when to lean into humor, when to let the romance breathe, and when to nudge the mystery forward. Nothing overstays its welcome, and the pacing keeps the story humming along like a well‑timed kitchen.
By the time the final reveal lands, Fatal Vows has delivered exactly what fans come for: a cozy mystery with likable leads, a dash of romantic tension, and just enough danger to keep the frosting from feeling too sweet. It’s comfort‑watch storytelling, polished and self‑aware, and it continues to build a charming little world around Goldy’s culinary‑detective adventures.
For streaming, Curious Caterer: Fatal Vows is available on Hallmark Movies Now and can also be rented or purchased through major digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu.
MPAA Rating: TV-G.
Runtime: 84 mins
Director: Paul Ziller
Writer: Diane Mott Davidson; Julie Kim; Kariné Marwood
Cast: Nikki DeLoach; Andrew W. Walker; Jaycie Dotin
Genre: Drama | Crime
Tagline:
Memorable Movie Quote: "He is tryiing to pin murder on Tom."
Distributor: Hallmak +
Official Site:
Release Date: October 13, 2023
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: In the third movie of the series, Goldy Berry, a caterer and amateur detective, is recruited to provide food for a sizable wedding. Jessamyn Cole, the bride, is the ex-wife of Goldy's current love interest, detective Tom Schultz.
