One of my all time favorite television shows is Murder She Wrote. The story was simple but engaging. It's been off the air for about 13 years now, so younger folks may never have seen it. If you've never watched the show, you should buy a season on DVD, or catch a rerun and see what you think. The storyline reminds me of classic mystery novels, but with a very modern feel.

Murder She Wrote revolves around middle-aged widow Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury). She travels to exotic locations in search of inspiration to write mystery novels. The interesting thing about the story is how the plot unfolds in each episode. Jessica almost always finds herself at the heart of a real-life mystery. The stark contrast from writing to real life makes Murder She Wrote a captivating and charming show.

The show ended in 1996, after 12 years, 2 TV movies, and an attempt to translate to a full length feature film. If you were born after 1991, it's a good bet you've never heard of Murder She Wrote. I think a season of Murder She Wrote DVDs costs around $20, and well worth the money. The plots will enthrall even the most hardened of viewers. Not only do you find yourself very attached to the characters, but the honest way the story unfolds is very imaginative.

Murder She Wrote may seem somewhat derivative of Miss Marple from Agatha Christie's work. I don't think that's true, but even if it were Agatha Christie is considered one of the best mystery writers of all time. I would say that Murder She Wrote has its roots in earlier works, but it takes the murder/mystery genre to a whole new place. If someone was to produce a television show based on the board game "Clue" and manage to capture the fun of opening the manila envelope, it would be Murder She Wrote.

So, If you've never watch the show, now is a good time to give it a chance. There are too many television shows that revolve around mystery but are predictable enough to know "who done it" in the first 5 minutes. Murder She Wrote will keep you guessing all the way to the climax.