Created by mystery novelist Charlaine Harris, Aurora Teagarden Mysteries is a 17-part series of made-for-television movies that aired on the Hallmark channel from 2015 to 2018. Each movie revolves around Aurora "Ro" Teagarden (Candace Cameron Bure), a small-town librarian by day and amateur detective by night who investigates a series of murders in the quaint town of Lawrenceton, Washington.
Along with the other members of the Real Murders Club, a grassroots collection of crime solvers, Ro navigates her personal relationships, work-life, and romantic endeavors as she tries to keep her town as safe as possible. While many side characters come and go, here are the most enjoyable mainstays on the show.
Lynn Smith
Proving to be a constant thorn in Ro's side in 14 0f 17 episodes, Lynn Smith (Miranda Frigon) is the de facto antagonist of the main cast. As a detective in the homicide division and later the chief of police, Lynn feels threatened by Ro's investigative brilliance and constantly undermines her at every turn.
Lynn is often heard complaining about Ro's obnoxious tampering with her police investigations and constantly shoots down her theories even when they are more thought-out than her own.
John Queensland
When John Queensland (Bruce Dawson) was first introduced to the series, he came off as quite a likable gentleman who shared Ro's passion for solving deadly crimes. However, as his six-episode arc continued, he became less likable due to his budding romance with Ro's mother, Aida (Marilou Henner).
Appearing in the first six chapters, John's role as an integral member of the Real Murders Club made him a close ally of Ro's. However, once he began dating her disapproving mother, he becomes less involved with the club and begins taking Aida's side over Ro's.
Aida Teagarden
Despite being the only other character to appear in all 17 episodes, Aida Teagarden is a character that fans love to hate. Ro's contentious, disapproving, and constantly nagging mother also serves as the lead character's venal real estate agent.
While much of the show's entertainment is derived from the waggish interplay between Ro and the often cruel-hearted Aida, the mother's lack of support and consistent dismissal of Ro's investigative work makes her more unlikable than most.
Lillian Tibbett
Lillian Tibbett (Ellie Harvie) is a perfectly cordial and well-meaning neighbor in Lawrencton who appears passingly in 15 of 17 episodes. As Bess's (Leah Cairns) caring sister seen consoling her after the death of her husband and Detective Sergeant Jack Burns (Craig March) in "Dead Over Heels," Lillian is right in the middle of the pack in terms of likability.
With a kind heart, helpful attitude, and calming presence, Lillian differs from many of the irascible female characters in Ro's life.
Arthur Smith
Although he was once married to the least likable character in Lynn, Arthur Smith's (Peter Benson) romantic past with Ro gives him a much more enjoyable backstory. As a dedicated detective who works burglaries for the Lawrencton police force, Arthur's likability is bolstered by moral professionalism.
Appearing in 16 of 17 episodes so far, Arthur has a much better friendship with Ro than Lynn does, and the two are often seen confiding in each other without Lynn's knowledge.
Martin Bartell
Introduced in Episode 3, "Three Bedrooms, One Corpse" Martin Bartell (Yannick Bisson) won the hearts of viewers as the lovable former CIA Agent and romantic interest of Aurora. With handsome looks, kind spirit, charming personality, and amorous treatment of Ro, Martin left fans reeling when he left the show in 2018.
Martin and Ro's relationship becomes complicated when his estranged niece arrives in town and leaves her husband's corpse on Ro's doorstep. As they mix business with pleasure in attempting to solve the murder, their relationship sours.
Nick Miller
Once Martin left the picture, Ro eventually picked up the pieces by rebounding with Nick Miller (Niall Matter), her extremely lovable boyfriend who later becomes her fiancee in episode 13, "Heist and Seek."
Introduced in "The Disappearing Game," Nick joined the show as a rakish and intelligent new neighbor who moves in across the street from Ro. The brilliant psychology professor at Philips College begins assisting Ro with her murder investigations, showcasing his playful sense of humor, selflessness, ambition, and willingness to protect Ro at all costs.
Sally Allison
As Ro's loving right-hand-woman, best friend, and closest confidant, Sally Allison (Lexa Doig) is easily the second-most likable character on the show. Appearing in all but two episodes, Sally is always there for Ro in times of need and constantly serves as the main character's emotional rock. She couldn't be a better friend.
With a bubbly aura and infectious attitude for much of the show, Sally imbues a sense of positivity that most of the other characters tend to lack. Her journalistic integrity is matched by her dedication to the Real Murders Club. As such, Sally is one of the most enjoyable to watch.
Aurora Teagarden
Considering the show bears her namesake, Aurora Teagarden is clearly the most likable character on the show. Every episode revolves around her dedicated attempt to balance her personal and professional life as a librarian and small-time sleuth keeping her idyllic town as safe as possible.
Aside from her investigative acumen, what makes Ro so compelling is her sense of humor, integrity, morality, and willingness to provide comfort to her closest friends and family members. Without such a lovable lead character, there would be no show.