Have always been quite fond of 'Murder She Wrote'. It is a fun and relaxing watch that makes you think as you try to unwind in the evening. If one wants more complex, twisty mysteries with lots of tension and suspense 'Murder She Wrote' may not be for you, but if you want something light-hearted and entertaining but still provide good mysteries 'Murder She Wrote' fits the bill just fine.
Season 12, along with Seasons 9 and 11 one of the weaker and more variable ones of 'Murder She Wrote', started off quite well with "Nailed". "A Quaking in Aspen" is even better and generally one of the season's better episodes. A few of the twists are on the predictable and not that surprising side, including a customer that triggered our suspicion once he was introduced, and a little too much was revealed too early for my liking.
On the other hand, the mystery generally is a good one. It is intriguing, thanks to its numerous twists that mostly are clever and unexpected. The denouement is well done, and the episode is all round entertaining to watch.
"A Quaking in Aspen" is also one of the better cast Season 12 episodes. Not just the always great Angela Lansbury and the charmingly professional Wayne Rogers, but the guest supporting cast succeed in not making the goings on too obvious too soon, keeping things as twisty as possible and making the characters not too hard to root for. Instead of having inexperience-ridden younger cast members, this felt professional level and like they were serious in doing it properly.
Production values are slick and stylish with great use of the setting. The music has energy and has presence but also not making the mistake of over-scoring, while it is hard to forget or resist the theme tune. The writing is amiable and thought-provoking on the most part, though there are moments of overripe-ness.
In summary, good episode and one of Season 12's better ones. 7/10 Bethany Cox