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 9 to me is one of the weakest and most inconsistent 'Murder She Wrote' seasons, leaning more towards the disappointing with notable exceptions such as "A Christmas Secret". "The Sound of Murder" is one of the better episodes of the ninth season, not great or a 'Murder She Wrote' classic but pretty decent. Up to the murder, which takes slightly too long to get to, the story is fairly standard fare and doesn't have a huge amount that sets it apart from other episodes.
Michael Tolan also has little to do in a limited role.
On the other hand, "The Sound of Murder" is enlivened by the cast. Not just Angela Lansbury, terrific as always, and charming Alexia Robinson who provides the episode's most notable interest as Jessica's side-kick. But also the classy guest stars, one of the classiest guest supporting casts of Season 9 perhaps, particularly Miles O'Keeffe, Robert Knepper, Richard Beymer, Edd Byrnes, and Mary Beth Evans.
The episode does get more interesting once the mystery is introduced. It's not a unique or exceptional mystery, but the ending is pretty neat as far as Season 9 endings go (a season with too many disappointing ones, the motive was a guessable one but the killer's identity was not as obvious) and there are a few clever elements especially the murder not being what it seems and the musical clue that is essential to uncovering the murderer's identity. It is at least engaging and it makes sense.
Production values are slick and stylish. 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.
Writing is amiable and keeps one on their toes guessing, while taking itself seriously at other times without going overboard.
Overall, pretty good. 7/10 Bethany Cox