The police officer who gave Tess a crossword puzzle clue was played by Will Shortz, puzzle editor of the New York Times and National Public Radio's puzzle master.
Tess Harper (Lacey Chabert) says she knows how to milk a goat. Chabert and Brennan Elliott both co-star in the Hallmark Channel produced All of My Heart trilogy where they play a couple who own a goat.
Around the 36 minute mark, as Logan is on a call with the rookie detective, he drives past a Hallmark Gold Crown store. The logo is fairly visible. Crossword Mysteries airs on Hallmark's Movies & Mysteries channel.