Best of British Mystery Series
In no particular order after 25...
Heartily recommend subscribing to both AcornTV and BritBox if you're a BritMyst fan...!
The following comments were responses to Facebook comments [when they were part of IMDB]:
PKiM, this started out as a British list, but has evolved into an international list... [list may include series considered in the "British Mystery" genre, but not actually a "British" mystery production]
Thank you kindly for the comments/suggestions Edward, Irene, Louise, Sandra, Chardon, Carina, Susan, Dz, Helen, spcelaai13, & narwagner...
Edward, thanks for sharing the many wonderful Acorn offerings!
Louise, I do as well; JT/IM hooked me on mysteries.
Sandra, looks like there is a Series 3 in the making for 2016; can't wait! [UPDATE: Series 3 has started Jan 2016!]
Susan, I LOVE every Marple, going back to MR [my second fave]! Though GM is my fave, I only listed the GM Marple because it's the only one listed on IMDB as a 'TV Series' [with series/season and episode format]. The others are listed in my 'Great Mystery Films...' list. Also, with two more endorsements for 'Scott & Bailey', I will be looking it up very soon! Thanks again, Susan, and Carina.
Chardon, I've added those titles to the 'British Mystery Series' list; thanks.
Dz, I was unaware of "Scott & Bailey" and have added it to my other, longer "British Mystery Series" list. Looking forward to checking it out soon; thanks.
Spq, I'm going to have to assume you mean "Case Histories", not "Case History"? I've never seen 'CH', so it's not on this list; however, it is on a more comprehensive 'Mystery' list. The ratings look good and the reviews somewhat ok...
[NF=NtFlx]; Thanks, narwagner.
[sarcasm] WARNING: Please be advised, if you are easily disappointed by IMDB lists, and you continue reading below, you do so at your own risk (unofficially dubbed, "The 'Anna A./P.P.' Warning"). [/sarcasm]
Heartily recommend subscribing to both AcornTV and BritBox if you're a BritMyst fan...!
The following comments were responses to Facebook comments [when they were part of IMDB]:
PKiM, this started out as a British list, but has evolved into an international list... [list may include series considered in the "British Mystery" genre, but not actually a "British" mystery production]
Thank you kindly for the comments/suggestions Edward, Irene, Louise, Sandra, Chardon, Carina, Susan, Dz, Helen, spcelaai13, & narwagner...
Edward, thanks for sharing the many wonderful Acorn offerings!
Louise, I do as well; JT/IM hooked me on mysteries.
Sandra, looks like there is a Series 3 in the making for 2016; can't wait! [UPDATE: Series 3 has started Jan 2016!]
Susan, I LOVE every Marple, going back to MR [my second fave]! Though GM is my fave, I only listed the GM Marple because it's the only one listed on IMDB as a 'TV Series' [with series/season and episode format]. The others are listed in my 'Great Mystery Films...' list. Also, with two more endorsements for 'Scott & Bailey', I will be looking it up very soon! Thanks again, Susan, and Carina.
Chardon, I've added those titles to the 'British Mystery Series' list; thanks.
Dz, I was unaware of "Scott & Bailey" and have added it to my other, longer "British Mystery Series" list. Looking forward to checking it out soon; thanks.
Spq, I'm going to have to assume you mean "Case Histories", not "Case History"? I've never seen 'CH', so it's not on this list; however, it is on a more comprehensive 'Mystery' list. The ratings look good and the reviews somewhat ok...
[NF=NtFlx]; Thanks, narwagner.
[sarcasm] WARNING: Please be advised, if you are easily disappointed by IMDB lists, and you continue reading below, you do so at your own risk (unofficially dubbed, "The 'Anna A./P.P.' Warning"). [/sarcasm]
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- StarsEssie DavisNathan PageHugo Johnstone-BurtA female sleuth sashays through the back lanes and jazz clubs of Melbourne in the late 1920s, fighting injustice with her pearl-handled pistol and her dagger-sharp wit.As the TV mystery genre goes, 'Miss Fisher' is rather saucy. There's much written about how this series doesn't completely live up to the novels (not a problem for us); that being said, it is a brilliant and thoroughly enjoyable series. Production values are first rate (particularly wardrobe, set, location, etc.) and casting is spot on. While some might argue that the mystery narratives may be somewhat derivative of the genre (as many mysteries as we watch, none of it ever gets old), the lead provides for refreshingly strong character reversal (also see 'Annika Bengtzon' (TV, 2001-12), 'New Tricks' (TV, 2003-13), & 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' (2009/11), among others). This series deserves further development with additional seasons (wonderful that a third was confirmed, but don't stop there!).
UPDATES for 'MF' fans: 'MF' film, Miss Fisher & the Crypt of Tears (2020) and 'MF' TV series spin-off, Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries (2019)...
If you've enjoyed 'Miss Fisher', consider: 'Marple' (TV, 2004-14), 'Mr & Mrs Murder' (TV, 2013), 'Harry Wild' (TV, 2022-), 'Queens of Mystery' (TV, 2019-), 'Agatha Raisin' (TV, 2016), 'Murder in Suburbia' (TV, 2004-05), 'No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency ' (TV, 2008), 'Rosemary & Thyme' (TV, 2003-06), 'Signora Volpe' (TV, 2022-), 'Hetty Wainthropp Investigates' (TV, 1996-98), 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman' (TV, 1997), 'Sister Boniface' (TV, 2022-), 'Vera' (TV, 2011-13), 'Bletchley Circle' (TV, 2012-14), 'Prime Suspect' (TV, 1991-2006), & 'My Life is Murder' (TV, 2019-).
Also consider: 'Madame Blanc Mysteries' (TV, 2021-), 'Death in Paradise' (TV, 2011-), 'Darby and Joan' (TV, 2022-), 'Houdini & Doyle' (TV, 2016), 'Dorothy L. Sayers Mystery' (TV, 1987), 'Helen West' (TV, 2002), 'Vexed' (TV, 2010-12), 'The Mrs. Bradley Mysteries' (TV, 1998-2000), 'Silent Witness' (TV, 1996-2013), 'Sanctuary' (TV, 2007-11), 'Blue Murder' (TV, 2003-09), 'Vincent' (TV, 2005-06), 'Mallorca Files' (TV, 2019-), 'Agatha Christie's Partners in Crime' (AKA 'Tommy & Tuppence'; TV, 1983-4), 'Page Eight' (TV, 2011), 'Partners in Crime' (TV, 2015), 'Haven' (TV, 2010-15), & 'Mapleworth Murders' (TV, 2022-).
'Miss Fisher' is certainly saucy; highly recommended!!!
Three seasons, 34 episodes, one feature film, Miss Fisher & the Crypt of Tears (2020), & one spin-off, Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries (2019) that holds its own...
Available on Acrn/Amzn [as of 01/20]; available on NF [as of 04/13; through Season 3, as of 11/15]... - StarsGeraldine McEwanJulia McKenzieStephen ChurchettAn elderly spinster living in the village of St. Mary Mead helps her friends and relatives solve mysterious murders.I love each Marple for different reasons, but for me, McEwan as Marple is best!
Six series and 23 episodes...
Available on Acrn/Amzn [as of 01/20]; available on NF [as of 02/13]... - DirectorPeter FlinthStarsMalin CrépinBjörn KjellmanLeif AndréeReporter Annika is at the Nobel prize awards, when shooting kills a woman and wounds an Israeli stem cell scientist. Annika is silenced as witness, so she investigates the killed woman while the press writes about the Israeli.Gritty and tenacious reporter breaking news and solving murders; MC as AB, the lead, is at her best here! [can't help but be a huge fan of this character!]
Excellent mysteries that are well cast and of first rate production values with dynamic, dramatic narratives; highly recommended!!!
While reviews and ratings don't help this series stand out, if a decent ad wizard were to have marketed this for what it is, a mystery series, they'd have had something here... don't let that deter you and give this a try if you like gritty, serious mystery like the "Wallander" or "Bron/Broen" serials...
One series ['Ein Fall für Annika Bengtzon'] and six episodes... [technically, not listed as a series, nor episodes, but likely could/should be]
The other five in this series:
Prime Time (2012)
Annika Bengtzon: Crime Reporter - Studio Sex (2012)
The Red Wolf (2012)
Lifetime (2012)
A Place in the Sun (2012)
Series available on NF under character's name, "Annika Bengtzon" [as of 05/15]... - StarsDavid SuchetHugh FraserPhilip JacksonHercule Poirot, a famous Belgian detective, who has an impeccable knack for getting embroiled in a mystery, solves crimes along with Captain Hastings and Scotland Yard Chief Inspector James Japp.This production and DS will be sorely missed...
13 series and 70 glorious episodes...
Available on Acrn/Amzn [as of 01/20]; available on NF [as of 02/13]... - CreatorMark GatissSteven MoffatStarsBenedict CumberbatchMartin FreemanUna StubbsThe quirky spin on Conan Doyle's iconic sleuth pitches him as a "high-functioning sociopath" in modern-day London. Assisting him in his investigations: Afghanistan War vet John Watson, who's introduced to Holmes by a mutual acquaintance.First rate and a whole lotta fun, but I've noticed enough SH purists aren't fans; still highly recommended! Though, series four was a bit of a letdown...
Four series with 15 episodes, and no longer counting...
Available on Amzn [as of 01/20]; Available on NF [as of 02/13]... - StarsJill ScottAnika Noni RoseLucian MsamatiPrecious Ramotswe launches the first-ever female detective agency in Botswana. She embarks on various adventures while investigating cases and must also overcome several challenges in her quest.The incomparable Jill Scott solving crimes in Botswanna with first rate production and cast! Like 'Death in Paradise', the cinematography can at times be breathtaking...
Among the other brilliant mysteries on this list, this one is truly unique...highly, highly recommended!!! Give it a go...
One series and seven glorious episodes...
Available on HBO/Amzn [as of 01/20]; available on NF [as of 02/13]... - CreatorRobert ThorogoodStarsElizabeth BourgineDon WarringtonDanny John-JulesCultures collide when British Detective Inspector is transferred from England to the Caribbean island of Saint Marie to head the island's police department.Fun, Caribbean island mystery with excellent production values and casting, particularly recommended for BM, KM and/or AO fans...
The recent first holiday episode was near perfection; heartily recommended! Series 11 is on its way...
Any chance of a "Mallorca Files" crossover here...?
Twelve series, 102 episodes, & one spin-off [Beyond Paradise (2023)]...
Currently broadcast on some PBS [as of 02/13], available on BrtBx/Amzn [as of 01/20] & partially available on NF [as of 08/15]... - CreatorRachel FlowerdayTahsin GunerStarsMark WilliamsJohn BurtonSorcha CusackIn the early 1950s, Father Brown, a Roman Catholic priest based in the fictional Cotswold village of Kembleford, uses his distinctive skills to solve various crimes.Charming, if not quaint, mysteries... [definitely one of my favorites!!!]
Eleven series with 120 episodes, and [hopefully] still counting...
One spin-off with a minor crossover: Sister Boniface Mysteries (2022) [waiting for a major crossover here!]
Available on PBS [as of 09/15] and BrtBx/Amzn [as of 01/20]... - CreatorJulian UnthankStarsMartin TrenamanJulie GrahamSarah WoodwardThree crime-writing sisters and their 28-year old niece use their extensive knowledge of crime to solve whodunit style murders in the picturesque English village of Wildemarsh.Beautiful and a lot of fun; first rate in every respect!
That said, the old Mattie would seem a better fit for the whimsical narration woven throughout the quirky narrative [thank you, JS!]; just an observation, not an issue as I'm slowly warming up to the new Mattie.
Currently, very much enjoying the second season after re-watching the first...
Big fan of Juliet Stevenson's narration and I've become a big fan of all of Julie Graham's mystery work [notably, Bletchley Circle, among so many others going back to a three-episode arc on 1986's Taggart!].
Several reviews have made reasonable comparisons to "Pushing Daisies" [TV 2007-09] and "Agatha Raisin [TV 2014-Current], but it also compares favorably in many respects to "Father Brown" [TV 2013-Current] and "Miss Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries" [TV 2019-].
Highly recommended for JG fans, and/or if you like your murders solved by committee and your mystery narratives quirky!
Two series and 12 episodes... [very much hope there'll be many more, please!]
Available on Acrn/Amzn [as of 08/19]... - StarsFelicity KendalPam FerrisRyan PhilpottSet amongst the stunning gardens of Europe, Rosemary Boxer and Laura Thyme, two professional gardeners, find themselves drawn into solving mysterious crimes.Excellent mysteries and the gardens can at times be scene stealers...
Three series and 22 episodes...
Available on BrtBx/Amzn [as of 01/20]; available on NF [as of 02/13]... - CreatorShaun MicallefTim PyeJason StephensStarsShaun MicallefKat StewartJonny PasvolskyThe series follows the adventures of married couple Nicola and Charlie Buchanan, who run an industrial cleaning business while solving the most baffling murder mysteries.So very glad I recently stumbled upon 'Mr & Mrs Murder'; excellent, lighthearted mysteries that are highly recommended!
Love the cast/characters with impeccable chemistry, writing, and first rate production!!!
Starts out great, then each episode just gets better; how is there not more than one series/season of this fine Aussie mystery...?! This needs a reunion/holiday special episode/series now!!!
One season and 13 amazing episodes...! [there are many lesser series on this list with more episodes]
Available on Acrn/Amzn [as of 01/20]; available on NF [as of 03/15]... - CreatorCaroline GrahamStarsJohn NettlesJane WymarkBarry JacksonA veteran Detective Chief Inspector and his young Sergeant investigate murders around the regional community of Midsomer County.Thought I would miss the old characters in the newer series, but I find it hasn't lost a step!
The longest running mystery TV series[?]...
24 series and 140 episodes, and counting, hopefully?]...
Available on IMDb TV [as of 01/20]; available on Acrn/Amzn [as of 01/20]; available on NF [as of 02/13, 12/15]... - CreatorAnthony HorowitzStarsMichael KitchenHoneysuckle WeeksAnthony HowellAs WWII rages, DCS Foyle fights his own war on the home-front; investigating crime on the south coast of England. Later series, see the retired detective working as an MI5 agent in the aftermath of the war.This, more than any other mystery series, informed my interest in TV mysteries. Prefer the earlier series to the Cold War episodes, but definintely deserved more series to wrap it up properly. I deeply miss this series...
Eight Series and 28 episodes...
Available on Acrn/Amzn [as of 01/20]; available on NF [as of 02/13]... - CreatorPaul Matthew ThompsonJude TindallStarsMark BentonJo JoynerPatrick Walshe McBrideAn oddball couple of private detectives named Luella Shakespeare and Frank Hathaway investigate crime in Stratford-upon-Avon.Fun, light, and family friendly series!
Four series and 40 episodes... [where's series five?!]
This is begging [ok I'm begging!] for a "Agatha Raisin" or "Murder They Hope" crossover...! Please!!! [if someone were to make this happen, they could both shoot straight to the top of this list!]
Available on BrtBx/Amzn [as of 01/20]... - CreatorSteve FranksStarsJames Roday RodriguezDulé HillTimothy OmundsonWhen a novice sleuth convinces the police he has psychic powers, he and his reluctant best friend are hired on as consultants to help solve complicated cases.Not British [excluding the running Cary Elwes and Tears for Fears narratives], but highly recommended! Although great fun and irreverent, it starts off a little slow before hitting its stride by season three and hits full stride by season six; although, all eight seasons are wonderful...
Personal favorite is the "Clue" tribute of episode 100, but there are so many eighties references woven throughout the entirety of this series you could spontaneously combust!
Only regret here is that someone should've figured out a way to make a 'Monk' crossover happen...(C'mon man, Santa Barbara & San Francisco are just down the road!)!!! [It's still not too late...?]
Eight seasons, 121 episodes and one feature film, Psych: The Movie (2017)...
Available on IMDb TV [as of 01/20]; Available on NF [as of 02/13]... - CreatorAndy BreckmanStarsTony ShalhoubJason Gray-StanfordTed LevineThe series follows Adrian Monk, a brilliant former San Francisco detective, who now consults the police as a private consultant whilst battling with an obsessive-compulsive disorder.Eight seasons and 125 episodes...
Film forthcoming? Stay tuned...
Wish someone would've made a "Psych" crossover happen...!!! [It's not too late...?]
Available on Amzn [as of 01/20]; Available on NF [as of 02/13]... - StarsSian GibsonJohnny VegasSarah HadlandJohnny Vegas and Sian Gibson return to Gold's whodunit comedy caper for a new three-part original series from the minds behind Murder on the Blackpool Express, Death on the Tyne and Dial M for Middlesbrough.The made-for-TV films [Murder on the Blackpool Express (2017), Death on the Tyne (2018), & Dial M for Middlesbrough (2019)] have finally given way to a TV Series...!
I'm a big ,big fan of these... I enjoyed the made-for-TV films, but the first episode is better than those, thanks to a tighter narrative and better-timed script.
Production values are excellent and while the dialog is seemingly silly, it's brilliantly funny [to me!] and delivered to perfection by a First Rate Cast!
Borders on farce and based on other reviews this isn't for everybody, but those that appreciate silly, but brilliantly delivered humor under the guise of a murder mystery, aren't likely to be disappointed here...
Though I realize that the list is rather short, this could very well be the best of the sit-com/mystery genre!? These are a guilty pleasure that are great fun to watch!
And, if there's a production genius out there that can figure out how to crossover 'Murder, They Hope' & 'Mapleworth Mysteries' [actually, I'll take a crossover with any other comedy mystery!] they deserve to be enshrined in the Comedy-Mystery Hall of Fame!!! You know, maybe the Mapleworth gang goes on holiday to the England, or vice-versa...?!!!
If you've enjoyed 'M,TH', consider: 'Mapleworth Mysteries' (TV, 2022-), 'Shakespeare & Hathaway' (TV, 2018-), 'Psych' (TV, 2006-14), 'Agatha Raisin' (TV, 2014-22), 'Vexed' (TV, 2010-12), 'Only Murders in the Building' (TV 2019-), 'Andy Barker, PI' (TV, 2007), 'Keen Eddie' (TV, 2003-04), 'Murder in Successville' (TV, 2015-17), 'Dirk Gently' (TV, 2010-12), 'Murderville' (TV, 2022-), & 'Murder Most Horrid' (TV, 1991-1999).
Two series and seven episodes thus far [though there are also three, full-length TV films as well]... - StarsJessica RaineDavid WalliamsJames FleetAgatha Christie's crime-fighting duo, Tommy and Tuppence Beresford, solve mysteries and search for enemy spies in 1950s Britain.Latest Tommy & Tuppence; I'm a fan and can't get enough...excellent production!
Jessica Raine really shines here, but its the quirky Walliams-Raine chemistry [especially if I watch them as a brother-sister mystery solving team!] that really draws me in. I really should rank this higher on the list because it's a series I can easily re-watch and re-enjoy after a while.
Recommended for Christie complete-ists, enthusiasts of team mystery solving, and JR fans.
Only one series [and six episodes] though...
Available on Amzn, via Acorn [as of 01/16]... - CreatorDeb CoxFiona EaggerStarsGeraldine HakewillJoel JacksonCatherine McClementsIn swinging 60's Melbourne, gorgeously reckless Peregrine Fisher inherits a windfall when the famous aunt she never knew goes missing over the highlands of New Guinea.Beautiful and fun to watch 60s Aussie mystery spin-off loosely based on original "Miss Fisher"...
Two series and 12 episodes thus far...
Available on Acrn/Amzn [as of 08/19]... - CreatorDan SeftonStarsElen RhysJulian LoomanMaría Fernández AcheA British and German detective clashing over how to police the Spanish island of Mallorca.“Mallorca Files’” [“MF”] is growing on me after each episode [I liked it to start with!]...
It’s beautifully captured and the settings picture perfect, while the well chosen supporting cast adds a wonderful dynamic in their often too limited roles.
It’s been critically reviewed as a cross between “Makepeace and Dempsey” [“M&D”] and some of “the very lightest of Bond” films. That’s a fair enough comparison; unfortunately, it doesn’t do this first-rate production complete justice…
For starters, unlike the police/crime focused “M&D” and light Bond fare, "MF" is very clearly in the “Mystery” genre! “M&D” had its 80’s charm, but its “MF’s” production values and principle cast that are simply on another [higher] level here. The chemistry between our two protagonists is exceptional [which is saying something, considering the other two from “M&D” got hitched IRL!]; however, the chemistry referred to here in “MF” isn’t especially of the romantic flavor, but of partnership; though, the chemistry is slightly off [I have my thoughts on this, but I’m not going there] and that may be by design, but it’s also what makes it intriguing and captivating!
If I had to make associations with other series, I would mention, “Vexed”, “Death in Paradise”, “Keen Eddie”, and to a lesser extent, “Annika Bengtzon”, “Mr. & Mrs. Murder”, "Mayo", and perhaps “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries”…
Highly recommended for fans of the previously mentioned series…
Second series doesn't disappoint but feels a little more serious...
Any chance of a "Death in Paradise" crossover here...? [this is my last crossover comment, honest...]
Two Series & 20 episodes [3rd series production???]...
Available on BrtBx/Amzn [as of 05/20]... - CreatorM.C. BeatonStarsAshley JensenMatt McCooeyLucy LiemannThe Cotswolds-based PR guru turned amateur sleuth returns for a series of comedic murder-mysteries based on the books by M.C. Beaton.Just too much fun; first-rate, and highly recommended!
The recent "Love, Lies and Liquor" episode was near perfection and perhaps the best mystery solved by committee ever...!
This is begging for a "Shakespeare & Hathaway" crossover...! Please!!! [at this point I'll settle for a crossover with any other series!!!???]
Currently four series and 20 episodes, and [hopefully] counting...look forward to more!
Available on Acrn/Amzn [as of 08/16]... - CreatorRichard HarrisStarsPeter DavisonSean HughesRob Spendlove"Dangerous" Davies always gets the cases no one else wants, and no one notices when he eventually succeeds. But his old-fashioned decency and dogged determination have won him legions of loyal fans.Four series and 17 episodes...
Available on BrtBx/Amzn [as of 01/20]; available on NF [as of 02/13]... - StarsRachael StirlingJulie GrahamSophie RundleIn 1952, four women who worked at the wartime code-breaking centre, Bletchley Park, reunite to track down a serial killer.Only two, short series [seven episodes], but first rate production and cast; highly recommended!
Inspired a TV series spin-off, The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco (2018)
Available on PBS/Amzn [as of 01/20]; once aired on PBS [04/13]; no longer available on PBS [as of 05/13]... - CreatorClaire TonkinRick MaierStarsLucy LawlessEbony VagulansRawiri JobeMy Life is Murder follows the adventures of fearless private investigator Alexa Crowe, who solves the most baffling crimes as well as coping with the frustrations of everyday life.This is for LL, Aussie, and modern mystery fans! It's got a lot of great potential; look forward to seeing many more series of LL [and the superb supporting cast!] in MLiM!
Second series does not disappoint!
Three series and 30 episodes...
Currently available on Acrn/Amzn [as of 09/19]... - CreatorHoward OvermanStarsToby StephensRonny JhuttiRoger GriffithsTwo Detectives Jack and Georgina who share chemistry but have complicated personal lives.A light and humorous two-season series that is great fun to watch! Biggest complaints seem to be that there was a lead change in between seasons, but both female leads are great [for different reasons], I would even go so far as to say that the chemistry may have improved somewhat [huge LP fan here!]; although, if I had my way, they would make a great threesome! Give this a view if you like 'Keen Eddie', 'Jonathan Creek', 'Gil Mayo', 'Mr and Mrs Murder', 'New Tricks', and/or 'Death in Paradise'...
Sadly, only two series and nine episodes...[please, please, pleeease bring this back as a threesome!!!]
Available on Amzn [as of 01/20]; available on NF [as of 05/15]...