Category Archives: British Mystery Series

2014, Acorn TV, Assisted Suicide, Australian, British Mystery Series, Career Competition, Conspiracy, Detective, Drug Dealers, Gangs, Lawyers, Lesbian Theme, Motorcycles, Murder, Murder Investigation, Murder Trial, Private Versus Professional Life

Janet King (2014)

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From IMDB:

Senior Prosecutor Janet King returns from maternity leave to confront a high-profile murder, and a conspiracy which will have shocking ramifications throughout the judicial system.

In an earlier review I raved about “A Place To Call Home” which can be streamed from Acorn TV ($5.00 per month). In that Australian TV series the star Marta Dusseldorp was the enchanting Sarah Adams. In addition Deborah Kennedy presented a perfect town gossip.

And now I rave about another Australian TV series streamed from Acorn TV. Here Marta Dusseldorp plays the protagonist Janet King who is a very busy lawyer and mother. Her character is a lesbian with a partner who stays home with their children. Homophobia plays only a small part in the plot. Once again we meet Deborah Kennedy, this time in a slightly more sinister role as murder suspect Dianne Vaslich.

As far as I can tell so far Acorn offers only Series 1.  Beginning late March 2016, a second series of 8 episodes will be shown for the first time on (British ?) TV.

Various themes run through the episodes: slight homophobia, police versus prosecutors, threatening motorcycle gangs, assisted suicide, witness intimidation,  home life versus professional life, and ambitious competition to name a few.

Think of this type of series as the British version of “Law [versus] and Order”. Excellent!

2003, Acorn TV, Adultery, Amusing banter, Arson, British Mystery Series, Child abuse, Detective, Made For TV, Marital Infidelity, Mother-daughter relations, Mother-son relations, Murder Investigation, Spousal Abuse, Torture, Violent

Blue Murder (2003)

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From Acorn TV :

Janine Lewis (Caroline Quentin) is a single mother of four who also heads up a police team that probes Manchester’s most gruesome murders.

Yet another police procedural. This time the message is: “Never be a police detective if you have children.” After watching Janine Lewis juggle 24 hour on-call status and raising four children without a husband, you might just feel a bit weary. In the first episode while she is pregnant and has just been promoted to detective, she catches her husband in their bed with another woman: end of marriage.

Four seasons are streamable from Acorn TV. Season 1 has 6 episodes, season 2 has 4 episodes, season 3 has 3 episodes, and season 4 has 6 episodes. There was also an unavailable season 5.

Be aware that some of the crimes can be harrowing. Plots are well written and often involve an unforeseen twist. Some parts of the dialog offer a good laugh.

Will this poor woman detective ever get some time to herself?

2011, Acorn TV, Adultery, Ambiguous Conclusion, British Mystery Series, Clever Plot, Detective, Forensics, Lawyers, Made For TV, Mildly Violent, Murder Investigation, Murder Trial, Police Corruption, Prison, Spousal Abuse, Suicide, Wonderful acting

Injustice (2011)

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From Acorn TV:

James Purefoy (Rome) leads a distinguished cast featuring Dervla Kirwan (Ballykissangel), Charlie Creed-Miles (The Fifth Element), and Nathaniel Parker (The Inspector Lynley Mysteries) in a taut five-part thriller of murder, conspiracy, secrets, and guilt created and written by Anthony Horowitz (Foyle’s War). CC Available.

From IMDB:

A defense barrister is faced with the proposition: what can you do when you have defended the indefensible?

When you have the combination of James Purefoy and Nathaniel Parker, then you know you have a winner.

In this 5-episode mini-series that I streamed from Acorn TV, almost from the very beginning you know at least one of the killers. Probably the underlying question is: Will that killer get away with the crime?

Plot, writing, and acting are all wonderful. Expect some small amount of violence. Expect a clever surprise ending.

If you like British murder-trial entertainment, DO NOT MISS!

2015, Acorn TV, Adultery, British Mystery Series, Conspiracy, Corruption, Detective, Gangs, Mother-daughter relations, Mother-son relations, Murder Investigation, Police Corruption, Suspense

Black Work (2015)

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From Acorn:

Hailed as tight and intriguing (Guardian, UK) this powerful crime thriller created and written by Matt Charman (Bridge of Spies) dives into the murky depths of undercover police work and tells the story of a woman willing to risk everything to protect her family. Sheridan Smith (Jonathan Creek, Accused) delivers a powerhouse performance as Jo Gillespie, a police constable who embarks on a dangerous investigation of her husband’s death.

Recently my audiologist introduced me to Acorn TV. At the present time Acorn TV costs a mere $5.00 per month while offering a large selection of attractive programs. Most of the shows come from Britain, Australia, or New Zealand.

From Acorn I streamed the three episodes of “Black Work”. Every detective procedural involves the usual routine investigations, personal problems of detectives, possible corrupt policemen, plot twists, and occasional violence.

Some of these detective shows are worth watching, but sometimes explaining what is special about a particular show can amount to a “spoiler” in the review. In this case let us just say that in investigating her husband’s death, Joe Gillespie runs up against some very surprising twists and turns.

Because we watch so much British TV we were pleased to recognize old faces such as Geraldine James as CC Carolyn Jarecki, the Scotsman Douglas Henshall as DCS Hepburn (don’t miss him in the wonderful series “Shetland”), and the ever-present Philip Davis as Tom Piper (don’t miss him in “Poldark” and “Silk”).

Enjoy “Black Work” and stay tuned for more reviews for Acorn TV offerings.

2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, Adultery, Amusing banter, Art History, Bicycles, British Mystery Series, Clever Plot, Complicated, Crime, Detective, Dysfunctional Lives, Ethical struggles, Family Conflict, Forensics, Love Story, Marital Infidelity, Murder Investigation, Oxford University, Religious Theme, Revenge, Suspense

Inspector Lewis (2008)

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As a follow-up to the many seasons of “Inspector Morse” (the Morse actor died), you can stream 7 seasons of “Inspector Lewis” from Amazon Prime. All the episodes are worthwhile, and usually complicated. Each episode lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Although the Robert Lewis actor (Kevin Whately) is adequate, the real joy is the James Hathaway character (Laurence Fox). James Hathaway is a former Anglican seminarian, Oxford graduate, literary savant, moody and conflicted character, and somewhat of a delightful know-it-all. As an essential third actor we have the charming Dr. Laura Hobson (played by Clare Holman), the forensic pathologist who eventually is a love interest for Inspector Lewis.

All episodes take place in Oxford whose academic and idiosyncratic atmosphere permeates the entire series.

Indeed the plots can be intricate, but sometimes by searching the Internet you can find plot explanations.

Not a miss in the bunch!

2010, Bloody scenes, British Mystery Series, Child abuse, Complicated, Dark, Detective, Drugs, Dysfunctional Lives, FilmReview, Forensics, Grim, Gritty, Mental Illness, Murder Investigation, Netflix Streaming, Physical child abuse, Psychological Thriller, Revenge, Serial Killer, Sex Scenes, Suicide, Suspense, TV Series, Violent

Thorne: Sleepyhead (2010)

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From Netflix:

Investigating a series of attacks on young women, detective Tom Thorne is dragged back into the nightmares of his past as he races to find a killer.

SLEEPYHEAD

Lasting more than two hours, this British TV one-episode detective story is as good and as harsh as any of the many other British detective shows. This and the next self-contained Thorne episode “Scaredy Cat” may both be streamed from Netflix or be viewed on DVD. Both stories involve serial killers. You should see them in order because the second story refers back to the first story.

In story one “Sleepyhead” the serial perp does not want to kill the girls. Rather he wants to put them into that conscious but immovable state known as “locked in”. Yes, I did mention that the story is harsh. For most of the story I was sure I knew who the serial perp was but I was completely wrong.

SCAREDY CAT

Because of events in “Sleepy Head” we see Thorne come on scene a bit at odds with the rest of his department. In this serial killer episode there are two killers working together. Episode two is just as rough as episode one.

For those strong stomachs out there this is an acceptable pair of serial killer stories.

Abduction, Based on true facts, British Mystery Series, Child abduction and murder, Child Molestation, Grim, Manic depression, Mental Illness, Murder Investigation, Netflix Streaming, Psychological Drama, Quiet, Serial Killer, Suicide, True Story

Appropriate Adult (2011)

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From Netflix:

This dark crime series focuses on the tension between an accused killer and the woman appointed to protect his interests during police questioning. The social worker assigned the job soon learns more than the police do about her ward’s violent past.

You can stream or get the single DVD for this 2-episode British TV series from Netflix.

Emily Watson (as Janet Leach) and Dominic West (as Fred West) team up to give an intimate portrayal of the psychological difficulties involved in being an “appropriate adult” for an accused serial killer. Based on a true story, the plot follows Janet’s involvement in the case and even after she is dropped from the investigation. An important part of the story is Janet’s happy family life with her children and her husband who suffers from serious manic depression. At one point her husband stops taking his lithium and goes on a wild shopping spree. But you come to see him as a loving and caring husband who supports Janet. Janet herself suffers a great deal from the experience.

You never see anything ugly, but the conversations are enough to suggest the horrible treatment of the many, many victims. During the final credits you see photographs of the actual persons associated with the events.

Not cringe-worthy, rather a chance to see some fine acting. And NOT FOR CHILDREN!

2009, 2010, 2011, Amazon Prime, Bloody scenes, British Mystery Series, Computer geeks, Conspiracy, Corruption, Could Be Hard To Watch, Creepy, Crime, Detective, Disturbing Image, Forensics, Grim, Made For TV, Mental Illness, Murder Investigation, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Police Corruption, Psychological Thriller, Serial Killer, Suicide, Suspense, Violent

Whitechapel (2009)

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From Netflix:

Historic horror meets modern investigative methods in this atmospheric crime series set in 2008. When a killer mimics the murders of Jack the Ripper, a team of detectives and a tour guide join forces to bring the copycat to justice.

Amazon Prime offers all three seasons via streaming.

Yet another superb British detective TV series, and also as gory as are many other British shows.

Rupert Penry-Jones plays DI Joseph Chandler who suffers from OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), especially when he is under stress, which is most of the time in this riveting series. Chandler is from the upper classes and is supposedly being groomed for upper management in the police force.

Philip Davis plays DS Ray Miles, who comes from the working class and acts as a perfect foil to Chandler’s obsessiveness. Initially Miles opposes Chandler. However, as Chandler gains the admiration of the force, both men become friends. In fact, Miles becomes somewhat of an emotional mentor for Chandler.

Steve Pemberton plays Edward Buchan who is fanatically fascinated with the history of crime, especially the history of such serial killers as Jack the Ripper. Many of the multiple episode stories involved copy-cat killers in which case Buchan’s dedication is essential in solving the cases.

There are three seasons: Season one and season two have each 4 episodes. Season three has 6 episodes. Every story is at least two episodes. Season one is devoted entirely to a Jack the Ripper copy-cat.

Kathy and I restricted ourselves to watching only one episode per night. However the stories are so engaging that it is very tempting to become a serial binger (i.e. one who binges on one episode after another non-stop).

As I have said, REALLY GORY!, but if that’s your cup of British tea, you will not regret watching.

2007, Abduction, British Mystery Series, Detective, Divorce, Drama, Father-daughter relations, HBO Streaming, Made For TV, Marital Infidelity, Melodrama, Murder Investigation, Race Relations, Sensitive treatement of emotions, Sex Scenes, Violent

Five Days (2007)

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From IMDB:

A five-part miniseries that revolves around the disappearance of a young mother in a quiet British suburb and the circumstances that leave her children abandoned far from home.

From Netflix:

Each season of this innovative crime thriller focuses on the most significant five days in a particular police investigation. The series delves into variety of cases, including missing persons, infant abandonment and suicide.

If your are looking for a British detective mystery TV series that is well-written, well-acted, and has a good beginning, middle, and ending, then “Five Days” is for you. HBO streams the series.

By now, if you have watched enough British TV series, you will recognize many of the British actors:

Matt Wellings (played by David Oyelowo [Louis Gaines in “The Butler”]) has a wife Leanne and three children, the youngest of which is Rosie. One day Leanne and Rosie go missing. Among the police we find DS Amy Foster (played by Janet McTeer [Mrs. Dashwood in Masterpiece Classic “Sense and Sensibility”]) and DSI Iain Barclay (played by Hugh Bonneville [Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham in “Downton Abbey”]). Rosie is soon found. But Leanne’s disappearance is a torture for her parents Barbara Poole (played by Penelope Wilton [Isobel Crawley of “Downton Abbey”]) and John Poole (played by Patrick Malahide [Balon Greyjoy of “Game of Thrones”]).

Within the plot are subplots: Barbara and John Poole are whites who disapprove of Matt who is black; Leanne is divorced from a cad but Leanne’s child by him is white and dislikes her stepfather Matt; Leanne was close to her grandfather Victor who is cold to his daughter Barbara Poole; Victor favors his nurse Hazel Betts over his own daughter and that nurse is the mother of another important character Kyle Betts.

Despite the large number of characters, the plot is well-constructed and not really confusing. More than anything the emotional content is what is important.

Well worth your time, in fact DO NOT MISS!

2011, British Mystery Series, Clever Plot, Computer geeks, Conspiracy, Detective, DO NOT MISS, Father-son relations, Journalist, Lawyers, Murder Investigation, Mystery Film, Netflix Streaming, Plot Twist, Prison, Suspense, Violent, Well developed plot

Hidden (2011)

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From Netflix:

When a mysterious lawyer asks small-time solicitor Harry to find a missing alibi witness for a client, he’s forced to delve back into his murky past.

Superb is the word that first comes to mind. After finishing the wonderful TV series “Hinterland” from Netflix, suggestions appeared on our TV screen among which was “Hidden”. As far as I can tell, you can get “Hidden” from Netflix only by streaming. Netflix’s suggestion was appropriate because here is another suspenseful, well-written, well-acted British mystery thriller. Oddly enough IMDB has no entry for this TV series.

What seems to begin with Harry trying to find out who killed his brother Mark eventually turns into a governmental conspiracy story with many well-done characters. Things are not as they seem and there are unexpected plot twists. Once I began the 4 episodes, it was very difficult to stop watching.

British TV you have done it again! DO NOT MISS!