“Magpie Murders” (2022 – Present)

Television

Six Episodes

Created by: Anthony Horowitz

Featuring: Conleth Hill, Lesley Manville, Tim McMullan and Ian Lloyd Anderson

Sue: “You must know that feeling when it’s raining outside and the heating’s on and you lose yourself, utterly, in a book. You read and you read and you feel the pages slipping through your fingers until suddenly there are fewer in your right hand than there are in your left and you want to slow down but you still hurtle on towards a conclusion you can hardly bear to discover.” 

“Magpie Murders” is a British television drama series based on the novel of the same name by Anthony Horowitz. The show follows editor Susan Ryeland (played by Lesley Manville) as she attempts to solve the mystery of the murder of a famous author, Alan Conway (also played by Manville), and the disappearance of his final manuscript.

The series is a clever and engaging whodunit that will keep viewers guessing until the very end. The show’s structure is unique, with each episode featuring a “story within a story” format that mirrors the structure of the novel. The series is divided into six episodes, each corresponding to a chapter in the book.

The show’s cast is impressive, with Manville delivering standout performances as both Susan Ryeland and Alan Conway. She brings depth and nuance to both characters, making them feel distinct and fully realized. The supporting cast is also strong, with notable performances from Peter Crouch as Detective Sergeant Davey, and Tim McInnerny as Alan Conway’s agent, Charles Clover.

One of the series’ strengths is its attention to detail. The show’s production design and costumes are meticulously crafted, transporting viewers to the small English village where the story takes place. The series also makes effective use of flashbacks and dream sequences, adding depth and complexity to the characters and their relationships.

The show’s pacing is deliberate, with each episode building on the previous one to create a sense of momentum and tension. The series does a good job of balancing the mystery with character development, giving viewers a reason to care about the outcome of the investigation.

The series’ central mystery is engaging and well-crafted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers guessing. The show’s use of the “story within a story” format is particularly effective, as it allows the series to explore the themes of the novel in a way that feels organic and engaging.

One of the series’ standout moments is the final episode, which features a satisfying and unexpected twist that will leave viewers reeling. The twist is well-executed and adds an extra layer of complexity to the already intricate plot.

Despite its strengths, “Magpie Murders” is not without its flaws. The series can be slow-paced at times, with some episodes feeling like they are treading water. Additionally, some of the characters feel underdeveloped, particularly the suspects in the murder investigation.

Overall, “Magpie Murders” is an engaging and well-crafted whodunit that will keep viewers guessing until the very end. The series’ unique structure and attention to detail make it stand out from other mystery shows, and the strong performances from the cast make it a pleasure to watch. While it may not be perfect, “Magpie Murders” is a must-watch for fans of the mystery genre and anyone looking for a well-crafted and engaging TV series.

Episodes

Episode One: The search for a missing chapter in a new book leads to murder.

Episode Two: Two murders. One in a book, one in real life. How are they linked?

Episode Three: Susan’s private life is in turmoil as she tries to close in on the killer.

Episode Four: As Alan Conway is buried, Susan Ryeland receives help from an unexpected source.

Episode Five: A tragedy at the lake at Pye Hall reveals some dark secrets from the past.

Episode Six: The discovery of the missing chapter leads to a great many revelations.