Death in Paradise fans face a wait until the next series from Saint Marie, but there are several cosy crime programmes to fill the void. The most recent series of the BBC crime staple, starring Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson, concluded in March. The 16th series is not expected until early 2027, while the Christmas special remains months away. Fortunately, three dramas can bridge the gap for fans.
A Taste For Murder
A Taste For Murder premiered in April, following widowed Metropolitan police detective DCI Joe Mottram, portrayed by Warren Brown, who travels to Capri with his daughter Angelica (Beau Gadsdon) to process their bereavement. During their stay, he gets involved in solving local crimes, including the death of a British holidaymaker and the questionable fate of a diver. The show has proven popular, with some viewers declaring it superior to Death in Paradise. One viewer posted on X: 'Death in Paradise meets Whitstable Pearl meets Recipes for Love and Murder and I'm absolutely here for it.' Another remarked: 'If you like light-ish murder mysteries then give it a try. Similar theme to Death in Paradise but I think it's much better. Gorgeous scenery/food & a better cast imo. It's entertaining, and it flies by.' A Taste For Murder is available on ITVX.
You're Killing Me
Mystery drama You're Killing Me launched on Acorn TV in May. Set in a picturesque New England town, the series follows novelist Allie (Brooke Shields), who joins forces with podcaster Andi (Amalia Williamson) to track down the killer of a friend. One IMDb viewer described it as a 'perfect mystery series,' while another said: 'You're Killing Me may find its place in the cosy mystery pantheon.' A third commented: 'At first glance, it seems like a reincarnation of Murder She Wrote. Writer, New England location and murders! It rapidly became its own show. Brooke Shields is absolutely hysterical in this. I never saw her movies or series so I didn't know what to expect but I was instantly pleased. The support cast is enjoyable as well. Kudos to the writers for some clever dialogue.'
The Brokenwood Mysteries
New Zealand-based programme The Brokenwood Mysteries is currently airing its 12th season. The series is set in the seemingly tranquil town of Brokenwood, which is slowly being riddled with murders, and Detective Mike Shepherd (Neill Rea) must solve them. The show can be found on U&DRAMA and Channel 4, with the synopsis describing it as 'about a detective who arrives on assignment in a small town where memories - and animosities - run deep.' Fans have labelled it 'outstanding,' with one viewer declaring: 'I look forward to future episodes of this refreshing NZ whodunnit, which for me rates better than Midsomer, definitely better than Death in Paradise, but perhaps not quite as good as Lewis, Frost, or the Swedish version of Wallander.' Death in Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
