The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, a classic BBC crime drama that first aired in 2001, continues to receive high praise from viewers more than two decades after its debut. The show, which ran for seven years until 2008, consists of six series and follows an unlikely crime-solving duo.
The Unlikely Pairing
The series stars Nathaniel Parker as DI Thomas "Tommy" Lynley and Sharon Small as DS Barbara Havers. Their characters frequently clash due to their contrasting backgrounds: Lynley comes from an aristocratic family, while Havers has a working-class upbringing.
Fans have drawn comparisons between The Inspector Lynley Mysteries and other popular crime dramas like Midsomer Murders and McDonald & Dodds. One Amazon reviewer commented: "Each mystery is unique and just as absorbing, suspenseful, and puzzling as ever."
Viewer Praise
Another reviewer wrote: "It's a terrible shame that they have stopped making Inspector Lynley mysteries because they are SUPERB! As usual the series looks great, the acting is great and the story telling is first class. I would recommend all of these - from Series 1 - 6. You wont be disappointed."
A third reviewer added: "The Inspector Lynley Mysteries Series I is a well written set of murder mysteries with a good cast and interesting plot lines. If you like Sherlock Holmes, then you will probably like this series."
Reboot in the Works
In 2025, the BBC confirmed that Lynley would be rebooted with a new cast, with Leo Suter and Sofia Barclay taking over the roles of DI Lynley and DS Havers. Author Elizabeth George expressed her excitement about the revival, saying: "I'm thrilled to see Thomas Lynley and Barbara Havers come to television again, especially through the participation of the BBC and Britbox and the production expertise of Playground. Watching my characters brought to life on television is a real celebration."
Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, added: "There is so much to enjoy in this new and exciting adaptation, both for fans of Elizabeth George’s gripping novels and of the BBC’s iconic The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, and for viewers yet to encounter the magnetic attraction of Lynley."
Second Series Announced
Fans were recently thrilled to learn that the rebooted cast would be returning for a second series. Daniel Mays, who plays DCI Brian Nies in the reboot, shared the news on Instagram with a photo of Leo and Sofia, captioning it: "Fire up the Jensen!! Season 2 of #Lynley is go for launch. Cue impromptu air guitar Unfortunately when this on-set photo was taken DCI Nies was just out of shot buying the pay & display ticket. Huge welcome to our new cast-members. Here we go again @leo.suter @sofiabarclay & @michaelworkeye."
Both The Inspector Lynley Mysteries and the new Lynley series are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
