The cosy crime series Murder in a Small Town, based on The Alberg and Cassandra Mysteries novels by LR Wright, is set to debut on Netflix on August 1. The show follows big-city cop Karl Alberg (Rossif Sutherland) who moves to the small coastal town of Gibsons, where he solves murders and develops a romance with librarian Cassandra Lee (Kristin Kreuk).
Fans Praise the Show's Warmth and Charm
Fans on IMDb have shared positive reviews, with one viewer saying it “leaves you with a warm feeling.” Another described the series as having “Hallmark Mystery vibes” but added that it is “less stupid, less cheesy, more believable.” The same reviewer praised the writing: “The writers are not lazy (probably because it's based on books), they don't think the viewers have one brain cell left.”
A third fan called the show “charming” and noted its old-school appeal: “This show is refreshingly old-school—simple, straightforward storytelling with heart, atmosphere, and just the right amount of mystery.” They added that their family enjoyed “something calm, grounded, and entertaining to watch together.”
Renewed for Third Season
In May 2026, the series was renewed for a third season. Good Housekeeping described it as “Broadchurch meets Midsomer Murders.” Rotten Tomatoes offers the synopsis: “Karl Alberg moves to the idyllic coastal town of Gibsons to become the new police chief and soothe a psyche that has been battered by big-city police work. Unfortunately, the gentle paradise has more than its share of secrets, and Karl needs to call upon all the skills that made him a world-class detective in solving the murders that, even in this seemingly idyllic setting, continue to wash up on his shore. Cassandra, a local librarian, becomes Alberg's muse, foil and romantic interest.”
