The second series of the detective drama A Remarkable Place to Die, described as ideal viewing for fans of Happy Valley and Broadchurch, airs on freeview channel U&Drama at 9pm on Thursday, November 5. For those unable to watch during the evening slot, it is available on demand through U without any additional charge. The opening series can also be accessed on the same service or through Channel 4.
Detective Anais Mallory returns
The programme first launched last year and followed Detective Anais Mallory's journey back to her hometown of Queenstown in New Zealand, where she confronted several shocking murders while grappling with demons from her history. While piecing together the puzzles, she triggered a frantic attempt at a cover-up.
The new series sees Chelsie Preston Crayford reprise her role as Anais. The storyline continues from where the first series concluded, with Detective Mallory still troubled by one lingering mystery from her most recent distressing investigation. Following the discovery of Maja Staunton's body on display, Anais becomes convinced it is linked to an earlier killing and covertly begins her own probe.
Investigation leads to Europe
Her enquiries rapidly draw unwelcome scrutiny, as somebody aware of her investigation works to prevent her from getting too near to the truth. As circumstances become increasingly perilous, her colleagues progressively join forces, pursuing the clues that Maja left in her wake. Their investigation leads them from Queenstown across to Europe, where they discover a connection to a string of chilling display killings around the globe, with casualties positioned as macabre artistic installations.
As clues start pointing towards individuals close to the deceased, Anais confronts a desperate race against the clock as she attempts to determine the truth before somebody else ends up as the next exhibit in the murderer's disturbing gallery. Beyond this central mystery, there is also a range of distinctive crimes requiring solutions, including a fatal neighbourhood dispute involving rabbits and a vanished precious gemstone, each presenting its own vibrant array of suspects and surprising revelations.
Critical and fan reception
The initial series did not garner extensive reviews when it first broadcast, though one commentator noted: "Episodes of A Remarkable Place To Die move along because both the episodic mystery and the continuing story are both very satisfying to follow. The stunning New Zealand scenery always helps." Another critic pronounced it genuinely 'remarkable' and described it as "Happy Valley meets Broadchurch".
Plenty of enthusiasts appear to share this view. One watcher shared online: "This series was an absolute delight from start to finish, offering a captivating storyline that kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. It's clear that every detail was crafted with care, as evidenced by the breathtaking scenery that elevated key moments within the narrative." Another viewer agreed: "It's very compelling and visually stunning for location as well. I can't wait for more episodes!" Meanwhile, another confessed: "Surprising plots. I stayed up all night to find out the end of the story."
A Remarkable Place to Die airs at 9pm on U&Drama and is available to stream on U and Channel 4.
