As the festive season approaches, there's nothing quite like curling up with a captivating cosy mystery. These charming, low-stakes whodunits offer the perfect blend of intrigue and comfort – ideal for winter evenings. Here are our top picks for the most delightful mystery series to enjoy before Christmas.
1. Death in Paradise
This sun-soaked Caribbean crime drama has become a British institution. Follow Detective Inspector Neville Parker as he solves murders on the fictional island of Saint Marie, with a healthy dose of fish-out-of-water humour.
2. Father Brown
Based on G.K. Chesterton's stories, this gentle period mystery features Mark Williams as the crime-solving Catholic priest in 1950s Cotswolds. Perfect for fans of village mysteries with moral dilemmas.
3. Midsomer Murders
The quintessential English countryside murder series continues to delight after 25 years. The picturesque villages of Midsomer County hide dark secrets and inventive murders galore.
4. Miss Scarlet and The Duke
This fresh take on Victorian-era mysteries follows England's first female detective as she navigates gender barriers and complex cases in London.
5. Grantchester
Part period drama, part mystery, this Cambridge-set series features a crime-solving vicar and detective duo. The gorgeous 1950s setting and character development make it particularly addictive.
Hidden Gems Worth Discovering
- The Madame Blanc Mysteries - Antiques and murder in the South of France
- Shakespeare & Hathaway - Comedic crime-solving in Stratford-upon-Avon
- Queens of Mystery - A whimsical, literary-inspired detective series
These shows prove that murder mysteries don't need to be gritty to be gripping. With their picturesque settings, likeable characters and satisfying resolutions, they're the television equivalent of a warm blanket and hot cocoa – just what we need during the hectic holiday season.
