The British-Irish police drama Dublin Murders has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, with many declaring it superior to acclaimed series such as Happy Valley and Line of Duty.
What Is Dublin Murders?
Developed by Sarah Phelps, Dublin Murders is a detective drama based on two novels by Tana French: In the Woods (2007) and The Likeness (2008), both part of her Dublin Murder Squad series. The eight-part series was originally commissioned by the BBC for BBC One and Starz, with Irish broadcaster RTÉ joining later.
The show follows Detectives Rob Reilly and Cassie Maddox, played by Killian Scott and Sarah Greene, as they investigate the murder of a young girl on the outskirts of Dublin. The synopsis notes: "The series follows the detectives, who put their friendship to the test, as they are pulled deeper into the intrigue and darkness that surrounds the case."
Critical and Audience Praise
Critics have been effusive. One reviewer stated: "Some crime series captivate because the mystery itself is so maddeningly mysterious, while the lure of others is largely the frisson between the leading detectives. This Irish drama of tragedy and intrigue has both in spades." Another noted: "Don't let the dull title fool you; this is an excellent, unique crime story; a treat whether you're a fan of the source material or not."
A third critic said: "Dublin Murders is gripping, wonderfully atmospheric stuff that throws up mysteries galore." One reviewer went further: "Murders are bad everywhere. Dublin Murders, though, the new BBC crime drama by Sarah Phelps? Very good. In fact, better than many crime dramas."
Viewer Reactions
Audiences have been equally enthusiastic. One viewer wrote: "I really dug the absolute hell out of this, def a beautifully brutal mini series, and the actors we're perfect, the young actress who played Adalyn was completely convincing and scary af." An IMDB reviewer described it as "A MIND TWISTING PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER" and added: "The characters are flawed and have dark pasts which interweave beautifully with the main plot and just when you think you have it all worked out.... another bread crumb appears."
Another IMDB user commented: "Dublin Murders is very clever writing indeed, in fact, I haven't seen anything quite like it." A viewer said: "Absolutely brilliant. This gets you hooked from the first episode. I just wish it was released as a whole as I hate waiting for each episode." One added: "One of the best shows on tv in a long time. Brilliant cast. Killian Scott has been in a few shows I've seen and he is fantastic in this as well."
A Rotten Tomatoes audience review stated: "I think this is an excellent show! I'm so tired of American shows! The casting is marvelous; this is not the same old thing. Very true to the novels, and very good!"
Where to Watch
Dublin Murders is available to stream free on BBC iPlayer and through a Netflix subscription. The cast also includes Michael D'Arcy, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, Eugene O'Hare, Moe Dunford, Ellie O'Halloran, Niall Jordan, and Ian Kenny.
