Magpie Murders

The fictional investigation into the murder of an overbearing and obnoxious Lord by a literary detective parallels the actual investigation into the murder of the book's overbearing and obnoxious author. The story within a story is very well structured and the rationale for the 'real life' characters having 'fictional' counterparts quite clever. The cast, led by Lesley Manville and Tim McMullan, is uniformly excellent and the story holds together well over the six parts, avoiding the 'suspect of the week' structure common in multi episode who-done-its and setting up a final resolution that is both cheeky and satisfying. Consider counting the birds. Recommended.

Try and imagine the concept of a Poirot novel taking place inside an episode of Midsomer Murders, that's about the closest description I can think of to describe this quirky, but enjoyable series.

Anthony Horovitz has written some great material, and adapted One great shows, including some of the best loved Agatha Christie dramas.

It's a little confusing at times, but it all comes together well, and even if you don't fully understand events, you will during the conclusion.

It looks amazing, it's a wonderful looking production, with some fabulous clothes, sets and cars. Nice music also, it's not intrusive.

Personally I preferred the scenes set in the past, the crimes in the book were really engaging, I'd be happy to watch a series of Atticus Pund mysteries. In the style of Poirot he also gets his big moment to unravel the mystery.

Will we get The Moonflower Murders? I hope so, that's another cracking book that would adapt well.

If you enjoy the world of Agatha Christie and Francis Durbridge, then you may just enjoy this series, 8/10.

Whodunnits are not my thing normally, but I am so pleased I tried this. Highly original and very engaging. The story zipped along and never got boring.

A few of the characters were badly miscast but the leads were excellently played, and Lesley Manville was outstanding.

I hope Britbox will list more quality material.

This is a very different quite quirky whodunnit, the way the modern day story mirrors the story in the murdered authors book is exceptional, this isn't a gritty in your face murder mystery, it's clever, well written and well acted, thoroughly enjoyable and a great addition to the excellent tradition of whodunnit dramas.

Anthony Horowitz is the author of the successful "Foyle's War". He has also written numerous episodes of "Poirot", "Midsomer Murders" and the children's favourite "Alex Rider". In other words, the guy has an impressive CV.

And Horowitz doesn't disappoint with his latest TV production. "Magpie Murders" is based on one of his own books, and as usual the dialogue is both sharp and intelligent. When Horowitz then sneaks in his typical, humorous reflections on life and death, the mix is perfect.

However, a successful script isn't everything. Even a top-notch writer needs talented actors. With Lesley Manville and Tim McMullan in the lead roles, Horowitz has really been given the perfect interpreters of his stylish text. "Magpie Murders" is first-class entertainment.