Moonflower Murders

I really enjoyed this, but I'm glad I watched it on BBC iPlayer, as it meant I could stop, start and go back a bit to check things I might have missed. You really need your wits about you with the different timelines and actors playing two roles. That was a fun aspect of the series. What wasn't so much fun was Susan's private life and her completely irrelevant sister and nephew. Crete provided some pretty pictures and it meant they got some funding from the Greek government, but it was also unnecessary. This should really have been a four-part serial. There was no need for six episodes. Horowitz is a clever man and the plot - while not totally convincing (others have spotted holes) is full of interesting touches. On a more mundane level, there are some anachronisms, such as "gotten" in the mouth of an 1950s' character. Also the fact that Ireland was used to stand in for England shows through at times - most crassly in the form of a bright yellow "road narrows" sign (Ireland has American-style road signs). The fact that it was Ireland was probably the reason that Susan was mostly seen driving down unmarked single-track roads. Other roads would have had markings and street furniture that gave away the true location.

I loved Magpie Murders but was concerned that a similarly complicated mystery involving two timelines and the fictional murder associated with them might prove too difficult to bring to the small screen. I was wrong.

The acting is superb; all the characters seem to be even more at home with their characters than in Magpie Murders.

The set designs are astounding considering the difficulties of the nature of the story. One in the hotel eight years earlier, one current, and one in the fictional hotel.

The cinematography is likewise excellent, and the music is supportive rather than obtrusive.

The story is, as mentioned, exceptionally complicated but was handled very well. I was particularly pleased with the Conway character knowing who murdered Parris and putting clues in his novel. Despite his general unpleasant nature, he did his best to expose the real murderer. His final scene with Susan where he insists on keeping the seemingly superfluous clues is masterful.

One of the things that annoys me in mysteries is too much time spent on character drama outside of the mystery. I thought they did a good job of keeping that to a minimum and tying it to the story.

The various mysteries were logical and reasonably solved without all sorts of twisting events into knots to achieve the ends. A common problem with most mysteries I watch these days.

Just a delight all around. Highly recommend for mystery fans.

I enjoyed Moonflower Murders even more than the PBS production of Magpie Murders, probably because I've been to all the locales where the film was made. Both are mysteries-within-mysteries but the Moonflower series had so many enjoyable features I love: excellent cast, beautiful settings, glorious Greek Islands, 3 hotels (wonderful armchair getaways), clever plotting, even humor. I watched the first 4 of 6 episodes in all seriousness but I started laughing during Ep 5 and 6; sorry! I'm reading the novel now, very nice. I especially enjoy author Horowitz's comments on PBS after each episode - aspiring novelists would do well to listen to what he has to say. I detected one of two killers in record time: the first scene in which that character appeared; also, I detected a flaw that would never happen in real life, but I can't include those details without spoiling the conclusion for you. Moonflower is escapist fun, with clever puzzles, endearing Atticus Pund and a 2d charming "detective" - OPA!

I agree with other reviewers. This series was good but the Magpie Murders was top notch. It just seemed to flow a little better than this series.

I found myself getting really confused with the characters. Like the actresses' husband looked just like her doctor (not sure of the names). It was just not as smooth and easy to follow as Magpie series.

The string of possible suspects was endless. Everyone was so unlikeable in their own way. This made for an interesting whodoneit.

Atticus was wonderful as usual. A great detective. I'm not sure if I really like Susan but perhaps she is not meant to be that likeable. Even her own sister did not want to confide in her. It was also nice to see Mr. Beard. I really enjoyed his character from the Magpie series as Allen's boy toy. He ended up being a great contributor.

One case had a big twist but the other case was rather obvious, really.

I do hope the series, or ones similar continues.

I don't agree with the couple of negative reviews here. I found the story and writing very good (Anthony Horowitz adapting his own novel). The plot was twisty and engaging, and the 'story in a story' keeps you on your toes.

If you liked Magpie Murders, you'll very probably like Moonflower Murders. It's once again a well-written recreation of the 'golden age' whodunnit.

The interaction between Susan and Pünd is always enjoyable. Susan's personal drama does not get too much in the way of the murder mystery, and the mingling of the two feels relevant.

I hear the third Susan Ryeland novel is coming out in March 2025 and I'm hoping it will also be adapted to TV. This is very competent and enjoyable television and a treat for murder mystery fans.