Bookish

I must admit that I had been looking forward to this debuting from the moment I found out of its existence.

I was not disappointed.

I love the characters. Book and Trottie are a wonderful couple, tender and loving. But at the risk of divulging spoilers, I shall say no more on that.

At the time of writing I have only 'binged' four of the six episodes (why are there not more?!). The supporting cast are equally compelling, hinting at depths not yet explored.

The cinematography, direction, set and costume design are all superb.

The storylines are well thought out, with allusions of other famous whodunnits, but with spins on them that only bring them to light during the denouement.

Gatiss is a superb writer, like all of his works he knows his subject matter and he sprinkles Easter eggs and nods throughout whilst creating something truly original.

I am sad that only six episodes have been made. So far. The series, the characters, the mysteries, deserve many, many more outings. If there is any justice, we will see Book and co. Again.

10/10.

I wanted to like this program more than I actually did. It's premise, actors and affable quirks were most promising from the trailers. But it just didn't live up to it and I'm afraid it was Mark Gatiss, for me, who missed the mark.

The performance echoed and harked back to characters originally played in The League of Gentleman decades before (brilliant twisted humour). But having seen Gatiss perform this schtick many times in programs and films, it has worn thin.

Recently, I read an article where Mark Gatiss talked about nostalgia being the problem with new Dr Who episodes and holding it back. Ironically, nostalgia seems to be the guiding force behind his acting. I still like Gatiss but he is slowly ascending a glass pedestal of his own making.

I'm not a fan of everything that Mark Gatiss has been in, like "Moonflower Murders" or the "Sherlock Holmes" series, but I did enjoy "Bookish". I've always been a fan of Polly Walker from "Enchanted April" to "Bridgerton", she's great in any role. And Connor Finch is a nice addition.

It's a very English detective series, something to relish like an Agatha Christie mystery. You just need a cup of tea and some biscuits and a comfortable chair. Trottie and Gabriel's lavender marriage wasn't that unique, it had a name. The episodes are different, not recycled plots that have been done before.

It's already been renewed for a 2nd season. I hope season 2 has 8 episodes instead of 6. It's a different take on the amateur detective genre and worth a second season.

I really enjoyed the first two episodes, or rather the first case. First, we learn about the bookstore and the area, as well as the main characters. The pacing is well-chosen; above all, you can enjoy the series, and the locations are very interesting. I really enjoyed the whole case. I especially loved the flashbacks, as they reminded me of Agatha Christie's films. The resolution wasn't predictable for me, and there were a few twists and turns. The camera work was okay and I also liked the editing. The character development was very good, especially for some of the main characters. I give it 9 out of 10, and I'm looking forward to the second case.

Having watched all six episodes in the first series I can vouch for its high entertainment value, but it requires a degree of wit and patience to keep on board with the intricate plotting. Mark Gatiss's script is witty, full of mischievous allusions and cryptic jokes, but this element is counterbalanced by the human story of Jack's relation to Gabriel Book, a story which will no doubt be further explored in the already commissioned second series. It is imaginatively filmed, well acted and strong on atmosphere. Nine stars out of ten because there were a few occasions when I found it difficult to make out what the actors were saying to each other.