Murder Most Puzzling

This isn't a "Grace" or a "Vera" series, but it's not as bad as "Death Valley", the recent detective series that starred Timothy Spall. Detective series are very popular right now, but there is a huge difference in quality. "Murder Most Puzzling" isn't the bottom of the heap, but it's not far from it.

Phyllis Logan is a good actress (Mrs. Hughes from "Downton Abbey"), but older actors and actresses are looking for a "Vera" series and the quality depends on the script and this script needs a lot of work. A crime drama can include comedic elements but the writers here don't know what it is. If there is a second series it needs a better script that is focused and less comedic.

I enjoyed it. Cozy mysteries are meant to be low stress, easy to watch and the type of show you can be doing something else while watching. This show fits the bill. I did not think anyone was overacting. I am not sure why some people said that. I am American and only really knew Phyllis Logan, so maybe that helped. I just finished Death Valley, which is the same genre and I quite enjoyed that one as well. I am not sure why so many reviewers are being so hard on this one. There are different levels of cozy mysteries. Ludwig is not like this one, you need to really pay attention with that type, which has multiple levels going on. I watch a lot of those too.

If you are a fan of this genre, watch it and decide for yourself.

Like the cast, the story lines were plausible and in general a cut above the average UK murder mystery genre. I must admit that genre is becoming a bit too crowded, so its nice to see something a bit different. Also, lovely to see the main character is an older woman. Also, macho malea always get in the way, don't they. I thought her obscure old Japanese sports car was great. But, at times, that was silly as its too distinctive in a small town/city. Only character who gets up my nose is the mayor. Not that he's bolshie, just his interactions with the senior detective are pretty much implausible. I'm sure in real life the Chief Constable would tell him to **** off.

Not by any means the worst thing I've ever seen & I get it's not meant to be too serious but the pretence of a crossword puzzler solving crime is just too far fetched. Phyllis Logan as always is excellent but the basic premise of this show is lame. I tried to stick it out but boredom set in just before halfway & I switched off I no longer cared what she did. A good lead can't really lift a show if the writing & plots are poor. Tho not at the stinkbomb level of Sister Boniface & Death Valley it lacks credibility. Can't see another series of this being commissioned but please find Phyllis Logan something better to do she's wasted in this.

I love cosy crime shows-I don't want anything too gritty or unpleasant at my time of life.

When I began watching, I thought the beginning with the puzzle lady being a drunk driver was a bit silly-as were her exclamations to the police etc at the start.

However the character developed-and by the end I was really looking forward to the next episode. The Mayor jarred with me too-but I could see his role developing. I want my murder shows to be bonkers and puzzling-a la Midsummer Murders. Not bloody and violent on screen. I was sceptical for the first 15 minutes or so-but began to enjoy it. Miss Marple she isn't-but I think perhaps this one could stick. Certainly for me. If only there were subtitles!