Magpie Murders

If you start this series, you MUST watch the final episode. It ties all the clues and mysteries from the previous episodes together. It is perhaps the most satisfying ending episode you have seen.

The way this series is presented is unique - the novel in question is sometimes played out on the screen, and sometimes the publishing team and author are played out. Eventually, the editor of the publishing team starts interacting with the novels detective - as if she's daydreaming. The flashbacks are to events in the novel. Several actors portray the 'real-life; characters as well as characters in the novel during these flashbacks.

Very well written, and well performed. I'd like to hear more from this writer.

Anthony Horowitz . . . Where have you been? I've missed you since Foyle's War! Sure, Alex Rider is fun. I enjoy those too. But the clever writing, the plot twists, the dogged detective, and let's not forget--the perfect and detailed production values that your wife Jill Green seems to always ensure for your pieces--all these add up here to be a delight. Casting seems perfect; acting is solid throughout. Wish I could binge watch but apparently I'll have to make do with weekly releases on my PBS Masterpiece app. I hope I'll see more from you in the future; these have been too far between. I want more!

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.

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.

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.