Murder Most Puzzling

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!

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.

The show is well cast and beautifully acted out by Logan who seems to be really enjoying the role and the supportingcast fit the bill perfectly.

It fits perfectly in the familiar cosy crime genre as they call it but has enough madcap moments and some humor to keep the audience engaged.

Thoroughly enjoyed it and looking forward to the next couple of episodes and hopefully more seasons. If one episode takes care of one book then I definitely want to see all twenty books played out as it will only get better from here as the characters grow and the puzzles progress.

A definite must watch and can't wait until next weeks episode.

Cora Felton is the nation's darling when it comes to puzzles, she's famed for her cryptic clues and her biscuits, but when she moves to Bakerbury, she finds a new interest, solving murders.

It's billed as Murder, she wrote meets Marple, and I get that, there are shades of both, she's definitely something of a busybody, she's sharp and intelligent, daring, but blunt and sometimes lacking in sensitivity.

It's a lovely, light hearted series, it is perfect viewing for a Sunday evening. ITV have dropped the ball with the ninety minute one off dramas, with this and Ellis, Channel 5 are delivering, long may both continue.

Phyllis Logan is greet as Cora, she adds a lot of charisma, she brings a touch of humour, nice to see Logan leading a show. I just love that she's a bit of a fraud and loves a drink, these days it's all yoga and mineral water, it makes a nice change.

Adam Best us quality as DI Hooper, I love that he doesn't play the big man, he's just a down to earth copper.

It's mad me me want to read the books, these are lovely adaptations. Don't go expecting anything heavy or serious, it's just nice and easy, intriguing viewing.

8/10.