The Coroner

The story lines move along; they do not drag. The characters are likable and interesting. Acting is quite good. I was expecting something darker but once I understood not to expect something sinister or mind blowing I settled in to enjoying the pace and lighter nature of the script. Characterisation is good with a range of likable characters who complement each other. Each episode is a complete story so you do not have to wait to find out the outcome. It would appeal to people who do not want a dark or scary tale. It is set in an amazingly beautiful place and that alone earns it an extra point. You are thinking while watching trying to solve the mystery of the death whether it is a crime or not and who maybe the likely culprit. I recommend this series to people who like an English mystery that is not heavy or frightening. Maybe 71/2 rather than just a 7!

I accepted that it was lightweight in the first series but it was quite enjoyable and the Jane/Davey potential relationship added some spice to the plain cooking.

The second series is not as good and the story lines are pretty banal in the main and nothing is fleshed out to a believable conclusion. In one episode people are murdered for performing their jobs as sea rescue volunteers. Found that a bit far-fetched. The beautiful scenery of Devon was the saviour and Claire Goose is always worth watching.

I believe the series has been cancelled and I can understand that.

The first problem is I do not understand their Coroner system and they don't explain it. I like learning from British shows. The second one is that this is only 2 seasons! I wanted a couple more. The scenery is lovely and more current than some British shows. The characters are humorous and subtle at the same time. I like the fact that the violence is a lot less than in other shows and it is more intellectual, as if you were solving the murder/death yourself. I'd live in that village any day.

Nice detective type story, but this time as the title indicates the investigation is led by the Coroner Jane Kennedy (Claire Goose) although she does work closely with local police in the person of Detective Sergeant Davey Higgins (Matt Bardock).

Jane has just recently returned to her childhood home from London with her 15 year old daughter Beth, and in her role as coroner investigates violent or unexplained deaths to determine the cause. Through these investigations she has become reacquainted with Davey her now married childhood sweetheart. Rounding out the regular cast is Jane's mother Judith with whom Jane and Beth are currently living, Judith's boyfriend Mick who runs the local pub and Clint who is Jane's assistant.

This episodes are primarily about the investigation but there is also time given to family dynamics and usually some humor, the episodes run about 45 minutes each. It's a nice group of characters, the investigations are usually interesting, and the cause of death is not always murder. The series ran for two ten episode seasons.

Another strength of the series is the beautiful backdrops of the South Devon coastal locations.

This was a great little show just finding its feet in the second series and then the BBC cancelled it. Don't understand why. Typical lack of foresight from them. Big shame. Worth a watch all the same.