Murder Most Puzzling

Really enjoyed this.

Lighthearted and amusing. Lifted out of the humdrum by good characterization and fine acting by the ensemble cast. Phyllis Logan has a ball with the leading role but all the supporting roles have interesting back stories and play their parts with equal enthusiasm.

It's clear that trouble has been taken to make this series more than just a Sunday evening-style cliche. I find myself really looking forward to the next episode to find out more about the characters rather than just watching the next case. I hope it gets good enough viewing figures for a second series. I'm sure I'd watch it.

To everyone who says it's a rip-off or copy of some other show. There's a book series about the Puzzle Lady. First book is an adaptation of the book printed back in 2000!

I haven't read it, but loved the first episode so much that I ordered the book (author is Parnell Hall if anyone is interested).

I'd compare this to The Marlow Murder Club, but Murder Most Puzzling is much, much smarter. And less ridiculous.

It's a cute cozy mystery with fun characters and pretty solid mystery. Small town, quirky protagonist (Phyllis Logan is fantastic, so is Charlotte Hope who plays her niece), murders are not that gruesome. Just what I wanted this cold evening.

Looking forward to the next episode!

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.

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.