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!

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.

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.

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!