C.B. Strike

For my money Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger do a fine job of providing the focal point and anchor for these superb detective whodunnits penned by Galbraith aka. JK Rowling. I suppose it's fair to say that you'll either find chemistry between Strike and Robin (the leads) or you won't.

These shows are based upon crime novels that are crammed with detail and the nuance of relationships and events, which make them a fun read - and that the series' screenplays do a great job of adapting for the screen.

Now on it's fifth novel this series only goes from strength to strength spinning fascinating and engaging tales.

As others have mentioned, locations and style also play a leading role - the result is a satisfying sense of place which complements both the action and backstory.

The Brits have a particular style to how they go about their crime dramas, an angle which places a concentration and importance on drawing out character, a recognition that the journey to the conclusion is as important as the resolution and the untangling of the 'crime' itself. We end up with an understanding of both the perpetrator and their supporting characters, and a deeper relationship with the investigators - and in this sense Strike is as much a highly successful human drama series as it is a crime and whodunnit proposition.

I'd recommend giving Strike a watch if you haven't already done so - but, although each series stands alone covering one novel (except for series one which is two novels in succession), there is a strong cumulative backstory revolving around a central group of characters, so for best results and viewing pleasure start with series one and binge from there.

Holliday Grainger lights up the screen. She is one of the best actors I have ever seen. She conveys so many moods and emotions with slightest glance.

Also, I enjoy the story. It is my cup of tea.

Excellent cast, dynamic story line, unique cinematography all combine for an outstanding series. The nonexistence of over the top completely impossible special effects is refreshing. It's intelligent and sophisticated in it's execution. There is no quick fix to each case, yet the writers don't drag the story along simply to fill time and episodes, instead time is utilized efficiently and very effectively creating a great deal of intrigue and suspense which will keep you up at night to watch an episode instead of going to bed. A definite must watch series.

I really enjoyed watching this show. Each series within the series had a new mystery bringing about a need for great investigative instinct to solve the mysteries presented. The episodes were complex with twists and turns along the way. Watch this when you have the time to really listen to the dialogue or you will miss a clue or two along the way. At first blush and thereafter this is not a glamourous role for the co-stars, but they have tremendous screen chemistry. The only disappointment was the series was too short. This all takes place in England and shows the real streets of downtown as well as the English countryside. A nice mix of cinematography along the way.

I'd already read the book, but Strike as portrayed was more convincing than my own prior vision.

You get a nice range of people in one limited slice of London, as well as a series of puzzles that get solved.

They improve the ending, giving a better excuse for the murderer doing something I can't detail without giving away the plot.