What IMDB says
Judith, Suzie and Becks start an investigation. To assist with official police investigation, headed by Tanika. They must suspect witnesses, and face down real danger as they work against the clock to stop the killer in their tracks.
Who’s in it?
Samantha Bond – the best Miss Moneypenny ever, in my opinion. Also a very well known, very good actress all around. As Judith Potts.
Jo Martin – Okay so I know her from Doctor Who stint as the Fugitive Doctor. But I’ve also seen her in Whitstable Peral and Mrs Sidhu Investigates. Another very watchable actress. As Suzie Harris.
Cara Horgan – I’d only seen her in The Sandman, but don’t let that put you off, she fills the role admirably. As Becks Starling.
What’s the Story
Retired archaeologist Judith is a crossword writer. She pops out to the river at the end of her garden (I think it’s the Thames) for a spot of skinny-dipping free swimming (brave woman). While in the water, she hears a gun shot and knows her neighbour has been shot. Unable to get into his garden, she swims home and calls the police. Who turn up, but don’t do too much investigating, so Judith does it for them to get them drawn into the case, which she does admirably.
In the search she’s joined by Suzie a dog walker who finds a second body, shot in the same execution style and by the same German Luger. Judith’s investigations also draw in Becks, the vicar’s wife with enough contacts to ensure that Judith’s number one suspect is out of the running, and getting plenty of information from the local gossip.
What I think of the show
Loved it.
There isn’t a bad performance in the piece. I actually liked DS Parry (played by Phill Langhorne) who I’m not sure the watcher is meant to like. He’s clearly got an issue with DS Tanika Malik (Natalie Dew). The police are generally well shown, or at least as well as they ever are in a cosy mystery.
I wasn’t overly surprised to find that this come from the pen of Robert Thorogood, who also has a hand in Death in Paradise.
The action has been filmed in some beautiful, idyllic areas of the UK, suspect this is the upper reaches of the Thames in Oxfordshire or possibly The Cotswolds. It’s gorgeous. However, the houses some of the characters are inconsistent with the jobs those characters do. But that’s definitely me being picky.
Recommended?
Would I recommend watching this – Hell yes! It loved it, streamed it, and I’ll probably do so again.
Where to Watch:
At the moment (March 2024) it’s free to view on UK TV Play.
GB Williams Crime Blog 