The Detection Club: A new Golden Age Mystery series

Britbox has announced a new detective drama, The Detection Club, a 10-part mystery series. It's just begun filming, so no news on when it will air, but the show looks very promising. As well as talented actors and writers, it has a terrific premise. Who doesn't love a golden age mystery? Hats off, too, to our friend Simon Brett for the original idea!

From Britbox:

Set against a backdrop of literary glamour, social change and deadly intrigue, The Detection Club follows the mysterious society formed by three of Britain's most celebrated crime writers Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and G.K. Chesterton, as they are drawn into a series of real-life murder investigations.

Produced by BBC Studios Drama Productions and filming across the West Midlands, The Detection Club stars Miles Jupp (Belgravia: The Next Chapter, Napoleon) as G.K. Chesterton, Bryony Hannah (Call the Midwife, Rivals) as Agatha Christie, Cara Theobold (Downton Abbey, The Syndicate) as Dorothy L. Sayers with Viraj Juneja (Little English, Get Duked!) as detective D.I. Greenway.

Created for television by Kit Lambert (Father Brown, Cooper & Fry, Whitstable Pearl) and based on an original idea by acclaimed author Simon Brett, the series, set in 1930s London, follows the legendary crime writers as they hone their craft within the hallowed walls of a secret London location. After receiving an invitation that leads them to their first real murder case, our famous trio work together to solve a series of exciting mysteries.

Their amateur sleuthing brings them into the path of D.I. Greenway, an out-of-his-depth young police detective whose determination to prove himself is both helped and hindered by our writers’ extraordinary instincts.

***

THE ORIGINAL DETECTION CLUB: 

The Detection Club was formed in 1930 by a group of British mystery writers and still exists to this day. They meet up several times a year to socialize, compare notes and share ideas.  Historically, the Detection Club not only helped each other with technical aspects of their individual writings, but they also wrote a number of works together, with members of the club contributing one or more chapters in turn. G.K. Chesterton was the original president from 1930. Dorothy L. Sayers was President of the Detection Club from 1949 until 1957. She was followed by Agatha Christie who held the post until her death in 1976. 

Cooper & Fry TV News

“Cooper & Fry" adapted from Stephen Booth's Cooper & Fry detective series featuring Ben Cooper and Diane Fry will be heading to the U.S. this August on BritBox. "Set in the Peak District, the series follows Cooper, who is struggling to emerge from the shadow of his late father, while Fry is an outsider fleeing tragedies in her past. Together, they tackle grisly crimes in the remote countryside.” All 8 episodes of Season 1 will drop on Monday, August 17 on BritBox Premiere. Not sure where that leaves the rest of us with 'basic"Britbox. If you know, drop a note in comments. I'll update once I find out. I'm sure we won't have all episodes at once, but hope we at least start the series in August. 

A second season has already been commissioned, with episodes adapted from Booth’s novels The Devil’s Edge, Fall Down Dead, One Last Breath, and The Murder Road.  

 

Tommy and Tuppence: New Series coming to Britbox

Britbox will be bringing a new 6-part Tommy and Tuppence series that marks the first contemporary English-language adaption of the Agatha Christie stories. Personally I liked the last 'period' BBC production, but this looks to be quite different. I haven't seen it yet, so I'll keep you posted..or let me know what you think when it airs in September. 

Here are some facts about the series on Britbox:

The New Series: This six-part contemporary drama brings the classic amateur sleuths into the 21st century, following them as a former flame that falls in love, falls out of it, and tumbles back in, all while solving entertaining mysteries.

The Cast: The new adaptation stars Antonia Thomas (The Good Doctor, Still Up) as the spirited actress Tuppence and Josh Dylan (The Buccaneers, Mamma Mia 2) as Tommy, a meticulous and charming crime writer. They are joined by Imelda Staunton (The Crown, Harry Potter) as Aunt Ada, a wry, retired private detective and mentor. 

Release Date: The six-part miniseries premieres on BritBox (in the US and Canada) on September 15.

BritBox is already a hub for Agatha Christie content, including Poirot, Marple, and Why Didn't They Ask Evans? Here's a sneak peek at the new "thoroughly modern" reimagining of the famous duo in the teaser below. 

DEATH IN PARADISE, SEASON 15 release date

Death in Paradise, Season 15, will be released in the US March 24, 2026, on BritBox. The new season already began in the UK on BBC One. Remember that Episode 1 is the Christmas Special that released in December 2025. Episode 2 will be released on 3/24/26. There will be 8 episodes, and I believe they will be dropped weekly. More on that when Britbox posts more information. Scroll down for Trailer.

DI Mervin Wilson is played by Don Gilet. Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, portrayed by Don Warrington, returns (Yay!) alongside DS Naomi Thomas and Catherine Bordey. There's also a new officer, Sergeant Mattie Fletcher, who joins the team, and Mervin’s half-brother Solomon appears, which could make things more personal this season. 

FATHER BROWN Season 13 News

Father Brown, Season 13, is finally airing (February 3) on Britbox here in the U.S (one episode a week). There are 10 episodes. So glad it's not limited to 4 or even 3 episodes like so many series are these days. Several new settings and plots, too, in this season, including a trip to the seaside. Mrs McCarthy (Sorcha Cusack) returns in the first episode, and there are many guest stars. Nancy Carroll will show up as Lady Felicia once again, although not in all episodes (darn), and John Light continues his role as the infamous Hercule Flambeau. I am so missing Bunty. Of course, Mark Williams continues to play Father Brown.  

Re: BritBox premier vs. "regular" subscription: Premier only gives you a two week viewing lead on Father Brown, and episodes are dropped weekly, just as on 'regular' Britbox. Is Britbox finally listening to its subscribers? We'll see. 

Grace: Season 5 issues (Britbox)

I wrote this awhile ago, but never posted. As I'm looking for distractions from the present day world, I thought I'd post it now, especially since there are updates. Love to hear your comments.

Written: January 8: 

Well, I had the British Mystery series Grace, based on Peter James' award-winning crime fiction, featuring detective Roy Grace, Season 5, on my list to watch Thursday night, January 8. I sat down all ready to watch Season 5, episode 1, on Britbox through Prime Video. I was dismayed and angry to learn that it was not yet available So I began searching as to why it was not available on my streaming vehicle. What I found, after a rather long search through various British Mystery sites and Reddit, was that Grace, Series 5, will start on Prime Video Britbox on February 5. Why?? Well, Episode 1 did air January 8 on Britbox Premier. No explanation. I thought I would have to change things up and order Britbox directly (I get Britbox through Prime). But oh no! Britbox now has two tiers. Premier and 'regular'.. And guess what? Premier costs more. $149.99/yr as opposed to $89.99 year. Premier Tier is only available for Direct Subscribe. This gives you early access. I really do like Britbox. Many of my favorite shows are on it. But -- this is putting me off big time. Grumble, grumble. I know there are so many more important issues in the world, but just thought I'd let you know what I think.

However, you might want to know when it will air, in case you, too, were expecting it, on February 5. Britbox though Prime, and probably on the regular Britbox tier directly. We'll see. There are only 4 episodes, and I imagine they'll drop one a week.

And, the good news is that Season 6 is already filming.

SHETLAND: Season 10

Shetland, Season 10, episode 1, is now available on BritBox in the U.S. There will be 6 episodes. If you have Britbox Premiere, you can watch all 6 episodes now. Otherwise, there will be a new episode every week. 

Other good news is that there will be a Season 11. 

The Shetland series is based on the best-selling books by award-winning writer Ann Cleeves.

In Series 10, Tosh and Calder probe a remote village where a woman’s death reveals old grudges and rising tensions, pulling hidden conflicts dangerously to the surface.  

The scenery is enough to watch this show, but I also enjoy the stories. 

Christmas Specials: Death in Paradise and Return to Paradise Air Dates

We finally got U.S. broadcast dates for the Death in Paradise and Return to Paradise Christmas specials. 

Both will air on BritBox.

Be sure and note that these specials are usually the first episode of the new season which will air in 2026.

Death in Paradise: December 29.

Streaming December 29 E1 • Christmas Special 2025

Mervin returns to Saint Marie, juggling a puzzling festive murder and the uneasy first meeting with his charismatic yet elusive half-brother.

Return to Paradise: December 25.

Streaming December 25 E1. Christmas Special 2025.

Festive chaos erupts as Humphrey tackles holiday cases while Martha rushes to complete a secret plan before a life-changing surprise.

KAREN PIRIE, Season 2 News!

Karen Pirie, Season 2 will be released in the U.S. on BritBox Thursday, October 2. I really enjoyed the first season, and I'm looking forward to this next installment. Episodes will be released weekly. Sadly there are only 3 episodes. Finale will air on October 16. Lauren Lyle plays Karen Pirie.

After being promoted to Scotland's Historic Cases Unit, DS Karen Pirie reopens the cold case of a murdered barmaid; her investigation unearths flaws in the original 1984 inquiry. From the award-winning producers of Line of Duty and Bodyguard, Karen Pirie follows young, newly promoted DS Karen Pirie (Lauren Lyle) as she reopens this cold case. Based on the novel by best-selling author Val McDermid. 

Don't have BritBox? Read Val McDermid's Karen Pirie crime novels! The latest is Silent Bones.

 

DEATH VALLEY: Second Season News

Good news, Death Valley, the British comedic mystery show set in Wales, has been renewed for a second season. Filming has already begun, and the premiere will be sometime in 2026 on the BBC and later on Britbox. Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth return as the detective duo. Paul Dolan is returning to write all six episodes of the second season. Looking forward to it!

LUDWIG: A new detective series

I'm really enjoying the new BBC detective dramedy series Ludwig, playing on Britbox in the U.S. The series stars David Mitchell and Anna Maxwell Martin. You'll recognize several of the minor characters, too, including Welsh actor Gerran Howell who stars as a medical student from Nebraska in the U.S. show The Pitt. What a surprise. I'm so used to seeing British actors in many shows, but not usually in U.S. ones.

In Ludwig, John Taylor (David Mitchell) is a reclusive puzzle maker who publishes puzzle books under the pen name "Ludwig". His identical twin brother, James Taylor, is a successful detective chief inspector in the Cambridge police force. James has gone missing, and his wife Lucy (Anna Maxwell Martin) enlists John's help to solve the mystery. Pretending to be his brother, John infiltrates the local police station to investigate, and becomes inadvertently embroiled in solving other cases.

While seeking to unravel the mystery of his twin brother's disappearance, reclusive puzzle-designer John 'Ludwig' Taylor takes on his twin brother James's identity as DCI on Cambridge's major crimes squad. 

Read the NYT review here

And the good news is that the BBC has commissioned a second season of Ludwig with Mitchell and Martin remaining in the starring roles. 

DEATH IN PARADISE: Season 14 news!

If you caught the Christmas episode of Death in Paradise last December, you know there's a new detective on Ste. Marie. Don Gilet plays Londoner Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson. Now we have a date for the new season here in the U.S. Death in Paradise will release on BritBox on February 19. The series will air and stream weekly.  

Following DI Mervin Wilson's introduction in last year’s Christmas special, the holidaying Mervin was recruited to Honoré’s Police Station to help solve the case of a serial killer targeting Santas. His brusque manner and impatience to be back in busy London didn’t endear him to his colleagues. But, as he eventually confided to Commissioner Patterson (Don Warrington), he’d come to Saint Marie to reconcile with his estranged mother – a woman who he later found out had died some months ago…and was possibly even murdered. 

Season 14 begins with Mervin resolved to remain on the island. The recovery of a body from a ravine rattles his colleagues, and there's the case of a game show contestant fatally stabbed while on a zip line to solve. His fellow officers have their own share of personal dramas, too. DS Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) is shaken when an ex unexpectedly arrives from St Barnabas, and Darlene (Ginny Holder) decides to mentor the fresh-faced new Officer Benjamin Brice (Anthony J Abraham). But she’s not sure if she’s up to the task.

Father Brown New Season

Father Brown, Series 12, was released today in the U.S. on BritBox. There will be weekly episodes of 45 minutes (ten episodes in Season 12). In other news,  there will be a Season 13 (2026). 

Season 12 will see Mark Williams return to the fan-favorite role, which he recently raved about saying: "The best thing about playing the character is that I am never, ever bored by him." 

Father Brown is a British period detective television series based on the iconic titular character, created by GK Chesterton who made the character popular with compelling short stories.

Returning alongside Mark Williams as Father Brown are Claudie Blakley as Mrs. Devine, Tom Chambers as Chief Inspector Sullivan, John Burton as Sergeant Goodfellow, Ruby-May Martinwood as Brenda, and John Light as Flambeau. 

I really miss Mrs McCarthy, Bundy, Lady Felicia Montague, and Sid Carter. The new characters just don't do it for me. What's your opinion?

McDonald & Dodds News!

I can't believe it! McDonald and Dodds, one of my favorite mystery shows, has been cancelled after only four (short) seasons! This popular (yes!!) series starred Jason Watkins as DS Dodds and Tala Gouveia as DCI Lauren McDonald. ITV has cancelled the show due to falling ratings. Fans, me included, are devastated. The show aired on BritBox in the U.S. 

McDonald & Dodds is set in Bath, England. It's about a pair of unlikely cops thrown together. They have built a great relationship and crime solving success. It's clever and fun!

Fans are not taking this lying down. A petition has been started at Change.org. 

"ITV says the show just doesn't have the viewers. Let's show them who's watching! If ITV won't have it back, some other platform. If it worked for Shakespeare & Hathaway, it could work for M&D!"

What do you think?

SHAKESPEARE & HATHAWAY NEWS

I mentioned this when I first saw it in September, but the fun British mystery show Shakespeare & Hathaway has begun (maybe finished?) filming a new season. It's been three years since Season 4. Now it's back--and I'm pretty sure by popular demand! 

Jo Joyner and Mark Benton reprise their roles for series 5 of Shakespeare & Hathaway, alongside Patrick Walshe McBride (my favorite!), who plays aspiring actor and understudy Sebastian Brudenell. Filming is underway in the streets of Stratford-Upon-Avon. 

Shakespeare & Hathaway started 7 years ago, and there have been 4 seasons and 40 episodes. The show features ex-Detective Inspector Frank Hathaway turned private investigator who meets ex-hairdresser Luella Shakespeare when she employs him to investigate the fiancé she met online. Together they form a private detective agency. 

Series 5 of Shakespeare & Hathaway will premiere on UKTV’s specialist crime drama channel, Alibi, shortly with a later launch on the BBC and iPlayer. U.S. airing? No news, but the first four seasons are available on BritBox, so possibly Shakespeare & Hathaway, Season 5,  will air on Britbox later this year. Stay tuned!!

END OF A VERA

So sad to see the final episode of Vera on Britbox. I loved the series, and the final season--only two episodes--were both great and sad at the same time. Great because of the acting, storyline, setting, plot, etc, but sad because the series has ended. Brenda Blethyn was terrific as Vera. I will miss her and the series. 

Vera, Season 14, News!

Vera, Season 14, the final season, with Episode 1 today in the US on BritBox. Sadly there are ONLY TWO episodes. Episode 2 airs next week (1/9/25). I will miss this sensational show. Brenda Blethyn is a treasure! See what she has to say about leaving the show (scroll down). In the meantime, you can catch up on all past seasons on BritBox. Or, you can read all the Ann Cleeves Vera Stanhope mysteries. They are terrific! 

The long-running British crime-drama series inspired by Ann Cleeves’s Vera Stanhope novels has finally come to an end, and BritBox presents this final season. Vera: Season 14 follows DCI Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn) as she takes on her last investigations for the Northumberland & City Police. From a man’s body found on the bank of the River Tyne to a young student left dead at the foot of legendary local stones The Dark Wives, these two cases are sure to culminate in a compelling and emotional finale for this beloved onscreen sleuth. 

Vera, Season 14 Episodes

Inside

Episode 1: DCI Vera Stanhope investigates the murder of a young man found near a river. As she unravels the case, a complex web of relationships, secrets, and deceit emerges, leading her to question any deeper motives behind the death.

The Dark Wives

Episode 2: A body is found near local stones called The Dark Wives. Vera investigates the murder of a bright young student, uncovering connections to her childhood memories. Past and present intertwine as she solves the case in an emotional farewell.

From Brenda Blethyn: 

“Working on Vera has been a joy from beginning to end and I’m sad to be saying Cheerio. But I am so proud of our achievements over the last fourteen years. I’ll be forever grateful to the wonderful Ann Cleeves who created Vera, and to Elaine Collins who saw fit to cast me in the role. The Producers, dream cast and crew have been fabulous and I’m going to miss them, but I won’t forget their huge talent, the camaraderie, laughter or kindness we shared nor the friendship of the people of the north east and our fans worldwide. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Brenda Blethyn on why she's leaving:

Speaking at a Q&A event held at London's BFI in November, the 78-year-old actress revealed that while she was sad to step away from the role, she hadn't spent a summer at home for 14 years. 

When asked how difficult it was to make the decision, Brenda said: "It was a big decision because I love the job, I love the people I was working with and I know they loved it too so it was a little bit of an emotional responsibility as well because if I stop, it's going to stop. "I saw on the catering list one day, just on a typical day there were 76 people, so that's all those people. I console myself with the fact that there's a big studio opening in Sunderland next year so there will be lots of jobs available," she continued. "I was aware that people who would like to continue on it wouldn't be able to and that made me feel sad but as much as I like my Newcastle family, I have a family at home and I hadn't had a summer for 14 years and I thought, 'Bren, go and have a summer. Go home,'" explained the actress, who has homes in south London and Ramsgate, Kent with her husband, Michael Mayhew. 

She added: "So it was a difficult decision."

Death in Paradise Christmas Special News

DEATH IN PARADISE Christmas Special 2024:  Today! December 27 on Britbox in the U.S. 

Don Gilet will play the new lead Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson on Death in Paradise. 

This is one of my favorite detective shows, and I've liked all the past DIs. The BBC has a tradition of releasing a Christmas special to mark the end of the current season and the start of a new one. 2024's special will introduce a new detective in Saint Marie after the departure of Ralf Little's DI Neville Parker. DI Mervin Wilson makes his debut in a feature-length Death in Paradise Christmas special December 27, before series 14 broadcasts in 2025. Mervin arrives on the island of Saint Marie from his home in London. 

Don Gilet says: “I am delighted to have returned to the wonderful island of Guadeloupe and this time to be stepping into the well-worn shoes of the Detective Inspector. It’s been a real pleasure filming such a beloved series alongside the hardworking cast and crew. I can’t wait for the fans to see how DI Mervin Wilson fares on the island, how he fits within the Saint Marie police team and what secrets may unfold..."

Gilet will be joined by series regulars Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Élizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules who will continue playing Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, DS Naomi Thomas, Officer Darlene Curtis, Catherine Bordey, and Officer Dwayne Myers, respectively.

TV NEWS: Lynley: A New Adaptation in 2025

Lynley, a new adaptation of the Inspector Lynley mysteries by Elizabeth George, is coming to BritBox in 2025. 

Cast: Leo Suter as DI Tommy Lynley and Sofia Barclay as DS Barbara Havers 

Creator: Steve Thompson, who also wrote Vienna Blood and Sherlock Director: Ed Bazalgette, who also directed Marie Antoinette and The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die 

Producer: Suzanne McAuley, who also worked on Magpie Murders and Love/Hate 

Production Company: Playground, that also produced Wolf Hall and All Creatures Great and Small   

The series is expected to premiere in mid-2025. This new series will be distinct from the previous BBC series, which aired from 2001–2008 and starred Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small. The previous series is currently available to stream on BritBox. The cast of Lynley, the new show, also includes Daniel Mays, Niamh Walsh and Michael Workeye. Filming began in Ireland in August 2024.

SISTER BONIFACE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2024

The Sister Boniface 2024 Christmas Special: "Once Upon a Time" premieres on Britbox on December 17. I love all these Christmas specials. They're usually the first episode of the next season. So look for Season 4 of the Sister Boniface Mysteries in early 2025.

Don't have Britbox? The Sister Boniface Mysteries, Seasons 1-3, will be available on PBS, on December 16, but not this Christmas special. 

Pantomime season in Great Slaughter takes a deadly turn when a cast member of the Great Slaughter Amateur Dramatics Society is mysteriously killed during rehearsals. Sister Boniface (Lorna Watson) steps in to solve the case as the local constabulary join the production of Cinderella. The drama begins when Tibbles the cat delivers a grisly surprise—a human eyeball—and escalates when an actor is found stabbed in the back. As another cast member meets a grim fate, Sister Boniface must race to catch the murderer before they strike again. But can she unravel the mystery in time to save both lives and the town’s much-anticipated Christmas pantomime?