6 Shows That Are a Must-Watch for Any Cozy Mystery Reader
I love a good mystery show, especially ones involving super-sleuthing detectives. I’ve seen so many over the years, but here are some picks of shows that I’ve enjoyed and recommend for any avid cozy mystery reader.
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries
Fledgling detective Phryne Fisher is known for her sharp wit and pearl-handled pistol, which she uses to fight injustice in Melbourne during the 1920s. The glamorous sleuth makes her way through the city’s alleyways and jazz clubs while she fights crime as part of a larger mission — making sure that Murdoch Foyle, who she believes is responsible for the disappearance of her younger sister, stays behind bars.
Essie Davis is fantastic in this series! I love historical shows and this one is a fun mixture of action, suspense, romance, and adventure. Miss Fisher is a sassy and fierce detective who takes her viewers on a new adventure. I love the characters, cinematography, and costume design. I enjoy trying to figure out the clever murder mysteries placed in each episode.
No.1 Ladies Detective Agency
Following the death of her father, resourceful Precious Ramotswe uses her inheritance to open the first female-owned detective agency in Botswana and soon finds herself investigating varied and often-improbable cases, assisted by her frighteningly efficient — yet eccentric — secretary, Grace Makutsi.
Though it only had one season (it always makes me sad when shows I like to get cancelled), I thought it was well executed for someone who has never read the books. The shooting location of Botswana provides a scenic landscape and I love that some of my favorite actresses, Anika Noni Rose, and Jill Scott star in it. This show has its dramatic moments, but also many feel-good laughs.
Danger-Less Detectives
Two young detectives are looking forward to the future. Takano Shin is looking forward to being promoted and spends his time studying for promotions and utilizing in-house politics. Yonaka Wataru is busy with job hunting. Though they confront the numerous crimes in the city, they don’t work overtime, push themselves or even investigate.
If you enjoy slapstick comedies Danger-less Detectives is a show I highly recommend! It’s light-hearted, fun, and completely wacky. The series does not take itself too seriously at all which I think is the appeal of it. Takano and Yonaka are detectives that literally want to do the bare minimum of work and it was hilarious how they wanted to spend their days drinking iced coffee but end up actually having to be roped into a current case with each episode. It’s formulaic, but a good show to watch after a stressful day at work.
Murdock Mysteries
Based on novels by Maureen Jennings, Murdoch Mysteries follows young detective William Murdoch. In a series of stories taking place in Toronto during the 1890s and early 1900s, several challenging murder cases arise. Murdoch uses up-and-coming forensics techniques and an unconventional approach, which often elicit skepticism from his fellow officers and his boss. Coroner Julia Ogden becomes Murdoch’s number one ally, and they make a top-notch team, but he must struggle against tradition and prejudice to solve some of the city’s most-gruesome murders.
This TV series is one of my many comfort show to watch, and with 16 seasons (currently) in total there are plenty of episodes to watch. This show will appeal to historical drama fans as it shows how forensics technology of the past evolved over time and the show covers a wide variety of cases. The cast has a natural chemistry and you’ll easy fall in love with the crew of characters featured. This show’s episodes can be watched as standalones as well making it easy to pick up the story as you go.
Frankie Drake Mysteries
This drama series, set in stylish 1920s Toronto, follows the female-only agency Drake Private Detectives, led by the eponymous Frankie Drake and her partner Trudy Clarke. Incorporating a brand of justice that doesn’t always follow the law, Frankie and Trudy investigate mysteries and crimes that either the police refuse to take on, or that their clients cannot take to the police at all.
Though not the most historically accurate period drama (it takes some liberties with the costumes) it’s light-hearted and fun. Frankie and Trudy make a great detective duo and they have a spunky personality that is infectious. Among the suspenseful cases we get glimpses of the jazz age, radical politics, and the changing times.
Murder, She Wrote
Mystery writer and amateur detective Jessica Fletcher – a down-to-earth, middle-aged widow – ferrets out the criminals in idyllic Cabot Cove, Maine, which apparently is the murder capital of the United States for the show’s 12-season run. Though while travelling, she uncovers a fair number of killers as well.
Everyone is just about familiar with this show, but I’m a newcomer to this series. Like Murdoch, there are plenty of episodes to watch in this series. Jessica lives the bibliophile dream while enjoying a “soft life” in her cozy cottage while also solving mysteries when she’s in an adventurous mood. I also enjoy watching this show for all it’s guest stars, who are now some big-time actors/actresses in the entertainment industry.
What other mystery-themed shows do you enjoy/recommend watching? Comment below!
Oh I love Miss Fisher! And my family has watched so much of Murdoch and Murder She Wrote when they play all the reruns, it’s one of my favourite comfort shows. I had no idea there was a No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency show, that sounds great
Yes, it is. “Ladies detective” only got one season, but it’s still worth the watch. Murdoch has easily become one of my favorite comfort shows over the past couple of years.