Magpie Murders (2022– ) User Reviews

Enjoyable new addition to the period detective genre with a clever twist

[JRB-NorthernSoul · 7/10 · 10 February 2022]

Susan Ryeland, the editor of the 'Atticus Pund' detective novels, receives a new manuscript but its unfinished and the author is... The drama switches between the present day and the fictional 1955 plot of the book. Its very cleverly done.

Adapted by Anthony Horowitz (Foyle's War) from his own book I was expecting something decent and it doesn't disappoint. If you want a well-written and acted period detective series with some modern twists, dive in you'll love it. Principal cast were all very good and at 45m an episode it breezes by.

A very engaging watch.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 19 March 2022]

Try and imagine the concept of a Poirot novel taking place inside an episode of Midsomer Murders, that's about the closest description I can think of to describe this quirky, but enjoyable series.

Anthony Horovitz has written some great material, and adapted One great shows, including some of the best loved Agatha Christie dramas.

It's a little confusing at times, but it all comes together well, and even if you don't fully understand events, you will during the conclusion.

It looks amazing, it's a wonderful looking production, with some fabulous clothes, sets and cars. Nice music also, it's not intrusive.

Personally I preferred the scenes set in the past, the crimes in the book were really engaging, I'd be happy to watch a series of Atticus Pund mysteries. In the style of Poirot he also gets his big moment to unravel the mystery.

Will we get The Moonflower Murders? I hope so, that's another cracking book that would adapt well.

If you enjoy the world of Agatha Christie and Francis Durbridge, then you may just enjoy this series, 8/10.

An immensely enjoyable multi-layered mystery

[fgerryts · 9/10 · 16 February 2022]

This was one of the best series I've seen in a long time. The story is told in several layers. The central mystery follows the book editor's investigation into the death of the best selling author and the missing final chapter of his last book. In parallel we follow the fictional detective, Atticus Pund, as the story in the last novel unfolds. The use of the same actors in both the present day and the novel adds another dimension to the story telling. The acting is superb, with Lesley Manville as the editor leading a strong cast. Seek this series out. It deserves to be seen more widely.

One For Sorrow...

[Prince-P · 8/10 · 2 June 2022]

Anthony Horowitz is the author of the successful "Foyle's War". He has also written numerous episodes of "Poirot", "Midsomer Murders" and the children's favourite "Alex Rider". In other words, the guy has an impressive CV.

And Horowitz doesn't disappoint with his latest TV production. "Magpie Murders" is based on one of his own books, and as usual the dialogue is both sharp and intelligent. When Horowitz then sneaks in his typical, humorous reflections on life and death, the mix is perfect.

However, a successful script isn't everything. Even a top-notch writer needs talented actors. With Lesley Manville and Tim McMullan in the lead roles, Horowitz has really been given the perfect interpreters of his stylish text. "Magpie Murders" is first-class entertainment.

Not my usual binge

[grahamf-55542 · 8/10 · 18 February 2022]

Whodunnits are not my thing normally, but I am so pleased I tried this. Highly original and very engaging. The story zipped along and never got boring.

A few of the characters were badly miscast but the leads were excellently played, and Lesley Manville was outstanding.

I hope Britbox will list more quality material.

I rate it a 7/10

[phynesse72 · 7/10 · 23 February 2022]

Fairly entertaining mystery. I enjoy Lesley Manville in just about everything she does. Tim McMullan did a decent job as Pund but Timothy Spall who was originally cast would have given the character that something extra. The past/present storyline was interesting. A few casting mis steps--Nathalie Armin's performance was painfully bad.

Superb

[neilsharp-03115 · 9/10 · 24 March 2022]

This is a very different quite quirky whodunnit, the way the modern day story mirrors the story in the murdered authors book is exceptional, this isn't a gritty in your face murder mystery, it's clever, well written and well acted, thoroughly enjoyable and a great addition to the excellent tradition of whodunnit dramas.

Pointless and distracting casting

[fwroots · 7/10 · 4 April 2023]

As others have correctly said this is a slightly above average offering from the genre of the easy watching gentle whodunnit

Lesley Manville and the main actors are all and the plot interesting and engaging but ..... Why oh why do they feel the need to change historical fact to supposedly attract a more diverse audience?!

All the fringe characters from this little English village in 1955 are non-white, of course they are! 😔 I'm not begrudging anyone making a living but it is ridiculously jarring and distracts from your investment of time and suspension of disbelief

Will stick with it and try and gloss over the failings until/ unless it gets even sillier.

Delicious

[martinchambers · 10/10 · 27 February 2022]

Just delicious! The kind of murder mystery I love. The main thread is about an author who publishes his latest murder mystery novel with the last chapter missing an then dies. The publisher, Lesley Manville, then sets out to find the missing chapter. However, this plot is very cleverly merged with the plot of the murder mystery itself in a way that keeps you on your toes and keeps you guessing to the last. Both Lesley Manville and Tim McMullan are superb and I must include the wonderful Conleth Hill. The pace is brisk and the writing is razor-sharp. Oddly, this premiered on Britbox only (as far as I am aware) which may limit its audience but I urge you to watch it if you can. Fully recommended.

Fairly hokey stuff

[bjhex1 · 6/10 · 11 April 2023]

It's hard to tell if the audience is being taken for a ride or not. This is a spoof of cheesy Agatha Christie whodunits, so is that why the writing is so corny? That would explain the inside story, but why burden the contemporary story as well? Along with the hokey acting, the writing keeps this series from being anything other than a simple time killer. In particular, the attempts at clue setting are irretrievably ham-fisted. Or is it a sign of the times, that viewers need to be spoon fed the solution with obviously contrived statements which have no purpose but to be called back upon later? It 'taints' the whole project. There, I've fulfilled the minimum word count.

What a Joy!

[philpotts-61235 · 9/10 · 26 February 2022]

Anthony Horowitz is one of our most prolific and successful writers, with 'Foyle's War' a particular favourite of mine - and of millions of viewers. Lesley Manville is a superb actor, and never gives a bad performance. Tim McMullen (who appeared several times in 'Foyle's War') is delightful as Atticus Pünd - and always good in whatever he does.

This is a highly original series, which I am certain delighted Mr Horowitz's inventive mind.

One can but hope that he gives Atticus another outing - preferably with Ms Manville but even solo would be acceptable..

A Splendid series. Thank you.

The writing does not live up to cast

[independently-poor2 · 6/10 · 12 February 2023]

As I watch this series, I find that my mind is divided between the stellar cast and the trite script. Throughout, there are frequent call-backs to Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie; however, based on this series, the author, Anthony Horowitz, doesn't come close to matching wits with these stalwarts.

The cast, which includes Lesley Manville, Tim McMullan, and Matthew Beard, just to name a few, are at the top of their form. The script, however, demands that they cite the most ridiculous lines. The mystery is prosaic, the cutting between the life within the book and the life in the "so called" reality is hackneyed. The development of the relationships between the main characters is, I must say, the sole redeeming factor.

I love Lesley Manville's work. She's worth the price of admission, no matter the project. The cinematographer has drawn upon her beauty by focusing on her expressive face. She is a strong, intelligent woman living in a male dominated world. She should shine, but the dialogue lets her down. I cringed too many times to give this a higher rating. Looking at the star power of this series, I wanted to love it. However . . .

Woke rubbish

[imdb-920-117062 · 1/10 · 11 May 2022]

Very disappointing to see a great story ruined by woke nonsense. Historically incorrect and weird choice of actors just to suck up to the woke brigade. Disappointed and sad.

A Cupid Stunt

[xmasdaybaby1966 · 9/10 · 10 February 2022]

I assume there will just be the one series and a very good bingewatch it was too.

Anthony Horowitz brings his experience from Poirot, Foyle's War and Midsomer Murders together and brings us this lovely little treat.

There is a double whodunnit here and it unwinds nicely with a weird conclusion as the missing pages of the book unravel.

A lovely 4 and a half hours. If only we could go back there. Such a shame it's hidden away on Britbox.

Pure delight!

[trimellone-18840 · 8/10 · 10 November 2022]

Anthony Horowitz . . . Where have you been? I've missed you since Foyle's War! Sure, Alex Rider is fun. I enjoy those too. But the clever writing, the plot twists, the dogged detective, and let's not forget--the perfect and detailed production values that your wife Jill Green seems to always ensure for your pieces--all these add up here to be a delight. Casting seems perfect; acting is solid throughout. Wish I could binge watch but apparently I'll have to make do with weekly releases on my PBS Masterpiece app. I hope I'll see more from you in the future; these have been too far between. I want more!

What a waste of (mostly) great talent

[froid-1 · 19 February 2022]

Lesley Manville is exceptional in everything, and the book is a good read, but what went wrong here? I was willing to stick with it but had to turn off due to the excruciatingly bad acting of a female character that comes in half way through the first episode. Peppered with great actors who come and go with nothing much to do, all verging on overacting - director, hang your head - all to ridiculously overblown orchestral music to much plot set-up and no action. They all try very hard - too hard - but this misses the mark. Actually subscribed to Britbox to watch this, what a shame.

Lovely if you're not too perceptive

[business_kid · 6/10 · 11 January 2023]

This builds into a double whodunit with a very Agatha Christie feel to it. It is ostensibly set in 1950s rural England. The same writer is behind Poirot, and Midsomer Murders.

Now I only gave it a 6 because if you're fussy, things will jar and grate on your nerves. I won't detail Spoilers, but I suggest ignoring them if you can.

I would rate the screenplay as rushed. The plot is very unevenly paced throughout the script. In a novel, you can turn from the last chapter back to page 46 to review earlier events you might not remember. You are unlikely to start searching through Episode 2 halfway through watching Episode 6. My guess is that the writer didn't like the poor price he was offered, and lacked care. He just rushed something off. Midsomer Murders is in the same vein. The Detectives in that show should be called Defectives. They go around for 1¾ hours doing no real police work and without a clue as the murders pile up. Then, when most of the (tiny) village is dead, the "star" is struck by ligntning, and rushes off, catching the murderer in the act.

Beautifully executed whodunit!! Just brilliant!!

[sanjubhat · 10/10 · 25 February 2022]

#sanjuzzreviews #magpiemurders

An awesome double mystery, with 2 stories going hand in hand and finally culminating in a beautifully conceived climax !! One of the most satisfying Brit whodunits that I have watched in recent times.

The first mystery set in the present era is about a book editor's investigation into the murder of a famed novelist and the last missing chapter of his final novel featuring his most famous Detective Atticus Pünd .

The second mystery is set in 1955 and we actually follow Atticus Pünd go about solving the murder ( the novel itself which is missing the final chapter).

Who has killed the author and will the final chapter of the novel ever be retrieved is what this series is all about.

The 2 plots are integrated seamlessly into the narrative to make this series absolutely unmissable. The past/present storyline is interesting & using same actors in the both adds a totally different dimension to the storytelling.

It is unusual for me to lose control of my emotions while writing reviews .. but this series has actually made me do it . Going totally gaga over it !!

Sonyliv has a lot of good content to offer and this is just one of them.

My rating 5/5 for this brilliantly conceived and executed whodunit. ..adios 🙂

This is a mystery within a mystery...a vintage storyline is interwoven with a current one.

[cgvsluis · 7/10 · 16 March 2023]

Mysteries abound in this series as editor Susan Ryeland receives the latest Atticus Pünd mystery novel to edit. While reading through the manuscript she discovers she is missing the final chapter...the "who dunnit" of the mystery. After discovering author Alan Conway is now dead, Susan embarks on tracking down the missing pages which leads her to some interesting and personal discoveries. Meanwhile the pages of Atticus Pünd are brought to life as we simultaneously try to solve the case of the fictional mystery.

This was an interesting story telling technique, solving a mystery within a mystery. The author is famous for basing his characters on real life...adding an additional parallel twist. Some of his fictional characters ended up shedding light on real life characters pointing to some very real life suspects.

If you are a mystery fan, especially a fan of mysteries like Hercules Perot...I think you will enjoy this series.

The Butler did not do it -- but Horowitz did

[A_Different_Drummer · 10/10 · 16 September 2022]

Brilliant! Once again, Horowitz proves that he is only writer in the UK that Steven Moffat needs to legitimately fear. Horowitz has the preternatural ability to succeed in multiple genres, something seldom seen even among the best scribes. Among his many other credits, he was the voice behind the brilliant Foyles War, and also the creator behind the teenage James Bond, Alex Rider. These credits barely scratch the surface. Magpie Murders is not only superb as a stand-alone series, but if you attempt to deconstruct it (for a film class, say) you would immediately notice that he first had to create a complete A-Z mystery in order to create a second mystery that parallels the first, and over episodic TV to boot. The last time I checked, they gave awards for that? ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

Absurd End

[velafam-74679 · 6/10 · 22 November 2022]

Great characters but story gets old and the ending was eye rolling. Usual recycled British actors. Great, but isn't there anyone left in Britain who can get a good role and whose face we haven't seen everywhere? Just not my cup of tea for six hours! Didn't feel any magic between Andreas and Susan. Pund was a great character even if he was boring. Actually all the characters were boring. Scenery was beautiful, present and past. I'm a big fan of Masterpiece Mystery, but not for Magpie Mysteries. I don't have anything to add but I have to use a lot of characters to write this review. Lots of better mysteries to watch out there.

Cleverly convoluted diptych mystery (6 parts)

[jamesrupert2014 · 9/10 · 23 November 2022]

The fictional investigation into the murder of an overbearing and obnoxious Lord by a literary detective parallels the actual investigation into the murder of the book's overbearing and obnoxious author. The story within a story is very well structured and the rationale for the 'real life' characters having 'fictional' counterparts quite clever. The cast, led by Lesley Manville and Tim McMullan, is uniformly excellent and the story holds together well over the six parts, avoiding the 'suspect of the week' structure common in multi episode who-done-its and setting up a final resolution that is both cheeky and satisfying. Consider counting the birds. Recommended.

Entertaining but confusing

[tm-sheehan · 7/10 · 22 November 2022]

My Review - Magpie Murders My Rating 7/10. Streaming on Britbox

After seeing Agatha Christie's famous stage whodunnit The Mousetrap iv3 come to appreciate her genius for murder mysteries even more .

Magpie Murders has an interesting plot line or plot lines as there really are two movies in one, Sometimes this works for me eg The French Lieutenant's Woman but in Magpie Murders which is about a most unpleasant author Alan Conway played very convincingly by Irish actor Conieth Hill who disappears after sending his latest murder mystery minus the last chapter to his publishing editor Susan Ryeland who is played by one of my favourite actresses Lesley Manville.

The series for me was entertaining, well written but confusing with so many characters slipping in and out of the story.

We have the real time story of the disappearance of the author of Magpie Murders plus weaving in and out all the characters in Alan Conway's crime novel.

I can't fault the performances or the production of this 6 episode double scoop of mystery flavours.

Conieth Hill, Lesley Manville and Tim McCullen as Atticus Pünd the clever sleuth who's creator Alan Conway has decided that this will be the last case for Atticus.

This latest book Magpie Murders which misses the last chapter throws publishing editor Susan Ryeland and her CEO played by Michael Maloney as Charles Clover into a panic because their best selling author Alan Conway has disappeared and this looks like the final Atticus Pünd crime saga.

Agatha Christie who is the acknowledged benchmark author of crime mystery novels always follows a thread then cleverly turns any assumptions of guilt upside down .

While entertaining I found the television series of Magpie Murders written by Anthony Horowitz confusing in its story flow if the fictional story was in a different period perhaps like The French Lieutenant's Woman I may have liked it more ?

Eh...

[Tales-ofa-Fangirl-witha-DVR · 4/10 · 6 March 2023]

This just didn't hit the mark for me like I thought it would. Murder mystery set in the publishing world sounds right up my alley, but the dead author was VERY unlikable and I didn't love the flipping back and forth between reality and the fictional world. I also didn't like when Susan spoke with Mr. Pund. The end felt weird for me. Some of the mystery felt forced and I wish the clues made more sense. As someone who has watched Vienna Blood, I also found it very strange that the actors who play father and son on that show were now lovers on Magpie Murders (or at least exes). I just couldn't get around that. Lots of hype and a let down for me.

Not a spoof but an homage to a genre

[vandaemon-332-601346 · 9/10 · 18 May 2022]

It's no coincidence that Anthony Horowitz is responsible for the best of the classic Midsomer Murders episodes, the superb Foyle's War and 11 episodes of David Suchet's monumental Poirot. As with all his work, there is a lot going on in Magpie Murders, a whodunit about whodunits.

Horowitz gives us an insight into the relationship between authors (editors, publishers) and their characters, particularly their protagonists. He reveals the love / hate relationship which can exit between a creator and their creation. How characters and plots, the present and past, of necessity force themselves into the consciousness of authors (and in Susan's case editors).

Magpie Murders also deals with the relationship between the reader (viewer) and a much loved protagonist. How do we deal with the inevitable loss of a character in whom we have a significant emotional (or financial) investment? I've never been able to watch David Suchet in "Curtain". Conan Doyle brought Sherlock Holmes back from Reichenbach Falls when readers revolted. Charles Clover's solution is to liquidate the author and bring in a ghost writer to continue the series!

This isn't a spoof, let alone "woke" (whatever that is supposed to be), nor is it a parody, it is in fact an homage to a genre by one of its best practitioners. It endorses Brent's view when he asks "why does a book have to matter, why can't it just be enjoyed?" It does this with typical Horowitz wit. It's Alan's pen which wields the fatal sword. A CWA dagger almost knocks off our heroine. Susan initially got it wrong, the answer isn't in the book (at least not how she thought), the answer is the book.