Right now, the world seems kind of unfair. There are some things we can affect, but there are also a lot of things we can’t. What do you do when you’re feeling helpless? Take in a few murder mysteries.
No, really.
The rise of murder mysteries and detective fiction in the early 20th century comes specifically from this sort of mood. A lot of people sent family members and loved ones off to die at war overseas. They’d never have a real, solid answer for what happened to the people who never came home.
Reading detective stories helped with that lack of closure. A smart person established means and motive. The bad guy was found. The crime still happened, but every possible aspect of who, how, and why was tied up in a tidy bow by the end. It was wish fulfillment: vicarious common sense, justice, and closure.
That’s why I’ve been finding myself turning to my favorite murder mysteries lately. Whether it’s the impossible turnabouts of Ace Attorney or some classic Agatha Christie, these stories let me feel like even the most impossible problems can be solved.
So, for you, I’ve gathered up a few of my favorite British murder mysteries, to enjoy on those days when you need a bit of the same. Best of all? All of these shows are available on Britbox!
Hetty Wainthropp Investigates
If you’re a child of the PBS Britcom block like I am, you’ll recognize Patricia Routledge on sight. The late comedienne starred as the over-the-top, image-forward Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced “bouquet”) in Keeping Up Appearances. But in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, she turns her attention from candlelight suppers to murder mysteries.
Based on a character from the novel Missing Persons by David Cook, Hetty Wainthropp is a working-class woman who just can’t keep her nose out of other people’s business. That’s a good thing in this case, though. That means when the police wave off an incident as unimportant, she’s all over it — to excellent effect.
The “cozy crime” series aired its pilot in 1989, and the series proper took off in 1996. There are four whole seasons of the housewife-turned-detective solving crimes!
Jonathan Creek
Fictional detectives come from all walks of life… but who better to solve murder mysteries than a magician’s assistant?
Jonathan Creek hails from writer David Renwick, and stars actor and comedian Alan Davies as the misanthropic protagonist. Jonathan Creek lives in a windmill and makes his living designing complicated stage illusions. It’s a perfect job for him, as it lets him stay out of the limelight… but Maddy has other ideas.
Investigative reporter Maddy Magellan sees Creek’s talent for lateral thinking, and puts it to use solving mysteries everyone else has given up on. From impossible murders to literal locked-room cases, Jonathan (sometimes reluctantly) figures them all out.
Plus, Jonathan Creek has a wide array of recognizable guest stars, from Anthony Stewart Head to multiple Doctor Who leads!
Campion
Speaking of Doctor Who, Fifth Doctor Peter Davison has solved more than his share of murder mysteries as multiple detectives. Notably there was Albert Campion, a seemingly bland aristocrat who took on a pseudonym and a life of adventure.
Originally hailing from a series of novels parodying Lord Peter Wimsey, Campion became his own person soon enough. Charming, unflappable, and witty, he was also a fighter and a dangerous intellect… but it took a lot of work to get him to show that side of himself. Davison’s turn in the role also marks him as a good singer, as he rattles out the occasional 1930s tune.
The Campion murder mysteries might be better classed as “adventure” than “mystery,” but the important elements are still there. Albert Campion (or whatever his real name is) will solve the puzzles and save the day. Justice will be done. And he will look so dapper in the process.
If you’re hungry for more, be sure to check out Britbox’s full collection of mystery series. They really are a cure for what ails you, and a surprising comfort when you’re feeling at a loose end.
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