Queens of Mystery

Queens of Mystery is a captivating British television series that debuted on Acorn TV in 2019. With its high production value, clever writing, intriguing storylines, and a superb cast of characters, Queens of Mystery has gained a highly positive reception among viewers. The brilliant fusion of crime, drama, and mystery defines the essence of the show and propels it into an engaging narrative with several unexpected turns.

The heart of the series lies within the Stone family. Centred around rookie detective Matilda Stone, brilliantly played by Olivia Vinall, the series delves deep into her life as she returns to her quaint hometown in England after a stint in London to take on her duties as a Detective Sergeant. However, she doesn’t return alone. Under the same roof live her three aunts, who are uniquely intriguing crime novelists, each with a rich backstory and a dynamic personality. Julie Graham, Sarah Woodward, and Siobhan Redmond wonderfully portray the characters of Cat, Beth, and Jane Stone respectively, each adding their own charm to the wonderfully eccentric family.

Queens of Mystery is not merely about solving crime, but also about getting to know these four engaging women and their relationships with one another. The series offers a fresh twist on the classic “whodunit” genre. While Matilda spends her time solving the village's strange and oftentimes ghastly murders, her trio of aunts cannot resist ‘helping’ with her cases. The show artfully mixes the light-hearted interfering of the aunts in these big cases with the often serious and dangerous realities of Matilda's job.

Beyond the colourful characters and the sharp, smart dialogue, one of the most compelling aspects of the series is the intriguing underlying mystery surrounding the disappearance of Matilda's mother many years ago. This long-standing family mystery provides an ongoing narrative that runs alongside the standalone mysteries of each episode, ensuring that viewers have a reason to return episode after episode.

Queens of Mystery has been applauded for its unique narration style. The storytelling is beautifully complemented by the voiceover understood to be 'the unknown novelist.’ Voiced by Juliet Stevenson, this unseen character provides the audience with an omniscient view of the story and its intricacies. This narration unfolds into a strategy that gradually introduces the backstory of each character while keeping the audience engrossed in the current storyline.

The show’s scenery is also part of its charm. Set in the picturesque Kent village of Wildemarsh, the setting offers a visual delight. The idyllic country landscapes, charming cottages, and centuries-old buildings provide an antithetic backdrop to the grisly murders that transpire, which adds another layer of contrast and intrigue to the narrative.

From its undeniable charm to its well-rounded characters and layered narrative, Queens of Mystery delivers a refreshing take on the detective genre. Not only does it propound a young detective’s journey matchlessly balancing her professional and personal life, but it also illustrates the beauty of family dynamics in the world of mysteries.

The creators behind the series, Julian Unthank and Sylvie Bartram, deserve much applause for their invigorating take on female detectives. Emphasizing female empowerment, family ties, and each character's growth, the series delivers a modern, inclusive vision of the often male-dominated mystery genre.

With its delightful combination of mystery, comedy, and dramatic elements, Queens of Mystery is a gem for those seeking clever crime drama that combines multifaceted characters, intriguing storylines, and beautiful scenery. The undercurrent of an extraordinary family mystery, bound with the high stakes crimes of each episode, makes it a consistently compelling series that engages audience at every turn. As the series continues, one can’t help but root for Matilda and her litter of amateur detective aunts as they embark on more mysterious adventures, making this show a must-watch.