"Queens of mystery" has only just arrived on British shores, But finally thanks to its producers Acorn Tv's streaming service (availible through Amazon Prime video as an extra or through its own website for a seperate monthly fee) we can now watch the series of 3 feature length mysteries over 6 episodes of 45 minutes in length.
First impressions are good. The light hearted murder mysteries are set in twee picture postcard settings in largely rural England - it follows 3 middle aged crime writing sisters that run their own bookshop in a rural English town (played by Julie Graham, Siobhan Redmond & Sarah Woodward) and their attempts to help their late 20-something niece Matilda (played by relative newcomer Olivia Vinall) a Detective sergeant in the Police to solve quirky murders.
There are similarities to the too short-lived U.S tv show "Pushing daisies" especially in the manner of narration throughout - which some may dislike, but which I thought added that little bit extra, but it's not a negative comparison like other reviewers have suggested, Its also very similar in tone to "Agatha Raisin" the UK mystery tv show (currently shown on SKY 1 in the UK with a 3rd season starting the week of this review) .
I wouldnt say this was a "comedy" as such, more a case of a "lighthearted mystery", very good acting - especially from the aforementioned Aunts and (total MILF) Julie Graham in particular as well as good characterisation.
Other reviewers here criticise the somewhat generic mysteries involved, I dont, infact I really like to watch shows such at these where you dont need to have a degree in Criminology to follow the plot.
The last episode ended on a little bit of a cliiffhanger, so I'm really hopeful that Acorn TV renews "Queens of Mystery" for another (and longer) season soon.
Unless you have access to Acorn's streaming service I dont if you will be able to enjoy the series like I have, It is the sort of tv show that UK cable channel ALIBI would be interested in or BBC1 would air in the early afternoon slot alongside FATHER BROWN & SHAKESPEARE & HATHAWAY.
Well worth watching (especially in these times of pandemic lockdown & quarentine)
Fingers crossed for further episodes
