Murder Before Evensong arrives as a charmingly atmospheric new mystery series, blending gentle humour, small-village intrigue, and a classic whodunit structure that feels right at home in the long tradition of British cozy crime. Adapted from Reverend Richard Coles’ Sunday Times bestselling novel, the six-part series leans into picturesque 1980s rural England, complete with gossiping parishioners, simmering scandals, and a church at the centre of more trouble than anyone in Champton ever expected.
It’s always fun to see a familiar face doing something new, and Harry Potter alumnus Matthew Lewis makes a genuinely engaging pivot here as Canon Daniel Clement, a kind-hearted, slightly beleaguered clergyman who unexpectedly finds himself in detective mode. Lewis plays Daniel with warmth and restraint, giving the character an emotional sincerity that anchors the series. For anyone who’s followed his work, from his franchise-defining turn as Neville Longbottom to his more grounded roles in Me Before You and All Creatures Great & Small, it’s a nice reminder of his range.
The supporting cast is equally strong. Amanda Redman brings prickly charm to the role of Daniel’s opinionated mother, Amit Shah is excellent as DS Vanloo, and Tamzin Outhwaite and Adam James round out the ensemble with dependable presence. It’s also a pleasure seeing Marion Bailey, whose recent turn in Good Boy was a highlight; she fits seamlessly into the show’s tone.
Narratively, the series strikes a comfortable balance between character-driven drama and unfolding mystery. The discovery of a body inside the church sets the village on edge, and the show wisely uses its setting as both backdrop and catalyst; every picturesque corner hides a rumour, old grievances, or a long-buried secret. While the pacing is deliberately measured, it suits the cozy-crime vibe, even if some viewers may wish for a slightly tighter escalation as the bodies begin to pile up.
Where Murder Before Evensong shines most is in its tone: warm without becoming saccharine, suspenseful without straying into grim territory, and peppered with gentle humour that makes the darker turns more impactful. The 1988 setting adds charm without feeling gimmicky, and the dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda, are scene-stealers in their own right.
If the show has a limitation, it’s that its coziness occasionally softens the stakes; those looking for a razor-sharp thriller may find the series more comforting than pulse-pounding. But for fans of character-rich mysteries, ensemble storytelling, and the kind of British crime dramas perfect for a winter evening, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Overall, Murder Before Evensong is a warmly crafted, well-acted whodunit with enough personality and enough secrets to keep you watching. It may not reinvent the genre, but it delivers exactly what it promises: a canny, atmospheric mystery that leaves you hoping for another visit to Champton.
Jessie Hobson