7 best british mystery series

British mystery series are a popular subgenre of crime fiction that often features intricate plots, compelling characters, and a focus on solving complex mysteries. These series can be found in various forms, including books, television shows, and sometimes even in audio dramas or podcasts. Here's an overview of British mystery series and their connection to police procedurals, mystery, mystery thriller suspense, and books:

Police Procedurals: Many British mystery series fall under the category of police procedurals. These series revolve around law enforcement agencies, detectives, or police officers as they investigate and solve crimes. They often provide a detailed, step-by-step depiction of police work, forensic analysis, and the pursuit of justice. Notable examples of British police procedural series include the Inspector Morse series by Colin Dexter and the "DCI Banks" series by Peter Robinson.
Mystery: British mystery series are characterized by their central focus on mystery and suspense. These series typically present a puzzle or enigma that needs to be unraveled by the main characters, often amateur or professional detectives. The mystery may involve a wide range of crimes, such as murder, theft, espionage, or other intriguing scenarios.Agatha Christie's works, including the famous Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple series, exemplify this genre.
Mystery Thriller Suspense: Many British mystery series incorporate elements of thriller and suspense into their storytelling. This adds an extra layer of excitement and tension to the mysteries being explored. Authors like Tana French, known for her Dublin Murder Squad series, often blend mystery with psychological thriller elements.
Books: British mystery series are commonly found in book form. These series can span multiple novels, with recurring characters and ongoing storylines. Readers become attached to the detectives or amateur sleuths and follow their adventures through each installment. Popular British mystery book series include Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series, and Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus series.
Television Adaptations: Many British mystery book series have been adapted into successful television series, bringing beloved characters and stories to a wider audience. For example, "Sherlock" (based on Sherlock Holmes), "Midsomer Murders," and "Endeavour" (a prequel to Inspector Morse) are well-known TV adaptations of British mystery series.

British mystery series have a rich tradition and a dedicated fan base due to their captivating storytelling, intriguing puzzles, and memorable characters. Whether in book or television format, these series continue to entertain and engage audiences with their timeless appeal.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best british mystery series on the market

Foyle's War, Set 3

ACORN MEDIA

Based on 85 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The international hit mystery series continues with four stories set in 1941, as World War II rages over Europe. Michael Kitchen (Out of Africa) stars as detective Christopher Foyle, whose loyalties are put to the test as his investigations uncover unpleasant truths that powerful people would rather keep hidden. Grounded in historical fact and filmed in London and the southern counties of England, Foyle’s War opens a unique window on a significant time and place. As seen on PBS.

Also starring Anthony Howell, Honeysuckle Weeks, Julian Ovenden, and featuring Corin Redgrave, Bill Paterson, Stella Gonet, Samuel West, Angela Thorne, and James Wilby.

THE MYSTERIES:

THE FRENCH DROP—Investigating a suspicious death, Foyle gets caught up in the rivalry between the established spy agency MI5 and the newly created SOE (Special Operations Executive).

ENEMY FIRE—Sabotage, murder, and adultery at a pioneering RAF hospital brings Foyle face to face with the devastating physical and emotional consequences of war.

THEY FOUGHT IN THE FIELDS—A murdered farmer and the crash landing of a German plane present a confusing case, especially as spring is in the air and even Foyle is not immune to a whiff of romance.

A WAR OF NERVES—An unexploded bomb at a busy shipyard leads to a startling discovery in a complex story of greed and politics.

Mystery on Hidden Lane: An utterly gripping cozy mystery novel (An Eve Mallow Mystery Book 1)

Based on 769 reviews Check latest price

The David Wolf Mystery Thriller Series: Books 1-4

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Songbird: Kings Lake Investigation Series, Book 1

Based on 767 reviews Check latest price

Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries Series 1

ACORN MEDIA

Based on 556 reviews Check latest price

Product description

In this spin-off to the wildly popular Australian mystery series, Peregrine Fisher (Geraldine Hakewill, Wanted) inherits her aunt Phryne’s estate after she goes missing on a case. As the plucky Peregrine steps into her aunt’s fabulous lifestyle in 1960s Melbourne, she also decides to follow in Phryne’s footsteps as a lady detective for a new era.

Relying on her street smarts and sheer nerve, Peregrine takes on the crime and corruption that have corroded the city. She soon endears herself to a club of accomplished women, led by steely former spy Birdie Birnside (Catherine McClements, Wentworth) and brilliant biologist Violetta Fellini (Louisa Mignone, Secret City), receiving their support and assistance on cases—along with the admiration of handsome, straitlaced Detective James Steed (Joel Jackson, Peter Allen).

With a leading lady praised as “charismatic” by The Wall Street Journal, this “worthy sequel… [is] a tongue-in-cheek takeoff on an Agatha Christie-style murder serial” (Houston Chronicle).

Masterpiece Mystery: Inspector Lewis - The Complete Series

Public Broadcasting

Based on 612 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Inspector Robert Lewis steps out of the shadow of his mentor the inimitable Inspector Morse in this highly-acclaimed series. Together with his partner, Detective Sergeant James Hathaway, they take on the elite criminal underworld of Oxford, England, relying on Lewis instinct and Hathaway s intellect. Catch all 33 beguiling mysteries, from the pilot to the series finale, in Inspector Lewis: The Complete Series.

Product features

Masterpiece Mystery: Inspector Lewis - The Complete Series

Stepping out of the shadow of his mentor, Inspector Morse, Inspector Robbie Lewis (Kevin Whately) solves challenging mysteries on the streets of Cambridge and in the halls of Oxford. He is assisted and bemused by his brooding, inscrutable partner, DS James Hathaway (Laurence Fox). Together they take on the elite criminal underworld, relying on Lewis's instinct and Hathaway's intellect. Collection includes all 33 mysteries, from the pilot to the series finale. 49 ½ hrs, 18 DVDs, SDH. Mature audiences.