Manville and mays unravel a deadly mystery in ‘magpie murders’
Lesley Manville, a consistently compelling presence on British television, is currently embroiled in a labyrinthine murder investigation – and it’s utterly captivating. Forget polite dramas; this is a plunge into the murky world of publishing and literary obsession, driven by a brilliantly cast ensemble.
Dive into a twisting tale of secrets and deception
‘Magpie Murders’ follows editor Susan Ryeland (Manville), a woman suddenly thrust into a perilous game when a manuscript from bestselling author Alan Conway goes missing, along with Conway himself. The initial mystery – a vanished final chapter – quickly spirals into something far more sinister, involving a detective from Conway’s novels, a suspicious publisher, and a cast of characters all harboring dark secrets.
From the BBC’s synopsis, it’s a relentless unraveling: “Editor Susan Ryeland is eagerly awaiting the manuscript from Clover Books’ number one best-selling author Alan Conway, whose hero Atticus Pünd regularly solves murder mysteries in the fictional village of Saxby on Avon. Susan is drawn into her own mystery when she and her boss realise that the final chapter is missing and Conway is found dead in his shrubbery.”
A stellar supporting cast
Daniel Mays, a ubiquitous force in contemporary British drama – think ‘Des’ and ‘Line of Duty’ – delivers a particularly layered performance, inhabiting two distinct roles: a detective in the real world and a character within Conway’s fictional narrative. Alongside Manville and Mays, Tim McMullan (The Serpent) embodies the stoic Atticus Pünd, and Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones) portrays the enigmatic author, Alan Conway. Michael Maloney adds a chilling presence as Charles Clover, Conway’s publisher, while Alexandros Logothetis brings a nuanced air to Andreas Patakis, Susan’s boyfriend.
The sheer breadth of talent involved speaks volumes about the series’ ambition. It’s a meticulously constructed puzzle, demanding attention and rewarding close observation.
Where to watch the thrill
All six episodes of ‘Magpie Murders’ are available to stream exclusively on BBC iPlayer. Expect a substantial investment of time – each episode clocks in at a gripping 44 minutes – but consider it a necessary immersion into a world where the lines between reality and fiction blur spectacularly. Don’t delay; it's a masterclass in suspense, subtly shifting and unsettling with every reveal.