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Marble Hall Murders, Harry Wild, Clarkson's Farm, & Exciting British TV Rumours
Published 17 days ago • 4 min read
Sad news today - British author Peter Lovesey has died at the age of 88. Fans of British crime novels will likely be familiar with his work - particularly the Peter Diamond series, which ended in 2024 with Against the Grain. Lovesey announced in 2023 that it would be the last outing of the Bath-based detective, as his medical issues were terminal and he wouldn't likely live long enough to complete more. In a late 2024 interview, he expressed delight that he was able to live long enough to see the final book's publication.
You may also know him from classic British TV. Some of his Sergeant Cribb novels were adapted for the Granada TV series Cribb (1979-81), which starred Alan Dobie as Cribb and William Simons as Thackeray. Though not available to stream, you can get the full set on DVD HERE.
Set in Victorian London around the time of the Jack the Ripper murders, the series offered a gritty look at life and crimes and emerging policing techniques - with story elements that included spiritualism, late night music halls, London Zoo, bare-knuckle prize fighting, and Barnum & Bailey's Circus.
Watching: Blackeyes - I spotted this 1989 BBC film available to stream, and while it's a bit dated, it's definitely something different. Gina Bellman (Coupling, Leverage) stars as a model whose novelist uncle has written a bestseller full of details from her life. Michael Gough (Batman Returns) stars as her uncle. The film was highly controversial when it came out, so it's interesting to watch it through a 2025 lens.
Reading: Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn - Only part of this book is set in the UK, but it's a must-read for anyone who enjoys hilarious crime fiction that's on the cosy end of the spectrum without being too quaint and Hallmark-y. When four female assassins retire, they're gifted a luxury cruise - only to discover the organisation they worked for is trying to kill them off.
Marble Hall Murders News
Over in the UK, the third and final entry in Anthony Horowitz's Susan Ryeland series is now available. The series that began with Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders will wrap up in Marble Hall Murders. In the US, it's only available for pre-order (due out in May).
If you enjoyed the TV adaptations, you'll be pleased to know that Marble Hall Murders will be produced by Eleventh Hour Films in association with Salt Films for MASTERPIECE PBS and the BBC. Filming began in March, so hopefully that means the wait won't be TOO terribly long.
Acorn TV has released a trailer and some episode information ahead of the May 5th premiere of season 4. Here's what we know so far about the new episodes and when they air:
Episode 1: May 5th, "Heads, I Win, Tails, You Lose" - Harry and Fergus take on a disturbing case—a serial killer targeting random victims and leaving a coin in their mouths. Meanwhile, Harry B asks a reluctant Harry to travel the world with him, and Fergus plans to attend college with Lola.
Episode 2: May 5th, "For Whom the Bell Tolls" - Harry and Fergus travel to the convent of a silent order of nuns after an old friend asks Harry to investigate a suspicious suicide, believing foul play is afoot. Elsewhere, a familiar face provides a very welcome surprise.
Episode 3: May 12th, "Hold Your Horses, We've a Killer to Catch" - A fun day at the races for Harry and Fergus ends in tragedy when a racehorse throws its jockey from the saddle. Harry B discovers the horse was sabotaged and insists the owner, his father, Duncan, is responsible for the crime.
Amazon Prime Video has announced a premiere date for season 4 of Clarkson's Farm.
In the new season, Jeremy Clarkson balances running Diddly Squat Farm without Kaleb, taking on pub ownership to revive his restaurant dream, and battling bureaucracy, livestock woes, and unpredictable weather as he attempts to keep his farming dream alive.
Jeremy Clarkson and the team will return on May 23rd, with episodes rolling out as follows:
May 30th: Episodes 5-6
June 6th: Episodes 7-8
British TV Rumours Abound!
It's been a busy week for whispers and rumours in the British TV world, so here's a quick summary of what we've seen.
Return of Benidorm? Major newspapers have been reporting that Benidorm might be returning to our screens roughly 8 years after the sitcom was cancelled. Star Sherrie Hewson was recently on Best Magazine's Suddenly Single podcast, and she said, "There is this thing that it's coming back though, and I keep that alive...It is now a possibility. That would be wonderful because we all miss it desperately."
More Line of Duty? There's been no official confirmation, but major sources like The Independent and Deadline have cited an industry insider who said that schedules have finally aligned, and filming for a 7th season will begin in January 2026.
Chelsea Detective Filming Season 4? - Though we've yet to see official confirmation from Acorn TV, two separate subscription-based cast and crew websites (where industry people look for work opportunities) have listed this one as being in production, with season 4 filming set to begin this summer.
British TV news for American audiences. Enjoy British TV shows like Sherlock, Bridgerton, Downton Abbey, or Midsomer Murders? Wish it was easier to know when new shows are out on each of the different streaming services? Want a way to discover older British shows you might like? Sign up and we'll keep you updated.
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