Mystery The Inspector Lynley Mysteries - A Great Deliverance (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)This wasn't exactly the story I was expecting to see after reading the novel (some aspects of the solution to the mystery were changed), but it still stood beautifully on its own. This program introduces the odd couple detective team of the aristocratic Thomas Lynley and the working class Barbara Havers, investigating the beheading of a farmer in a small English town. The locales were stunning, and the casting was true to the spirit of the characters in the books, although the dark-haired actor playing Lynley was a little hard to get used to. Sharon Small as the angry, defensive, beleaguered, vulnerable, good-hearted Havers was fantastic. Havers has always been the key character to me, the one I keep reading the mysteries for, and it was such a pleasure to see an actress capture who she was so beautifully. Everything important about the character was there: everything from her family problems to her budget clothing, her inferiority complex, her temper, her capability, her gentleness, and examples of the humorous situations that she keeps finding herself in. The actress was absolutely captivating. This is a wonderful start to this new line of video mysteries. I can't wait to see Havers on the screen again. This fan of Elizabeth George mysteries, for one, is absolutely thrilled.

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Talk about a puzzling case. Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley of Scotland Yard (Nathaniel Parker, Far from the Maddding Crowd) is assigned to investigate the gruesome murder of a farmer in a seemingly peaceful country village, but it’s his new partner, Sgt. Barbara Havers (Sharon Small, About a Boy), whom he’s finding indecipherable. Havers is as gritty, rumpled, and working-class as the Inspector is refined, well-heeled, and sophisticated. Is the murderer the farmer’s shy daughter who was found next to her father’s decapitated corpse? The nephew who stands to inherit the farm? The estranged wife who’s protecting her new family from an unsightly past? Or is it a suspicious village resident with a shady past and a weak alibi? Based on the best-selling mystery by Elizabeth George, A Great Deliverance introduces Inspector Lynley with first-rate performances and abundant amounts of nail-biting suspense.

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Inspector Alleyn Mysteries, Set 2 (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)Having read all of Ngaio Marsh, Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie to name the most well known British mystery authors (Marsh is a native New Zealander) I rate Sayers # 1, Marsh #2 and Christie #3. Having watched all the available BBC renditions of Christie and Sayers and now the first for me of Marsh(I started with set 2) My opinion is that they have caught the essence of Marsh very well. If anything in a couple of the ones in this set the early melodrama is a bit heavy, not in character with what I recall of the books. However the portrayal of Inspector Alleyn and Troy agree with the low key "veddy British" behavior one woiuld expect from a Scotland Yard Inspector from the privileged class and his artist paramour. Perhaps some of the reviewers of set 1, which I am getting, but not viewed yet, who think the performances too stodgy have been watching too much shoot-em up American TV with no plot, just sex and violence. The settings of the ones we have viewed to date are outstanding and the character portrayal has been suberb. Much more depth than is possible in say a Christie story.
I rate these Inspector Alleyn five stars as well done completely true to the Ngaio Marsh intent. If you do not like the books don't buy the the videos, if you do like the books, then by all means get the videos.

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Get ready for a second caseload of complex crimes and quirky criminals deftly handled by Chief Inspector Roderick Alleyn (Patrick Malahide, The Singing Detective). A hard-working Scotland Yard detective, Alleyn's aristocratic breeding allows him to blend into the high-society realm in which these crimes occur. In stories based on the classic mystery novels by Ngaio Marsh, Alleyn traps a murderous blackmailer stalking London's debutante set, attends a lethal luncheon at the home of a gracious host, uncovers the killer of a World War I veteran's entrusted confidant, and witnesses heinous exploits on a picturesque Scottish island. The chief inspector gets expert assistance from his partner, Detective Inspector Fox (William Simons, Sergeant Cribb), and his insightful lady friend, artist Agatha Troy (Belinda Lang, To Serve Them All My Days). Guest stars include Diana Quick, John Gielgud, Geoffrey Palmer, Derek Benfield, Margaret Tyzack, and Tom Wilkinson.

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Persuasion (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)"Persuasion" is tied with "Pride & Prejudice" as my top favorite Jane Austen novel. I was looking forward to this version, after being a little disappointed with the 1995 adaptation (actors were a bit too old for their roles, I thought, but that's another review).
While "Northanger Abbey" is a story of young love, "Persuasion" is a story of love lost. Anne Eliott was once engaged to Frederick Wentworth but has had to give up the engagement due to the persuasion of her friend Lady Russell. Anne is the daughter of a baronet and Frederick is a young lieutenant with little prospects and was deemed by her friends and family as not worthy enough to marry Anne. Fast forward to 7 or so years later, and Anne's family is in dire circumstances. Her family has to move from their large country estate to Bath in an effort to retrench and avoid further debt. Frederick returns to England as a wealthy and highly eligible naval captain and his and Anne's paths meet again. Frederick is pursued by 2 of Anne's younger sisters-in-law while Anne is left to wonder what might have been. After a stressful visit to Lyme, Frederick and Anne's paths briefly separate. Anne moves to Bath where she is pursued by her cousin William Eliott and she crosses paths with Frederick again. Will love triumph the second time around?
Whether you agree or disagree with my assessment of the 1995 version starring Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds, I think you will find that Rupert Penry-Jones and Sally Hawkins are wonderful in their roles as Frederick Wentworth and Anne Eliott. Sally Hawkins - unknown to me until now - gives a soul-stirring and endearing performance as Jane Austen's long suffering heroine. Rupert Penry-Jones is aptly dashing and handsome, though perhaps a little bland, as Frederick (I'd take him over Ciaran Hinds any day). The supporting cast is solid - with a few exceptions - and the screenplay, up until the last 10 minutes, stays true to the tone and spirit of the book. The production values, costumes and locations are excellent. This scores points for actually filming in Bath and Lyme (actual locations from the book). Another high note is Martin Phipps (who also composed the amazing score of BBC's "North & South) who delivers yet another stirring score.
The reasons for the 4 stars are as follows (warning, spoilers!):
a) Casting - I absolutely detest Amanda Hale as Mary Musgrove. She is annoying and stands out in a bad way from the rest of the cast. Julia Davis is also off as Elizabeth Eliott and looks more like Anne's wicked stepmom than her older (by 2 years) sister. Elizabeth is supposed to be beautiful and elegant, and Julia Davis is nowhere near this. Surely there are more than enough talented British actresses who could have played these roles.
b) Changes - Some long-time fans will be a little irritated with the changes made to famous scenes from the book. This is where the 1995 version triumphs over this version. While the Amanda Root version remained faithful to the book, this version strayed in some of the vital scenes such as the dialogue between Captain Harville and Anne on woman's constancy; and the scene where Frederick writes a letter to Anne.
c) The last 10 minutes - where Anne runs around Bath like a headless turkey - almost completely ruined it for me. Whoever thought of sending a docile, elegant, poised, upper-class lady like Anne to run around town like a servant girl is beyond me. The adaptation would have been outstanding except for this miscalculation. I am not a purist, but there is just so much a long-time Jane Austen fan can take and this one crossed the line for me.
All in all, however, I give it 4 stars for Sally, Rupert, most of the supporting cast, Bath, the score and the first 80 minutes. It goes along swimmingly up until the climax, at which point I have to fast forward to skip the part I detest. A good and solid adaptation, but "Northanger Abbey" starring JJ Feild and Felicity Jones gets my vote as my favorite of the recent Jane Austen adaptations.

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Jane Austen’s romantic masterpiece comes to DVD in a thrilling new production from the BBC and Masterpiece Theatre. Anne Elliot fell deeply in love with the handsome young naval officer Frederick Wentworth at the age of nineteen. But with neither fortune nor rank to recommend him, Anne was persuaded to break off her engagement. Eight years later, Anne has lived to regret her decision. She never stopped loving Wentworth, and when he returns from sea with a fortune and rank, she can only watch as every eligible young woman in the district falls at his feet.

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Midsomer Murders: Set 11 (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)So many of our friends and family regret the decision of A & E and the Biography channels not to renew this classic British series. It is pure escapism and deliciously photographed in the wonderful English countryside. John Nettles is everyman's hard working police inspector - cynical, darkly humourous and wholly believable. The cast and characters are comprised of true eccentrics (as only the Brits can be) and one never knows what lies around the next corner in one of the charming Midsomer Counties villages. If anyone of the powers that be in the programing offices of any network are reading this, please reconsider returning Inspector Barnaby and his confreres to their rightful place on our side of the Pond. They are sorely missed!

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What evil lurks beyond the well-trimmed hedges of Midsomer… The cozy villages of Midsomer County reveal their most sinister secrets in these contemporary British television mysteries. Inspired by the novels of Caroline Graham, modern master of the English village mystery, the series stars John Nettles (Bergerac) as the unflappable Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby with Jason Hughes (This Life) as his earnest, efficient protégé, Detective Constable Ben Jones. Guest stars include George Baker, Elizabeth Spriggs, Simon Callow, Joss Ackland, Siân Phillips, Dermot Crowley, and Julia McKenzie. THE MYSTERIES The House in the Woods -- According to local legend, Winyard is haunted-and it lives up to its reputation when a young couple dies on the property in a grisly fashion. Dead Letters -- As Midsomer Barton celebrates Oak Apple Week, the mother of a former festival queen drowns herself. But is it really suicide? Vixen’s Run -- At a family gathering, thrice-married baronet Freddy Butler keels over dead, leaving an estate worth killing for.Down Among the Dead Men -- The shotgun slaying of accountant Martin Barrett leads Barnaby and Jones on a trail of blackmail. DVD SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE Fascinating Facts, The Killings at Badger’s Drift connection, Caroline Graham biography, production notes, and cast filmographies.

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Agatha Christie's Marple: Series 1 (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)I watched the new Miss Marple series, excited to see what Geraldine McEwan would do with the role. Unfortunately, I don't like what they've done with this latest batch of Christie's. Mrs. McEwan is a fine actress and she brings a "fluffiness" to the role that is missing from the Hickson version. Still, there is too much tampering with the plotlines to suit me. There are significant changes made in a couple of the stories, most notably in "The Body in the Library" so let the buyer beware. This isn't a minor change either as it involves the resolution of the case. They also add an odd, on-going storyline involving Miss Marple's own past love life that is simply not part of the books and isn't even close to being in keeping with the character of Miss Marple. As Agatha Christie is arguably the most acclaimed and accomplished mystery writer that ever lived, these changes were pretty outrageous. Her books stand the test of time and need no updating simply to satisfy 21st century ideas. I was surprised at this as the British are usually the ones who can be depended upon to leave good stories alone. So, if you just want a few hours of light entertainment, have at it, but if you're an Agatha Christie purist, you won't like this dvd so save your money.

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She's back! Proper, demure, and sharp as a tack, Agatha Christie's beloved Miss Marple returns to the limelight in sparkling new adaptations of four classic Christie novels. Geraldine McEwan (The Magdalene Sisters, Mapp & Lucia) is the ladylike sleuth, a wispy senior citizen who blows the police professionals out of the water with her keen insight and shrewdly analytical nature. Fearless and uncommonly wise to the worst in human nature, Marple has lived a long time-and she's paid attention. As seen on the PBS Mystery! series, these lavish 21st-century productions are rich in post-WWII period atmosphere and delicious Christie wit, with star-studded casts that include Joanna Lumley, Derek Jacobi, Tara Fitzgerald, Ian Richardson, Janet McTeer, Zok Wanamaker, Simon Callow, James Fox, John Hannah, and Celia Imrie. The Mysteries: Murder at the Vicarage The Body in the Library A Murder Is Announced 4:50 From Paddington DVD special features include an hour-long behind-the-scenes featurette with cast and crew interviews, a history of Miss Marple adaptations, a photo gallery and more.

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The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Vol. 4: The Word of God (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been an Elizabeth George fan for years. I'm always happy to learn she has released a new book. Although the Inspector Lynley series is merely based on some of the characters she has created, they still seem like old friends to me. I do miss the envolvement of the St.James element in the films, but fully ejoyed this DVD.

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PBS\'s acclaimed MYSTERY! series continues with BBC-produced adaptations of author Elizabeth George\'s popular INSPECTOR LYNLEY mystery novels. Pairing aristocratic detective Thomas Lynley (Nathaniel Parker FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD) with his working-class partner Barbara Havers (Sharon Small ABOUT A BOY) the British series chronicles the Scotland Yard duo\'s efforts to crack difficult cases while dealing with each other\'s class differences. In this fourth episode of the series\' fourth season Lynley and Havers investigate the murder of an illegal immigrant in possession of a valuable religious relic.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre:DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. Rating:UNRATED UPC:783421411197 Manufacturer No:WG41119

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Poirot - Murder in Mesopotamia (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)David Suchet, in my opinion the best Poirot, returns in top form as the little Belgian detective, once again on the trail of murder. He is accompanied by the ever-faithful Capt. Hastings (once again masterfully, if somewhat dim-wittedly, portrayed by Hugh Fraser), and the setting is the hot Middle-eastern desert (filmed on location in Tunisia).
Anyone familiar with the Poirot series which ran during the early-nineties will find that this new production does not fail in keeping up the quality that has trademarked David Suchet's reign as Poirot. The music is well-composed by Christopher Gunning. Clive Exton (main story adapter for the series), does a good job here. The director, Tom Clegg, does fine. The location shooting adds a richness to the over-all feel of the production, and, of course, Suchet and Fraser are excellent in the roles they now know so well.
For those of you unfamiliar with the plot, it takes place at an archaeological dig. The wife of the head man, Dr. Leidner, has been receiving threatening letters. She is in fear of her life. A local Arab man has also been murdered. There is a French archaeologist who is a little too mysterious for his own good. Other stock Christie characters, such as a nurse, a dutiful policeman to aid Poirot, and a family member (this time related to Capt. Hastings) are all on hand. Fairly quickly, the wife of Dr. Leidner is murdered.
The story takes on the "murder in the locked room" feel once the main crime has been commited, and it is at this point that the production really becomes engaging. If you have followed the David Suchet Poirot mysteries, then you will enjoy this one. But it is fair to say that is not, by any means, one of the "best" of the lot, despite its high production values.
Perhaps it is the story.
Blame Christie for having come up with one of the THE MOST unbelievable murder plots in mystery history. I found it hard to swallow the first time I encountered the work, and though this adaptation did its jolly-well best to work with the material, it *still* seems *very* far-fetched. That is all I will say on the matter, for I don't want to give anything away. If you are coming to this story for the first time, then I'm sure it will be quite an enjoyable experience. But if you're like me, and have seen or read it before, you'll probably be sitting there, thinking to yourself: "Great actors, nice setting, *bad* murder idea."
To quote P.D. James, "Agatha Christie was a conjurer."
She conjured many a fine and engrossing mysteries in her day, but Murder in Mesopotamia was not one of them. However, if you're looking for a cozy little two hour get-a-way with Poirot, as portrayed by the marvelous David Suchet, then by all means savor this production. The setting is real, the acting good, and the experience a pleasing one. It is not one of the *best* Suchet entries into the Poirot cannon, but it is a very sturdy one.

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Threatening notes from beyond the grave. A ghostly face at a window.A woman found murdered in a locked room that no one could have entered. HerculePoirot is back, and mystery is on the menu.On holiday in Iraq, Poirot visits an ancient site that his good friend Captain Hastings ishelping excavate. But what begins as an entertaining diversion becomes a professionalpuzzle to challenge even Poirot's brilliance when the head archeologist's unpopular wifeis killed. Though there is no shortage of suspects, clues are few and misleading, and thelocal authorities turn to their esteemed guest for help.It's a double dose of delight for Agatha Christie fans as David Suchet returns to hiscelebrated role as the debonair Belgian sleuth in this feature-length adaptation ofMURDER IN MESOPOTAMIA.

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The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Vol. 4: In the Guise of Death (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)Lynley is back at his family's estate when a neighbor is murdered. Lynley's time at Oxford figures in the plot, as does the actor's (Nathaniel Parker's) ability to ride and handle horses (many depictions of people on horseback make it clear the actor has never done it before and is terrified). Perhaps not the strongest plot in the series, but great entertainment nonetheless.

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PBS\'s acclaimed MYSTERY! series continues with BBC-produced adaptations of author Elizabeth George\'s popular INSPECTOR LYNLEY mystery novels. Pairing aristocratic detective Thomas Lynley (Nathaniel Parker FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD) with his working-class partner Barbara Havers (Sharon Small ABOUT A BOY) the British series chronicles the Scotland Yard duo\'s efforts to crack difficult cases while dealing with each other\'s class differences. In this second episode of the series\' fourth season Lynley and Havers are drawn into the world of horse training when they investigate the alleged suicide of a Cornwall aristocrat.System Requirements:Running Time: 86 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre:DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. Rating:NR UPC:783421410992 Manufacturer No:WG41099

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Cranford (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)I ordered this from Amazon UK to be able to view this prior to its release date. I was not disappointed! Sadly, I had to watch it by myself because my husband didn't think he'd like it. He would have been wrong, by the way. It was exquisite in every way.
I watched it over 2 nights. It's a 5 hour miniseries and it is broken up into five 1 hour-long episodes.
The first 3 hours were very very good. Excellent, even. But the last 2 hours were absolutely perfect.
In Cranford, we meet many of its residents with most of the focus on 2 spinster sisters and their surrounding friends and relatives. Everyone is kind here and look out for their neighbors and generally want to live correctly and do the right thing. Their village has been like this for ages and the citizens have all known eachother since birth. It is an idyllic place and a happy place. They welcome new residents, too, with every bit of friendliness.
Cranford has existed in the same way for years, even though times are changing. A railroad may come through the town and most residents are against this type of change. For with the positive changes-- such as information, goods, and knowledge, there would also be negative changes-- more transients, less safety, etc.
The intertwined story lines here involve the two sisters, class distinctions, entitlements and expectations, a very funny love triangle, and accepting change and modernity.
One of the best stories involves the young son of a poacher (one who kills animals on others' land). The manager of the aristocrat's large estate takes the young boy under his wing and wants to teach him to read and write. The aristocratic Lady finds out and believes that those of this underclass should not attempt to learn skills outside their "class". Maybe worse, the boy's father finds out of the boy's desire to read and also disapproves. We find out later that the Lady isn't cold-hearted. On the contrary. She's kind-hearted and full of pain, yet it's difficult for her to recognize the times are changing and that some of her ways must change, too.
When a new handsome doctor moves to town, he immediately falls for Sophy. Sophy returns his admiration, yet so do 2 others who misunderstand his general kindness for more romantic intentions. This culminates in expected confusion, but the outcome is happy at the end.
Those watching Cranford from the beginning may take it to be an old-fashioned chick-flick. It's really not, though. It does focus on the women of Cranford more than the men, but the stories depicted cross gender lines. Change-- industrialization-- is the antagonist here, along with fear of change. However, as new medical practices save several lives, and a member of the trade class saves a member of the Upper class, it's also obvious that change, by itself, isn't bad. It can be positive for everyone involved.
This is a fantastic series. The only disappointment was that it was only five hours! I definitely could have watched another few episodes with the same interest these five held. Beautifully acted, filmed, and scored. The entire film was thoroughly enjoyable.


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It's the 1840s, and Cranford is on the cusp of change. The railway is pushing its way relentlessly towards town, bringing fears of migrant workers and the breakdown of law and order. The arrival of Frank Harrison, a handsome new doctor from London, causes a stir, not only because of his revolutionary medical methods, but also because of the effect he has on many female hearts in the town.

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The Inspector Lynley Mysteries Series 1, 2, & 3 (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)Over the years I have seen several of the Inspector Lynley mysteries and was very impressed. This collection provides 13 intriguing episodes including the premier. The pairing of Lynley and Havers makes for great characters and brisk repartee between the lofty Inspector and the common sargent Havers. This is really a great mystery series with suspenseful plots and very talented actors. The DVDs are of high quality and the first series has quite few extras. Well worth the money.

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Inspector Thomas Lynley and Sergeant Barbara Havers, the most celebrated British detective duo in years, employ cunning, intuition, and street smarts to unravel some of the most heinous and suspenseful crimes. Despite their obvious differences- he is an upper-crust aristocrat, while she is decidedly working class- the sleuths evolve into a potent team, deciphering tantalizing mysteries. Based on the popular detective novels of Elizabeth George, and starring Nathaniel Parker (Far from the Madding Crowd) and Sharon Small (About a Boy). Includes A Great Deliverance, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3--13 Inspector Lynley mysteries in all.

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Agatha Christie's Marple: Series 2 (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)Sleeping Murder seems to refer mostly to what was done to the original book. Obviously considering Christie's mysteries too mannerly, the scriptwriters invented a troupe of actors who sleep around with each other, then changed the step-sister in the plot to a real sister so some incest could be added; by the time the heroine breaks off her engagement to her fiance, it is a mild denoument, but at least consistent.
In By the Pricking of My Thumbs, Miss Marple is injected into a plot where she is totally unncessary; and rather than the happy, intelligent couple we know from Christie's books, we are presented with Tommy as a bumbling, insensitive beaurocrat and Tuppence as a depressed boozer (with some unexpected company, since the local clergyman is also an alcoholic, of course).
The Moving Finger is much better in plot alignment, even though it opens showing the hero writhing in bed with various women (thankfully, only one at a time). But here the costume production details were messed up pretty badly: the (very) busty governess is about to explode from the low-cut cocktail dress she is wearing early in the morning as she oversees her young charges (in which any sudden movement would certainly have added graphically to their education); and when the hero's sister is shown seated at a formal dinner party eating with her gloves on, I laughed aloud; who made this episode, 21st century Americans?
All of this is a real shame, since a lot of thought and money obviously went into the period detail, and the acting is top-notch; but the representation of 1950's behavior is so unrealistic that it counteracts all the effort put into the visualization of the small towns and their surroundings. I've added an additional star from my earlier review, since the producers really did apparently try to give us 1952 England; but the production was forced to be so post-modern friendly, that they lost the originality and reality that would have made these episodes much better editions.
Had they considered a series focusing Miss Marple's sophisticated nephew, with new story lines, it might have been fascinating; but trying to hang onto some thin thread of the original plots, while taking all the chracters from 2006 and putting them into period settings, was not a convincing combination.

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As seen on the PBS Mystery! series Four all-new, full-length mysteries bring you a Miss Marple like no other. Geraldine McEwan (Vanity Fair, The Magdalene Sisters) returns as the spinster sleuth, as shrewd and sagacious as ever. Breathing new life into Agatha Christie’s novels, these intricately plotted and thoroughly engaging whodunits feature the richly detailed settings, lush cinematography, and imaginative screenplays that won Series 1 overwhelming critical acclaim and an Emmy® nomination. McEwan imbues Miss Marple with a kindly sparkle and sly wit that prove "irresistible," raves TV Guide. "Not your mother’s Miss Marple," says the Associated Press. Sterling supporting casts that include Anthony Andrews, Michael Brandon, James D’Arcy, Geraldine Chaplin, Timothy Dalton, Frances de la Tour, Sophia Myles, Ken Russell, and Greta Scacchi further enrich this 21st century celebration of Agatha Christie’s most beloved heroine.

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Dorothy L. Sayers Mysteries (The Lord Peter Wimsey-Harriet Vane Collection - Strong Poison / Have His Carcass / Gaudy Night) (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)I am unbelievably excited that this is finally to be released in DVD, or any format for that matter. This has been and probably always will be my favorite PBS series - my family has worn out two VHS taped-from-TV copies (It will be wonderful to have the picture match the sound again!)
The first two stories are reasonably faithful to the books, and although the "Gaudy Night" episodes are sort of a Dorothy Sayers Lite, they do make a good introduction for someone who is not familiar with the books. These episodes introduced me to Dorothy L. Sayers (my favorite author along with Jane Austen) and in that way, have greatly influenced my life.
The casting and the acting of these is perfection (thank you Edward Petherbridge, Harriet Walter, and Richard Morant!)- there is no cheekiness that bothers me about the Ian Carmichael versions of some of the other novels.
My only complaint is that they couldn't do "Busman's Honeymoon" for this series (someone in Hollywood wouldn't release the copyright - but have they done anything with it??? NO.)
HOORAY!!!

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Three elegant murder mysteries adapted from the crime novels of Dorothy L. Sayers which chronicle the relationship of amateur sleuth Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane unfolds in a realm of romance and intrigue. Includes the mysteries: "Strong Poison," "Have His Carcass" and "Gaudy Night."

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P.D. James - The Murder Room (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)As do her novels and their BBC Television adaptations, the detective fiction of P. D. James is so complicated by character and motive that it is difficult to get one's bearing - - - as it is with the TV version of her last book, "The Murder Room," which like all mysteries has a beginning, middle and end. Lady James eschews proper beginnings, however, and plunges us right into the story without exposition, leaving us to sort out the complexities. Her genius, and that of her adapter, is to peak our interest; we want to know what has happened, is happening and will happen, even if we don't quite understand what we are watching.
It is frustrating up to a point when all falls into place, usually about a quarter into the narrative; from then on, it is sheer bliss. In this one, her detective, a widower nurturing a romance, is asked to solve a pair of murders at a small private museum. The museum has a room devoted to historical murders and a board of sibling directors squabbling over keeping the museum open. Although likely suspects abound, the culprit comes as a surprise (there are clues for anyone paying attention.) The pacing, acting, direction and especially the production design meet the high standards of this series. There's a chatty BBC interview with Lady James that will peak your interest in her novels and other adaptations.


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Commander Dalgliesh undertakes a highly sensitive murder investigation at the Dupayne Museum. The circumstances of the case bear an unsettling similarity to the historical cases commemorated in the museum's notorious Murder Room. DVD Features:Biographies:Biographies of the cast and writer Interviews:P.D. James interview from BBC archive

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The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Vol. 4: The Seed of Cunning (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)spoiler alert, sorta - I won't say who did it, and at the end of the show, you will know, and so do Lynley and Barbara, but they do not and apparently cannot prove it, and the show ends with them essentially giving up, losing against more clever and powerful forces. It is the only mystery show or book I can remember that does that. Very frustrating. I don't know if there was an "ending" on the actual TV series, but there certainly isn't one here on this DVD.

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PBS\'s acclaimed MYSTERY! series continues with BBC-produced adaptations of author Elizabeth George\'s popular INSPECTOR LYNLEY mystery novels. Pairing aristocratic detective Thomas Lynley (Nathaniel Parker FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD) with his working-class partner Barbara Havers (Sharon Small ABOUT A BOY) the British series chronicles the Scotland Yard duo\'s efforts to crack difficult cases while dealing with each other\'s class differences. In this third episode of the series\' fourth season Lynley and Havers stumble upon a government conspiracy when they investigate a pair of murders in the House of Lords.System Requirements:Running Time: 86 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre:DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. Rating:NR UPC:783421411098 Manufacturer No:WG41109

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Poirot - Evil Under the Sun (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)After collapsing while eating at a posh restuarant, famed detective Hercule Poirot (David Suchet) is sent by his doctor to an island resort, where he is subjected to a painful program of diet and exercise. However, it will be his "little grey cells" that get the exercising when a beautiful actress is found strangled on the beach. EVIL UNDER THE SUN is another film from the top-notch POIROT series from A&E, with David Suchet once again bringing his definitive portrayal of the Belgian sleuth to life. Hugh Fraser provides solid back-up as the rather dense Capt. Hastings, while Philip Jackson is his droll self as Inspector Japp. As is usual with this series, the locations are wonderful and the 30's atmosphere is wonderfully invoked. This version is not to be confused with the somewhat campy film starring Peter Ustinov. While that one is fun in its own way, it pales in comparison to the Suchet version. As always, this flick is another delightful treat for fans of Agatha Christie's classic detective and one I highly recommend.

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POIROT:EVIL UNDER THE SUN - DVD Movie

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The Inspector Lynley Mysteries - Series 6 (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)I mentioned when writing about season five that this delicately etched and excellently acted series on PBS's "Mystery" was my favorite. It still is. I truly believe it is the finest show on television. Nathaniel Parker's Inspector Thomas Lynley and Sharon Small's Barbara Havers are eagerly awaited with passion each season by this viewer like nothing else on television.
Based on Elizabeth George's characters, the BBC show has grown and matured into something really special. The mysteries are always well-written and the lead characters have been allowed to let life and what each brings to the table change both themselves and how they view each other. Parker and Small are a fabulous duo who balance each other out.
The dashing Lynley was originally paired with Havers because it was taken for granted he would not be distracted by her in a romantic way. But the two quickly found there was more to each other than their reputations, and proved a great team. They also became quite close, their deep friendship and affection for each other rarely dwelled upon but always there beneath the surface.
Havers has given the dashing Lynley depth and complexity while he has given her a softer appearance over time. Small really looked terrific in season five with her hair down. Though some griped it was a deviation from the books, it is this intelligent lack of stagnation which has kept things fresh.
Season five ended tragically as Lynley's world changed in the blink of an eye when his beloved Helen was killed. One of the most poignant moments of the series found Havers sitting with Lynley after her funeral to make the world wait a few moments. It is intelligent and very real moments such as that which make this show tower head and shoulders above everything else out there.
It is for that reason that a massive campaign is being waged to persuade the BBC to continue to produce the show so that PBS fans in America can enjoy these richly mature and intelligent mysteries. The carefully nuanced performances of Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small as Lynley and Havers would be harder to live without than Lynley's beloved Bristol.
Until that happens, we can at least enjoy the two episodes here on season six. In "Limbo," first aired in Australia, the remains of Lynley's godson are discovered twelve years after he was reported missing. Lynley becomes deeply involved with the deceased's sister and will become the prime suspect in a second murder. In "Know Thine Enemy" one young schoolgirl kills herself to escape captivity and Lynley and Havers try to find another before tragedy strikes twice.
The Inspector Lynley series is smart and atmospheric, Debbie Wiseman's opening music setting the tone for each intriguing installment. Fans cherish this show and hopefully this won't be the last we see of our favorite detectives.

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INSPECTOR LYNLEY MYSTERIES 6 SET - DVD Movie

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