The Sister Boniface Mysteries is a British series that is available on BritBox. Sister Boniface is a perky, upbeat, ex-spy, Ph.D. – who does all of the forensics involved in solving a crime. She is the crime scene investigator, the lab technician, and she pretty much takes care of all the technical positions involved. Lorna Watson portrays Sister Boniface in an almost staccato mode. She walks, talks, and moves in a very controlled and planned manner. Sister Boniface is clearly a genius – definitely the smartest person in any room she’s in.
There are four other characters featured in this series, and all of them are very well-portrayed: Max Brown (the inspector), Jerry Iwu (the new detective who thought he was going to work at Scotland Yard, who finds himself in this cozy village), Miranda Raison (the journalist who always seems to be eavesdropping as crimes are being discussed), and Ami Metcalf (the constable).
The name of the village is a telling hint that this is a mystery series: “Great Slaughter”. The Sister Boniface Mysteries series is set in the early 1960s – the same as the Father Brown series. Sister Boniface zips around on her moped scooter and isn’t averse to breaking a few rules. The village setting is exactly what you would expect – beautiful, serene, full of friendly people, tranquil >>> until, of course, the pesky crime occurs!
My husband and I watch Sister Boniface at the end of the day – when we’re sort of unwinding. We know we’ll enjoy it and we know there won’t be any graphic “adult situations” that will jolt like scenes that depict a forensic pathologist pointing out how a mangled body looks on the morgue’s “slab” – while the pathologist is eating a sandwich. You won’t see that here!
This is another British “feel good” mystery television series that seems to be an oxymoron. You may ask: How in the world can a show that deals with death be a “feel good” TV show? Well, if you watch this show you’ll find out how!
Elise says
I’ve already seen them all! I hope there will be more.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Elise, I hope so too!
Wanda Venable says
We need more episodes!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Wanda, I agree!
Grant says
Fun show with humor yet enough of a mystery to keep your attention.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Grant, I definitely agree!
MVS says
Thanks for letting us know about this series. It sounds great! I’m looking forward to watching it (and am particularly intrigued, as a practicing Catholic!). This review reminds me of another, completely “feel good” murder series: Diagnosis Murder, starring Dick Van Dyke. It’s a little cheesy sometimes, and it’s’ got to be about 20 years old by now. But it’s just a really fun re-watch.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
MVS, I hope you enjoy it! It’s been a while since I last saw Diagnosis Murder – I should really revisit it at some point.
Deanna Concidine says
I agree, this is a very good series. They only have 1 season so far. I can’t wait until the next seasons to see how everything plays out. I love the names of the towns. I would move there except for the murder rate, lol.
It is similar to the Father Brown series. For me Sister Boniface’s personality is not as relaxed and easy going as Father Brown, but it is a good program so far. Mark Williams facial expressions are hilarious. He makes a cameo in one of the Sister Boniface episodes.
It is hard to find a good clean series that deals with murder and mayhem and still keep it rather light and funny. Sister Boniface, Father Brown, Midsomer Murders & Death in Paradise are in my “must watch” murder rotation.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Deanna, it’s definitely a good series worth watching, and I agree that the rest of your “must watch” rotation is great as well!
Linda says
I love the Sister Boniface mysteries! Great characters, and interesting stories. I read that there will be a season 2, and I am looking forward to it.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, so am I! It’s still a ways off, unfortunately – 2023 some time.
Ian Jopson says
Sister Boniface is just the type of unofficial ‘busybody’ to allow us an hours enjoyment, knowing that the villain will be aprehended at the end. You may be aware that she did originally appear in one of the ‘Father Brown’ episodes, and that the Father reciprocates as a guest slot in one of her cases. The only annoying thing about the series is that I wish the Inspector would wear his jacket more often when on official business. Please don’t think that the British polce force operate in the way this programme (and many others) portray, but you will enjoy spotting a number of British TV stalwarts in the supporting parts.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ian, it’s always assumed that the police are a bit off in this sort of show – unless it’s a police procedural, totally qualified and competent police would defeat the purpose of the amateur sleuth!
Beth says
I love this series. Hope there will be a another season.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Beth, there should be a second season according to other sources on the web – though not until 2023.
Shannon K Roe says
I really like the show!! I can’t wait for more!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Shannon, I’m looking forward to another season as well!
Linda Marglon says
I enjoyed this series very much!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, I enjoyed it as well!
Fran McPoland says
I really enjoyed this series – especially the episode when Father Brown dropped in.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Fran, it’s definitely a great way to tie together several series into a single coherent setting!
Linda says
Sorry if this is out of place, but I wanted to say how much I appreciate your recommendation for Shakespeare and Hathaway. Because of your post, I gave it a try and I am hooked. Love the characters and the stories. Thank you!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, you’re very welcome! I hope you give this series a try as well!