The Cozy Mystery List Blog

My husband and I sort of put off watching the first episode of this because I knew this British television series is based on a “not necessarily Cozy” mystery series (written by Ann Cleeves). I received several comments and letters from Cozy Mystery readers suggesting I watch this TV mystery show. Am I glad we finally did!

This British mystery series is set in Northumberland – and features a rather cold, desolate area. Vera (played beautifully Brenda Blethyn) is usually seen donning a rumpled overcoat – somewhat reminiscent of Columbo’s. She wears her trademark floppy fishing hat almost every time she’s outdoors. Vera is a Detective Chief Inspector heading an office of detectives. She is a no-nonsense type of boss who doesn’t go in for normal everyday pleasantries. She doesn’t remember the names of her subordinates’ children, probably because their names aren’t important facts in a case. She often asks questions, but doesn’t listen to the answers since she’s off on another tangent.

During the first four seasons, Vera was very capably shadowed by Detective Sergeant Joe Ashworth (David Jean). One of my favorite characters throughout the first six seasons is Detective Sergeant Kenny Lochhart (Jon Morrison). His relationship with Vera seems to go way back. He is the person Vera is most likely to joke about – however we never actually see him outside of the office with his many women – the subject of many of Vera’s needling jokes.

Another favorite character of mine was the forensic technician, Billy (Paul Ritter). Vera and Billy also shared a past. They were almost “equals” which doesn’t happen very often with Vera.

There are no female characters of whom I can write. It seems like as soon as the viewer becomes familiar with a female on the show >>> she’s gone. Sometimes her absence is explained, other times I’m left asking my husband “What the heck?”

If you’re looking for a new mystery to watch that isn’t flashy, sexy, or full of beautiful people – but rather a series that is realistic, and centers on a believable mystery, then I suggest you try Vera. My husband and I are glad we did!

(By the way, Vera is available for streaming on Acorn TV – which is how we watch it.)

Also, if you’re interested in taking a look at some other good mystery shows, make sure to go to my Cozy Mystery TV and Movies page.

I have had several readers contact me over the past twelve years – asking why I don’t have a Murder, She Wrote entry on the Mystery TV and Movies Page. I just assumed everyone was already aware of this 1984-1996 TV mystery show – either from when it originally aired or now, in its umpteenth re-run life.

If you have read my description of what a Cozy Mystery is then you are aware of the trepidation I assume neighbors of Jessica Fletcher (the main sleuth) must feel whenever she is in town. Every week, Jessica (beautifully played by Angela Lansbury) is on the quest to find a murderer! In fact there were so many murder in her hometown (Cabot Cove, Maine) that she finally had to establish a living base in New York City, perhaps at the insistence of her Cabot Cove neighbors >>> those still alive that is! (Actually, she has a second home there so that she can be closer to her publisher, as well as teach criminology classes.)

Jessica is a retired high school English teacher who writes best selling mystery novels. Her novels are so popular in fact, that whenever she visits either New York City or an exotic locations (of which there are many, especially in later seasons) the police assigned to the case (which Jessica will invariably solve) welcome her to join them in solving the case, since they are big fans of her mystery novels.

At the beginning of the TV series, I believe most of the shows were based in Cabot Cove, a quaint fishing village where (just about) everyone is on a first-name basis. Jessica has a close circle of friends – which includes easily-agitated Dr. Seth Hazlitt (William Windom), Sheriff Amos Tupper (Tom Bosley), realtor Eve Simpson (Julie Adams), and Sheriff Mort Metzger (Ron Masak). Of course, Jessica knows everyone very well. Her knowledge can be attributed with either having had them in one of her English classes or them being parents of her students. Also, her good friends (Seth and Eve) love to share gossip!

I doubt there are any mystery shows that are more Cozy than Murder, She Wrote. Even though the shows are based on murder, they are never graphic, nor do the shows ever focus on the “let’s-gross-out-the-audience” realistic forensic scenes. (I believe they were considered “family fare” when they originally aired.)

Best selling Cozy Mystery author Donald Bain writes the Murder She Wrote book series which is based on this show. I picture Angela Lansbury every time I read one of Bain’s Cozies. I can’t imagine any other actress trying to take this role on. I strongly recommend you try watching Murder, She Wrote – if you’re one of the few people who hasn’t already enjoyed this TV series.