The Doctor Blake Mysteries series takes place in Ballarat, Australia, which looks like an absolutely beautiful, serene place – other than the occasional, weekly murders! Dr. Lucien Blake returns to his hometown after a long time away to take over his late father’s medical practice. He doesn’t seem particularly happy to be back, nor does he seem to have been missed very much while he was away. Lucien had been captured by the Japanese during WWII and had been held in a prisoner of war camp. He was separated from his wife and daughter during the war and does not know where they are.
Lucien inherited his father’s large Victorian house, which came with a few boarders: a young police man, a young nurse, and a beautiful middle-age housekeeper. At the beginning of the series you see Lucien interact with his patients a lot of the time. However, in later shows, Lucien’s job as police surgeon seems to dominate his time – which is fortunate for viewers with a penchant for well-told and thought-out mysteries.
The acting in The Doctor Blake Mysteries is terrific. Craig McLachlan plays Lucien Blake, housekeeper Jean Beazley is played by Nadine Garner, and Joel Tock is Chief Superintendent Matthew Lawson. All three of them are very, very convincing as three adults who grew up knowing about each other’s secrets. Cate Wolfe plays the young nurse, Rick Donald is the young constable who is then replaced by Charlie Cousins.
The late 1950s atmosphere is also very convincing. It’s very reminiscent of old 1950 television shows/movies. Of course, since Lucien inherits his father’s old Victorian house, a lot of the furniture dates way back.
I should mention that since the police chief and Lucien go way back, they share a friendship and mutual respect that is really enjoyable to see. This is rather refreshing because many TV mystery shows display an antipathy between the police and an amateur sleuth. Lucien is actually encouraged to do more than just the forensic necessities and to involve himself in the mysteries.
All in all, this is another beautiful Australian mystery series. The acting, writing, wardrobe, scenery, and yes, the mysteries are all very good. I highly recommend watching The Dr. Blake Mysteries, and from the letters I’ve received recommending the series, many other Cozy Mystery readers also enjoy watching the show.
P.S. This show is available on Netflix.
For more Cozy viewing ideas, click on my Cozy Mystery TV & Movies page.
Carole says
I could not find Dr Blake Mysteries on Acorn. Not sure it is still available.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Carole, oh no! That’s a real shame. Thanks for letting me know – I’ll change the post to reflect that it may no longer be available.
Pat Cray-Hollis says
Sometime the show comes on PBS. I watched it on UNC PBS. Check your local PBS website.
Karen says
I love both those shows! Been watching them for over year.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Karen, it sure is great.
Nina D says
Wonderful! I was so sad when I got to the end of the Phryne Fisher series on Netflix. This can fill the void ?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Nina, glad I can help you fill your time!
Nancy says
Thank you for the great review! We’ve been watching this on our PBS station and absolutely love it!!! Also want to take this chance to thank you for recommending the Brokenwood Mystery series which we are now watching and thoroughly enjoying!!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Nancy, I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying both this and Brokenwood!
Lenita says
This wonderful show is also available on many PBS stations.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lenita, thanks for the tip! The difference in PBS programming makes it hard for me to check if it’s available there – I don’t think I’ve seen it on my local PBS.
Joppy says
Keep an eye out for The Brokenwood Mysteries as well. It’s a New Zealand series all about two hours long, very easy on the eye, with a bit of a nod to Midsommer Murders. The main character seems a little scruffy, drives an old car and likes country music; his sidekick is a young female officer while they have a junior officer for the dirty jobs. Throw in a Russian pathologist with no sense of humour and you have the ‘team’. Currently showing season 4 in the UK.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Joppy, Brokenwood is also definitely a great one to watch.
Tracie Hoy says
This has become one of my favorite shows. Hate to hear it was canceled while it was still their #1 rated show. Hope another network picks it up.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Tracie, it’s always a bit frustrating when such a great series ends unexpectedly, particularly when it’s still putting out such good work.
Linda says
If you are talking about Doctor Blake it has been picked up by another network, I think it is something like Seven?? Anyway suppose to have new ones in 2018 from what I have read. Love this series, as well as Brokenwood, which the new season is now on Acorn TV.
Glennis Helton says
Love Dr Blake mysteries.. anxious to seen series but they are not shown in USA except on PBS and not regularly… looks like I will have to buy it.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Glennis, well, I’d definitely say it’s worth it.
Melanie Sablosky says
I love Dr. Blake! I usually see it Friday nights on my PBS “Brit Murder Night “, followed by “Midsommer Murders”.
Australia has great programming.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Melanie, I definitely agree, are definitely some great mystery series coming from what I would have considered unexpected places a few years ago!
Lora says
Have to add that to my Netflix list. Sounds interesting.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lora, I hope you enjoy it!
shan says
Great series …. I highly recommend as well.
Not sure if Brokenwood Mysteries have been mentioned here but that’s another terrific Australian series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Shan, Brokenwood has definitely come up – though it is from New Zealand, not Australia! That said, it really is another great series from the general region.
shan says
YIKES … my bad re Brokenwood = New Zealand, not Austrailian. Thanks for the correction!
Jonice R says
I too am a big fan of both shows. I was very happy to see that the show Doctor Blake’s Mystery’s was renewed and season 5 was completed and can be seen on YouTube as well as Season 4! Hope that Netflix will add the additional Seasons!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jonice, I’m definitely looking forward to the rest becoming available!
Patrick says
Dear Dana & everyone,
Excellent news! Doctor Blake Season five including a special movie Family portrait has just come out this year.
Just what we all need to chase away the rerun blues
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Patrick, I’ve heard similar news – though I’m not sure how long it will be before it’s available here in the States! Well, hopefully it should be worth the wait.
Shalma S says
Heard about Doctor Blake mysteries from radio hostess and found the series on NJ TV station. I enjoy the series and hope there are many episodes. However, the show now have 3rd chief of police, with no full explanation why the changes.
Great series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Shalma, it’s definitely a great series to look for, and well worth hunting down on television if it will be available!
Janice G says
I’ve been able to get both series on DVD from our county library association. Many of the British and Australian series are also available – a good way to try out many series without spending any money.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Janice, that’s definitely a good suggestion!