My husband and I recently came across another mystery series on Acorn that I definitely think is worth a look, especially if you like mysteries with a strong dash of interpersonal drama among the recurring characters.
Whitstable Pearl is a 2021 British crime series based on a novel series by Julie Wassmer. The main star of the show is Pearl Nolan (played by Kerry Godliman), the owner of a seafood restaurant and part time detective in the small, beautiful coastal town of Whitstable (UK). The other main sleuth is DCI Mike McGuire (Howard Charles), a gruff police detective who moves to Whitstable from London, despite his professed dislike of small towns.
Pearl is a single mother of a teen age boy who employs her own mother (played by Frances Barber) as the cook in her restaurant. The two actresses are terrific portraying the mother/daughter relationship… (I looked forward to their interactions!)
The first episode starts with Pearl stumbling across the drowned corpse of an old friend. Most of the other episodes start from a crime being investigated by Mike, usually murder, and Mike using Pearl as a source of local knowledge. Some instead focus on Pearl investigating something as a private detective, though nothing as obviously serious as murder.
Whitstable Pearl has a lot of family (character) drama mixed in with the mysteries. Each character seems to have personal issues they need to deal with — however, don’t most of us? (I will say that my husband and I just started season two and I was a little surprised at the changes in the two main characters. Of course, we’ve only watched the first episode so maybe they get back to “normal” as the season progresses.)
Each of the two seasons consists of 6 episodes, and each episode is around 45-50 minutes total, each consisting of a single mystery. Both seasons are currently available on Acorn.
Suzette says
I love this show, have watched all episodes and hope it has been renewed for another season.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Suzette, I hope so as well!
Diane Harpist says
I’m an Acorn lover who has also tried Whitstable Pearl. This one is good if you like dark, edgy mysteries. IMO it’s more realistic, not cozy … but the coastal/water setting is always mysterious. (I do feel sympathetic that Pearl & the cop seem to be struggling with so many personal issues–I’d like to see them enjoying life occasionally!)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Diane, it certainly isn’t the most “Cozy” mystery series I’ve seen lately, but I still think it’s worth recommending.
V. Baker says
I highly recommend this series also. Acting and writing are superb. Interplay between characters is very much on point. A nice mix of veteran actors and newbies.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
V., I certainly agree!
Patti B. says
Thanks, Danna, for sharing your thoughts about Whitstable Pearl. Like you, I thoroughly enjoyed the show, especially the interactions between the main characters. Each character had a distinct personality, which really added to the drama and humor in each show. The interaction between Pearl and her quirky mother is great, as is Pearl’s interaction with her teenaged son (played by Rohan Need, who masterfully plays Jane Seymour’s assistant in the delightful cozy mystery “Harry Wild” on Acorn TV). And I’ll admit, as much as I’ve enjoyed the mystery in each Whitstable Pearl episode, what I’ve really liked is the on-again, off-again romantic relationship between Pearl and DCI Mike McGuire. I’m hoping there will be a season 3, but as of now, I haven’t seen any information on whether or not another season will be filmed. BTW, I’ve read a couple of the Whitstable Pearl books by Julie Wassmer. I really enjoyed them but there are quite a few differences between the book and TV show.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Patti, I hope that the series continues as well – and I’ve also heard that the books have a number of differences, though I haven’t read any of them yet.
Janice G says
I also enjoyed this series. I don’t subscribe to Acorn but was able to find both seasons on DVD through my library. I have been able to get many Acorn series this way.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Janice, that seems like a decent way to get this sort of thing, assuming your library is good at keeping up with DVD releases.
Mary B says
Loved this show! Sorry it is not on any longer. Husband and I enjoyed every episode.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Mary, hopefully there will be more seasons down the line.
BELLADONNA says
Yes, Whitstable Pearl is returning for a third season on Acorn TV. As of August 11, 2024, production on the third season is scheduled to begin in March 2024. The third season will premiere exclusively on Acorn TV in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
GREAT NEWS CANT WAIT JUST LOVE DCI McGuire’s character.
Lisa says
Absolutely loved this show! Will it return for a fourth season I hope????
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lisa, I certainly hope so!