Published: 30th July 2025 | The English Chronicle Online
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Netflix adaptation of Richard Osman’s beloved crime novel The Thursday Murder Club, fans of the genre are eagerly scouting for the next best mystery to tide them over until the film’s release on August 28. With an all-star cast including Dame Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Celia Imrie, and Sir Ben Kingsley, the film promises a rich blend of intrigue, charm, and quintessential British wit—all set against the curious calm of a retirement village turned amateur crime lab. But for those who can’t wait to dive into a world of sleuthing seniors and cleverly tangled plots, there are plenty of other gems worth uncovering in the meantime.
Originally brought to life in Richard Osman’s bestselling novels, The Thursday Murder Club follows four retirees in the tranquil community of Cooper’s Chase who spend their golden years solving cold cases—until a very real murder upends their quiet lives. As Netflix gears up for what may be the platform’s next major success in the cosy crime category, the demand for similarly styled mysteries has surged.
Among the most popular and accessible alternatives is The Madame Blanc Mysteries, a UK series which first aired in 2021 on Channel 5 and has since garnered a dedicated fan base over four seasons. Sally Lindsay stars as Jean White, a widowed antiques dealer who swaps rainy Manchester for the sunlit charm of Sainte Victoire in southern France. But retirement is short-lived as Jean repeatedly finds herself embroiled in local mysteries that demand her expertise in both antiques and amateur detection. Each episode weaves a standalone mystery with picturesque scenery and an often star-studded guest list, including names like Paul O’Grady, Les Dennis and Tony Robinson. The series is available for streaming on My5 and Acorn TV, making it an ideal choice for viewers seeking leisurely escapism with a bite of suspense.
For those in search of something short yet sharp, 7 Women and a Murder offers an 83-minute thrill ride through suspicion and secrets. This Italian whodunit, featuring The White Lotus actress Sabrina Impacciatore, unfolds within the confines of a lavish mansion where the family patriarch is found stabbed. Seven women—each with motives and secrets of their own—must navigate tangled relationships and betrayal to uncover the truth. The film’s tight runtime and stylised direction make it an engaging palate cleanser for mystery lovers craving a quick, self-contained story.
Another treat for fans of European mystery drama is Murder in Provence, an ITV production based on the Verlaque and Bonnet novels by M. L. Longworth. First airing in 2022, the three-part series follows the contemplative Investigating Judge Antoine Verlaque, played by Roger Allam, and his partner Marine Bonnet, a criminal psychologist portrayed by Nancy Carroll. The series is set against the idyllic, sun-drenched backdrop of Aix-en-Provence, where refined culture and crime collide. Equal parts atmospheric and cerebral, it’s a slower-paced but richly textured series that rewards patient viewers with layers of character and suspense. The show is available on ITVX and has quickly established a niche audience who appreciate crime narratives soaked in local colour and psychological depth.
Finally, for those who enjoy their mysteries served with high drama and lavish production value, The Perfect Couple offers a darker, modern twist. Released on Netflix in 2024, the series boasts a powerhouse cast including Nicole Kidman, Eve Hewson, and Dakota Fanning. The story centres around Amelia Sacks (Hewson), who is about to marry into one of Nantucket’s wealthiest families when a brutal death derails the wedding and turns every guest into a suspect. As secrets unravel and alliances shift, The Perfect Couple delivers a gripping meditation on wealth, deception, and the price of perfection. With its coastal American setting and contemporary styling, the series offers a counterbalance to the genteel tone of its British counterparts.
Whether your preference leans toward the idyllic villages of southern France, opulent mansions filled with secrets, or seaside estates hiding a killer, the world of cosy crime drama has never been richer or more varied. As The Thursday Murder Club prepares to make its long-awaited screen debut, these titles offer a welcome diversion and a reminder that murder mystery can be as comforting as it is compelling—provided it’s delivered with a teacup in one hand and a sharp eye for detail in the other.
