Magpie Murders (2022)
A brilliantly layered British mystery series where fiction and reality collide through the pages of an unfinished manuscript.
Magpie Murders - Series Information
- Original Title: Magpie Murders
- First Air Year: 2022
- Last Air Year: 2022
- Created by: Anthony Horowitz
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Mystery, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (44 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 6
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: February 10, 2022 (United States - TV-14), February 10, 2022 (Germany - 12), February 10, 2022 (France - 12), February 10, 2022 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: BritBox
- Alternative Titles: Magpie Murders on Masterpiece (US)
- Production Companies: Eleventh Hour Films, Salt Films
- Production Countries: Ireland, United Kingdom
Magpie Murders - Plot
An editor gets drawn into a web of intrigue and murder when she receives an unfinished manuscript.
Magpie Murders - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at the mystery that awaits:
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Magpie Murders - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Anthony Horowitz
Main Cast
- Lesley Manville
- Tim McMullan
- Nia Deacon
- Conleth Hill
- Daniel Mays
- Alexandros Logothetis
- Harry Lawtey
- Matthew Beard
- Dorothy Atkinson
- Claire Rushbrook
Writers
- Anthony Horowitz
Magpie Murders - FAQs
Is Magpie Murders based on a book?
The series is adapted from Anthony Horowitz's acclaimed 2016 novel of the same name. Horowitz himself wrote the screenplay, ensuring the adaptation stays faithful to the book's clever dual-narrative structure, which weaves a contemporary mystery around a fictional 1950s detective story.
What is the dual-narrative structure in Magpie Murders?
The series unfolds on two intertwined levels: editor Susan Ryeland investigates real-world events surrounding an unfinished manuscript, while the manuscript itself tells a separate 1950s murder mystery featuring detective Atticus Pünd. Both storylines mirror and illuminate each other, creating a layered puzzle that rewards attentive viewers.
Who plays the lead role in Magpie Murders?
Lesley Manville leads the cast as Susan Ryeland, a sharp and determined book editor who finds herself entangled in a real murder investigation. Manville brings considerable depth and intelligence to the role, and Tim McMullan co-stars as the fictional detective Atticus Pünd within the manuscript storyline.
Where can you stream Magpie Murders?
You can stream Magpie Murders via PBS Masterpiece on Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own it, episodes are available to buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Is Magpie Murders worth watching for mystery fans?
Absolutely. The series is a love letter to classic whodunit fiction, crafted by Anthony Horowitz — one of the genre's most respected modern voices. Its clever meta-structure, elegant production, and Lesley Manville's commanding performance make it essential viewing for anyone who enjoys intelligent, layered mystery storytelling.
How was Magpie Murders received by critics?
Critics responded warmly to the series, praising its witty, self-aware script and Lesley Manville's magnetic lead performance. Reviewers highlighted the inventive dual-narrative format as a refreshing take on the murder mystery genre, and the show earned strong audience appreciation for its faithful adaptation of Horowitz's novel.
Who wrote and created Magpie Murders?
Anthony Horowitz created and wrote the entire series, adapting it from his own bestselling novel. Horowitz is no stranger to the genre — he is also the author of the Midsomer Murders and Foyle's War TV series, as well as the official continuation novels for both James Bond and Sherlock Holmes.
What shows are similar to Magpie Murders?
If Magpie Murders hooked you, try Agatha Christie's Marple for classic cosy mystery charm, or Annika for a witty, character-driven British crime drama. Fool Me Once offers another sharp Horowitz-adjacent thriller, while Defending Jacob delivers a gripping, literary-style mystery with strong dramatic performances.
More About Magpie Murders
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