✅ Murder Before Evensong (2025) is a cozy, yet sharp, six-part British crime drama set in the picturesque, but deceptively sinister, English countryside of the 1980s. Based on the bestselling novel by Reverend Richard Coles, the series follows Canon Daniel Clement, a charming rector who unexpectedly finds himself at the center of a murder investigation when a body is discovered in his own churchyard. Released on September 29, 2025, the series promises a compelling blend of classic whodunit mystery, dry wit, and a rich cast of eccentric village characters. It captures the tension between tradition and modernity, exploring how deep-seated secrets risk being exposed beneath the veneer of middle-class respectability.
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Murder Before Evensong
Created By: David Moore
Writers: Richard Coles
Stars: Matthew Lewis, Amanda Redman, Amit Shah
Country: United Kingdom, United States of America
Genres: Drama, Mystery
Languages: English
Network: Acorn TV
Overview: In 1980s England, Canon Daniel Clement, the Rector of Champton, finds himself unexpectedly entangled in a murder case when a dead body turns up in the church. When Daniel announces a plan to...
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Murder Before Evensong (2025) – Series Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix
Series Details
- Full Name: Murder Before Evensong (2025)
- Language: English (UK)
- Episode Count: 6 Episodes (Season 1)
- Runtime: Approx. 45-50 Minutes per Episode
- Release Date: September 29, 2025 (Acorn TV, Channel 5)
- Genres: Cozy Murder Mystery, Crime Drama, Period Drama (1980s)
- Cast: Matthew Lewis, Amanda Redman, Amit Shah, Adam James, Tamzin Outhwaite, Marion Bailey
- Directors: David Moore
- Screenplay: Nick Hicks-Beach (Lead Writer), based on the novel by Reverend Richard Coles
- Studios & Producers: The Lighthouse Film and Television, Acorn TV, Channel 5
- Voice Cast: Not Applicable
- Animation & Style: Not Applicable
OFFICIAL IMAGES
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Image via Acorn TV / Channel 5 -
Image via Acorn TV / Channel 5 -
Image via Acorn TV / Channel 5
Plot Summary
“Murder Before Evensong” is set in the fictional, idyllic village of Champton, England, in the 1980s. The story revolves around Canon Daniel Clement (Matthew Lewis), the long-suffering and slightly unconventional rector of the local church. Daniel’s life is already complicated, as he shares the rectory with his strong-willed, widowed, and often interfering mother, Audrey (Amanda Redman), and their two beloved dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda. The initial conflict arises when Daniel proposes a controversial plan to modernize the ancient church, primarily by installing a much-needed lavatory. This seemingly minor domestic issue sparks a profound division within the conservative parish, unearthing long-held grudges and secrets. The situation takes a dark turn when a dead body is discovered in the church grounds, stabbed with a pair of gardening shears. As the local police, led by the astute DS Neil Vanloo (Amit Shah), begin their investigation, Daniel, leveraging his intimate knowledge of his congregation and the secrets they keep, finds himself reluctantly pulled into the role of an amateur sleuth. The six-part series follows Daniel as he attempts to keep his fractured community together while navigating a growing number of suspects, red herrings, and mounting bodies, all while trying to unmask a killer hiding in plain sight among his flock. The central theme explores how the desire for change can crack the veneer of respectability, exposing the darkness beneath a tranquil village life.
Cast & Crew
The cast of “Murder Before Evensong” is a formidable ensemble of British television talent. Leading the series is Matthew Lewis, best known as Neville Longbottom from the Harry Potter films, who takes on his first major leading role as the compassionate yet intellectually curious Canon Daniel Clement. Lewis brings a quiet charisma and earnestness to the role, effectively capturing the struggle of a modern priest navigating an ancient institution. He is brilliantly paired with veteran actress Amanda Redman (New Tricks) as his overbearing but fiercely loyal mother, Audrey; their domestic dynamic and witty banter provide much of the series’ charm and humor. The police presence is anchored by Amit Shah (Happy Valley) as DS Neil Vanloo, the grounded detective who finds Daniel’s insider perspective unexpectedly useful. The village is filled out by strong supporting performances, including Tamzin Outhwaite (EastEnders) as Stella Harper and Marion Bailey (The Crown) as Kath, each adding depth and potential suspicion to the murder mystery. The series is directed by the experienced David Moore (Shetland, Fool Me Once) and adapted by writer Nick Hicks-Beach (Midsomer Murders), ensuring a high standard of quality and genre familiarity. The cohesive performance of the cast and the solid creative team establish a strong foundation for this cozy crime drama.
Critical & Audience Response
The initial reception for “Murder Before Evensong” has been highly positive, particularly from critics and fans of the cozy crime genre who were privy to early previews. Critics have universally praised the show’s charming and witty tone, noting that it successfully captures the spirit and dry humor of Richard Coles’ original novel. Matthew Lewis’s performance as Canon Daniel Clement is a major highlight, with reviewers commenting on his successful transition to a lead dramatic role and his immediate likability. The chemistry between Lewis and Amanda Redman is frequently cited as a strong point, providing excellent comedic relief and emotional grounding. The series has been compared favorably to other popular British mysteries like Midsomer Murders and the works of Agatha Christie, suggesting it delivers on the promise of a well-plotted, traditional whodunit. Audience anticipation, based on social media buzz, is high, driven by the star power of Lewis and the beloved source material. The consensus is that the show offers a delightful, well-produced, and engaging mystery that avoids excessive gore, making it an ideal watch for those seeking classic British crime drama with a comedic and cozy twist. Full critical reviews are expected shortly after its September 29, 2025 premiere.
Direction & Cinematography
The six-part series is primarily directed by David Moore, whose established experience in mystery dramas like Shetland and Marple is evident in his masterful handling of the pacing and tone. Moore’s direction effectively balances the light-hearted domestic comedy with the serious nature of the murder mystery, ensuring a smooth transition between the witty exchanges at the rectory and the tense police investigation. He utilizes the picturesque setting of the West Midlands, where filming took place, to create a strong sense of place, contrasting the pastoral beauty with the darkness of the crimes. The cinematography is bright and inviting, typical of the cozy crime genre, yet it is also adept at creating atmospheric tension during the scenes of investigation and confrontation. The decision to set the series in the 1980s is visually reinforced through meticulous attention to set design and costuming, with the visuals lending an appealing retro aesthetic without sacrificing clarity. Moore’s steady hand ensures that the series is both visually appealing and narratively focused, capturing the hidden lives and secrets of the village community with an observant eye.
Music & Background Score
The music and background score for “Murder Before Evensong” are integral to establishing its unique blend of 1980s nostalgia and classic murder mystery. The score, while not overly dramatic, is highly effective in building suspense and amplifying the emotional undertones of the various subplots. The musical motifs are often subtle, using orchestration to underscore the tranquility of the village while incorporating thematic elements that hint at the underlying deceit and danger. Furthermore, the music cleverly incorporates elements reminiscent of the 1980s to emphasize the period setting without overwhelming the narrative. This includes the use of specific instrumentation and melodic phrasing that evokes a sense of nostalgia for the era. The primary function of the score is to guide the viewer through the mystery, heightening moments of revelation and confrontation, and providing a cohesive sonic identity to the series. The result is an auditory experience that perfectly complements the visual style, ensuring the show feels both cozy and slightly unsettling, fitting the genre requirements precisely.
Visuals & Special Effects
As a character-driven murder mystery, “Murder Before Evensong” relies on atmosphere and meticulous set design rather than complex visual effects. The visuals are centered on creating an authentic and highly specific 1980s English village setting. The production design is particularly strong, with detailed period costumes, interiors, and props that immerse the audience in the time period without becoming distracting. The use of natural light and carefully composed shots of the picturesque rural setting enhances the “cozy” aspect of the crime genre, effectively contrasting the beauty of the surroundings with the darkness of the murders. Any special effects used are minimal, primarily focused on practical effects that enhance the realism of the crime scenes. The series benefits from high-quality cinematography that makes the most of the filming locations, presenting a polished and visually attractive world. The overall visual style is reminiscent of classic British mysteries, prioritizing clear storytelling and evocative settings over modern, flashy digital techniques, which ultimately serves the genre and the source material well.
Editing & Screenplay
The screenplay, adapted by Nick Hicks-Beach, skillfully compresses Reverend Richard Coles’ densely plotted novel into a focused, six-episode arc. The writing is highly praised for its witty dialogue, particularly the humorous exchanges between Canon Daniel Clement and his mother, Audrey. The script maintains a perfect balance between the mystery plot—introducing numerous suspects and red herrings—and the character-focused drama, which explores the domestic and spiritual life of the rector. The narrative structure successfully builds the mystery over the six episodes, with each one offering new clues and heightening the tension. The editing, crucial for any crime drama, is tight and paced appropriately, ensuring that the numerous subplots and the large cast of characters are introduced and managed clearly. The cuts facilitate the mystery’s unraveling without feeling rushed or deliberately obtuse. The strong collaboration between the editing and the witty, well-structured screenplay ensures that “Murder Before Evensong” is an engaging and coherent series that will appeal to fans of complex yet accessible whodunits, maintaining a high level of suspense and entertainment.
Positives / What Works
The series’ main strength is the charming lead performance by Matthew Lewis as Canon Daniel Clement, who perfectly embodies the amateur sleuth clergyman. The witty and sharp screenplay effectively captures the dry humor and complexities of the village life described in the novel. The exceptional on-screen chemistry between Lewis and Amanda Redman (as his mother) is a highlight, providing both humor and emotional depth. The show is lauded for its cozy crime atmosphere, a perfect blend of picturesque setting and a compelling murder mystery that avoids excessive violence. The strong period detail of the 1980s setting, including costumes and set design, is meticulously executed, adding a layer of nostalgia and authenticity. Overall, the series promises to be a well-acted, intelligently written, and visually pleasing addition to the British crime drama landscape, appealing directly to fans of classic whodunits.
Negatives / What Doesn’t Work
While the initial outlook is very positive, potential drawbacks for “Murder Before Evensong” may arise from its dedication to the “cozy” genre. Some viewers expecting a modern, fast-paced, or darker crime thriller might find the pacing a little too measured or the plot too focused on the domestic life of the village. The series’ inherent reliance on a large cast of possible suspects and red herrings, while typical of the genre, could feel overly complicated or convoluted at times if not managed consistently over the six episodes. Additionally, the focus on traditional whodunit tropes might make the final solution predictable for very seasoned mystery fans. The premise of the charming amateur sleuth who constantly outwits the police, while beloved, is a familiar trope that might not feel entirely fresh to all viewers. However, these points are largely genre-related expectations rather than significant flaws in the series’ execution.
Final Verdict / Conclusion
“Murder Before Evensong” is an outstanding adaptation that is poised to be a major success in the realm of British cozy crime drama. It successfully captures the heart and humor of Richard Coles’ beloved novel, delivering a polished, well-acted, and tightly plotted mystery. Matthew Lewis is perfectly cast as the inquisitive Canon Daniel Clement, whose interactions with the stellar supporting cast, particularly Amanda Redman, are a consistent source of delight. The series offers a refreshing and traditional take on the whodunit, steeped in an attractive 1980s English setting. For viewers who enjoy classic British mysteries that prioritize character, atmosphere, and intelligent plotting over gore, this six-part drama is highly recommended and promises to be an essential addition to the autumn viewing schedule. It is a show that offers both a satisfying puzzle and genuinely charming company.
Series Rating
| Rating Category | Score (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Plot & Mystery Structure | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Acting & Ensemble Chemistry | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Direction & Visual Style | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Writing & Dialogue | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall Entertainment Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Average Score | 4.0 / 5 |
OFFICIAL TRAILER
FAQs
Who stars as the main character, Canon Daniel Clement?
Canon Daniel Clement is played by actor Matthew Lewis, best known for his role as Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films.
When and where can I watch "Murder Before Evensong (2025)"?
The series premiered on Monday, September 29, 2025. It is available to stream on Acorn TV in the US and Canada, and also airs on Channel 5 in the UK.
