Moonflower Murders is the follow-up to the stylish, clever murder mystery Magpie Murders, starring Lesley Manville and Tim McMullan. It is back in top form on PBS, and the main cast returns with a new mystery and set of suspects to investigate. It’s as cozy and stylish as ever, with Anthony Horowitz adapting his own novel.
THE STORY OF MOONFLOWER MURDERS ON PBS
The story picks up more than a year after the events of Magpie Murders, with Susan Ryeland (Lesley Manville) running a hotel in Crete with her boyfriend, Andreas. But when a British couple hires her to help find their missing daughter, Cecily Treherne, she’s drawn back into the world of books and murder.
Eight years earlier, there was a murder at the couple’s hotel during their daughter Cecily’s wedding. Intrigued by the mystery, Alan Conway wrote one of his Atticus Pünd stories based on it, incorporating real people from the hotel into the story. Years later, Cecily read the book and became convinced that the suspect in prison for the murder was innocent and that the answer to who the real culprit was lies in the book.
Soon after, she disappeared. Since Susan edited the book, Cecily’s parents believe she can help them determine the truth and find Cecily.
Like Magpie Murders, Moonflower Murders follows dual storylines: One takes place in the present, with Susan solving the “real” case, and the other occurs in the 1950s, with Atticus Pünd solving the book’s mystery.
MOONFLOWER MURDERS TV REVIEW
It is beautiful to watch the two stories interweave seamlessly. The story’s resolution is clean, without plot holes, and with Manville and McMullan at the helm, you can’t go wrong.
Moonflower Murders Cast
In addition to Manville and McMullan, returning cast members include Conleth Hill as the despicable Alan Conway, Alexandros Logothetis as Andreas, Daniel Mays as Chubb, Claire Rushbrook as Katie, and Matthew Beard as Fraser. They return as good as ever, bringing new context and understanding to their characters.
The new cast includes top-notch talent such as Adrian Rawlins, Pooky Quesnel, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Will Tudor, Rosalie Craig, Mark Gatiss, Rupert Evans, Joanna Bacon, Thomas Coombes, Liam Garrigan, Kate Ashfield, Jeany Spark, and more!
Some of the new cast play dual roles: Their “real” character in the present day and a fictionalized version of themselves in Conway’s book. On the other hand, some characters are only in the “real” setting, while others only play fictional characters. It’s an intriguing mix.
Everyone performs excellently, giving near-perfect performances in this cozy, addictive mystery series.
Let’s Talk About the Costumes (And Everything Else)
Now, let’s talk about the costumes! I say costumes because, yes, the 1950s costumes are absolutely gorgeous. But by costumes, I also mean wardrobe, as in Susan’s stunning contemporary attire. Here, we have a beautiful older woman wearing gorgeous outfits many women would love to have in their closet. Miss Marple Susan is not.
What a refreshing change to have women in their 60s wearing such cute clothes!
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Besides the costumes, the cinematography is good, the dialogue sharp, and the direction and editing seamless and sophisticated.
The first episode begins a little slowly but then picks up its pace by episode two, and it doesn’t stop until the final seconds of the finale.
While I could figure out most of the mysteries, they were cleverly presented, and I enjoyed watching the stories play out with the brilliant cast and Horowitz’s strong writing, bringing the story to life.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, Moonflower Murders is perfectly cast, cleverly written, and visually appealing. It is a cozy but intellectual and sophisticated treat. Lesley Manville and Tim McMullan once again steal the show, making the audience want more!
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But since the third book from Horowitz hasn’t been released yet, we’ll have to wait a little longer to see the next installment in the Susan Ryeland/Atticus Pünd mysteries on the small screen. But book three is rumored to release in early 2025 if you want to know what happens next!
Until then, watch both Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders and enjoy.
Where to Watch: Both series are available on the PBS app (Passport) and PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel. You can also buy them digitally and on DVD. Moonflower Murders aired on PBS from September 15 to October 20, 2024, on PBS’ Masterpiece Mystery, so check your local listings.
Content Note: TV-14 but mild.
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