Channel 5’s Murder Most Puzzling has arrived as the latest gem in the cozy crime drama genre, delivering a delightful blend of mystery, humor, and small-town intrigue that has viewers hooked. Premiering on June 19, 2025, the three-part series stars Downton Abbey icon Phyllis Logan as Cora Felton, a crossword puzzle expert turned amateur sleuth, whose knack for solving cryptic clues becomes the key to cracking a chilling murder case in the sleepy market town of Bakerbury. Adding a personal touch, Logan is joined by her real-life husband, Kevin McNally, in a charming guest role that has fans buzzing. With its mix of Broadchurch’s emotional depth, Only Murders in the Building’s quirky camaraderie, and a unique crossword puzzle hook, Murder Most Puzzling is shaping up to be an addictive must-watch that’s already sparking calls for a second season.

A Cozy Mystery with a Clever Twist

Adapted from Parnell Hall’s bestselling Puzzle Lady Mysteries novels, Murder Most Puzzling centers on Cora Felton, a nationally syndicated crossword puzzle creator known as “The Puzzle Lady.” Played with gusto by Phyllis Logan, Cora is a brash, unapologetic character who relishes Bloody Marys for breakfast, chain-smokes, and spins tales of her five failed marriages with irreverent glee. Far from the prim Mrs. Hughes of Downton Abbey, Cora is, as Logan herself describes, “Miss Marple on steroids,” a woman who barrels into investigations with a “shoot first, ask questions never” approach. Her arrival in Bakerbury, a quaint English town, coincides with a shocking crime: the body of a teenage girl is found in the local cemetery, an enigmatic crossword puzzle tucked in her pocket.

The local police, led by the exasperated yet endearing DCI Derek Hooper (Adam Best), are stumped by the clue and reluctantly enlist Cora’s expertise. What begins as a one-off consultation spirals into a series of twisted cases, as Bakerbury reveals itself to be far less sleepy than it seems. The show’s central conceit—using crossword puzzles to unlock clues about murders—sets it apart from other cozy mysteries, offering a cerebral hook that keeps viewers guessing. While the puzzle-solving element takes a backseat in later episodes, Cora’s relentless curiosity and knack for spotting connections drive the narrative, making her a compelling, if unconventional, sleuth.

The series’ tone strikes a balance between cozy and gritty, echoing the emotional weight of Broadchurch with its focus on a small town rocked by a young girl’s death, while channeling the playful ensemble energy of Only Murders in the Building. The crossword puzzle gimmick adds a layer of intellectual fun, reminiscent of Ludwig’s puzzle-solving detective, but Cora’s brassy personality and Bakerbury’s dark underbelly give the show a distinct flavor. Fans have taken to social media to praise its “addictive” quality, with one X user posting, “Phyllis Logan as Cora is everything—sassy, smart, and totally un-PC. This is my new favorite mystery!”

A Stellar Cast and Real-Life Chemistry

Phyllis Logan anchors the series with a performance that’s both commanding and mischievous. Known for her BAFTA-winning role in Another Time, Another Place and her beloved turn as Mrs. Hughes in Downton Abbey, Logan leans into Cora’s eccentricities with relish. “She’s her own woman,” Logan said in an interview. “Everything Cora says feels believable, and that’s what made her so fun to play.” Her love for crosswords in real life—she’s often spotted solving the Metro’s cryptic puzzles—adds authenticity to the role, though she admits she’s a “pretty useless detective” compared to Cora’s surprising sleuthing prowess.

The cast is rounded out by a talented ensemble. Charlotte Hope (Game of Thrones, The Spanish Princess) plays Sherry Carter, Cora’s sharp-witted niece who secretly crafts the crossword puzzles credited to her aunt. Their dynamic—part exasperated caretaker, part reluctant sidekick—provides much of the show’s humor, especially when Sherry scolds Cora for her reckless antics, like scaling a church gate to investigate a grave. Alistair Brammer (Dalgliesh) shines as Anton Grant, a tenacious journalist and potential love interest for Sherry, while Adam Best’s DCI Hooper brings a comedic grumpiness that masks a grudging respect for Cora’s skills. Nick Danan and Jack Weise add charm as DS Sam Brody and PC Danny Finley, respectively, rounding out the police team.

The show’s emotional high point comes in episode three, when Kevin McNally, Logan’s real-life husband, guest stars as Gilbert Sullivan, a charming suitor who sweeps Cora off her feet. McNally, known for Pirates of the Caribbean and The Crown, infuses Gilbert with a roguish warmth that sparks undeniable chemistry with Logan. Their scenes, including a flirtatious exchange over drinks where Cora recounts her colorful marital history, are a highlight, with fans on X gushing, “Phyllis and Kevin together on screen? Pure magic!” The real-life couple, who met on the 1993 miniseries Love and Reason and previously played Jane Austen’s parents in Miss Austen, bring a lived-in authenticity to their roles, making Gilbert’s wooing of Cora both heartwarming and bittersweet, as Sherry’s suspicions about his motives plant seeds of doubt.

A Plot That Keeps You Guessing

Murder Most Puzzling unfolds across three episodes, each diving deeper into Bakerbury’s secrets. The first episode introduces the murder of a teenage girl, whose identity remains a mystery, with the crossword clue in her pocket serving as the key to unraveling the case. Cora’s unorthodox methods—clambering over gates, interrogating suspects with blunt charm—clash with DCI Hooper’s by-the-book approach, leading to comedic moments like Cora dismissing a bystander with, “I’m advising the police, and I’ll ask the questions, thank you.” The episode sets the tone with a mix of quirky humor and quiet menace, as the graveyard setting and the victim’s youth evoke Broadchurch’s haunting atmosphere.

Episode two sees Cora hired by lawyer Becky Baidwan (Yasmin Seky) to investigate a potential miscarriage of justice involving Darren Duggan, a local thug imprisoned for murdering his ex-girlfriend. Cora’s prison visit sparks suspicion when the governor shuts down her inquiries, and three more murders rock Bakerbury, revealing a web of blackmail and revenge. The final episode introduces McNally’s Gilbert, whose romance with Cora complicates her focus as a rockstar’s arrival in town triggers dramatic events that unearth buried secrets. While the crossword puzzle element fades, Cora’s growing confidence as a sleuth—bolstered by her ability to read people and spot inconsistencies—keeps the stakes high.

The series’ pacing is brisk, with each 47-minute episode packed with twists and red herrings. Some fans have noted tonal inconsistencies, with the shift from puzzle-driven sleuthing to broader crime-solving feeling abrupt. One X post remarked, “Love Cora, but wish they leaned into the crosswords more—it’s what makes it unique.” Yet, the show’s blend of humor, heart, and suspense has won over viewers, with Logan’s spirited performance anchoring the narrative.

A Fresh Take on Cozy Crime

Murder Most Puzzling arrives at a time when cozy crime dramas are surging in popularity, following hits like Ludwig and The Marlowe Murder Club. Its comparison to Broadchurch stems from its exploration of a small town’s hidden darkness, while its ensemble-driven humor and amateur sleuthing echo Only Murders in the Building. The crossword puzzle hook, though underutilized, adds a cerebral layer that sets it apart, appealing to viewers who enjoy piecing together clues alongside the characters. Directed by Tom Dalton and penned by Dominique Maloney, the series benefits from sharp writing and a Northern Ireland filming location that lends Bakerbury a lush, lived-in feel.

The show’s emotional depth, particularly in its portrayal of Cora’s bond with Sherry and her romance with Gilbert, adds a layer of relatability. Cora’s secret—that she’s a fraud who doesn’t create her own puzzles—introduces a vulnerability that grounds her larger-than-life personality. While some critics argue the secret’s payoff is underwhelming, it fuels Cora’s drive to prove herself, making her a flawed yet compelling hero. The supporting cast, from Hope’s exasperated Sherry to Best’s beleaguered Hooper, creates a sense of community that mirrors the best of cozy mysteries.

A Hit with Sequel Potential

Since its debut, Murder Most Puzzling has climbed Channel 5’s streaming charts on My5, with viewers praising its “addictive” quality and Logan’s standout performance. Social media is abuzz with calls for a second season, with one fan tweeting, “Phyllis Logan as Cora is iconic—give us more cases!” The Puzzle Lady Mysteries book series, with over 20 novels, offers ample material for future episodes, and Logan’s enthusiasm for the role suggests she’d be game to return. McNally’s guest arc as Gilbert has also sparked speculation about a recurring role, with fans eager to see more of the couple’s chemistry.

The show’s success taps into a broader appetite for cozy crime, as seen in the global hit The Thursday Murder Club on Netflix, which shares a similar blend of humor and heart. While Murder Most Puzzling lacks the star wattage of that film’s cast, its grounded charm and crossword gimmick make it a worthy contender. Its limited three-episode run leaves viewers wanting more, but its tight storytelling ensures it never overstays its welcome.

A Puzzle Worth Solving

Murder Most Puzzling is a delightful addition to the cozy crime canon, offering a fresh spin on the genre with its crossword puzzle hook and a powerhouse performance from Phyllis Logan. The real-life chemistry between Logan and Kevin McNally adds a special spark, while the ensemble cast and Bakerbury’s deceptive tranquility create a world viewers can’t help but dive into. Though it stumbles with tonal shifts and an underused puzzle premise, its mix of wit, suspense, and heart makes it a compulsive watch. As one X user put it, “It’s like Broadchurch got a makeover from Only Murders—and I’m here for it!” Whether it becomes a one-off hit or the start of a new franchise, Murder Most Puzzling proves that a good mystery, like a well-crafted crossword, is impossible to put down.