Magpie Murders
TV Series • 2022
TV-14
An editor gets drawn into a web of intrigue and murder when she receives an unfinished manuscript.
What viewers say
Viewers enjoy this clever puzzle-box mystery for its two intertwined whodunits, one in the present and one inside a vintage-style detective novel, and for the playful device of the fictional sleuth stepping out to help the modern investigator. Many call it gentle, witty fun full of in-jokes for mystery fans, with a standout performance as the old-fashioned detective. Criticisms are that the nested structure can feel unwieldy or gimmicky, some plot turns are contrived, and a few viewers find the lead miscast or the style trying too hard.
Best for: Viewers who love Golden Age whodunits and enjoy a playful, story-within-a-story twist.
Summary of public viewer reviews, updated November 2026.
dramamysterycrime
📺 Where to Watch
🎬 Watch Trailer
Trailer hosted on YouTube. Click play to load.
🎭 Cast
Conleth Hill as Alan Conway
Lesley Manville as Susan Ryeland
Jude Hill as Young Sam
Ian Lloyd Anderson as Brent / Writer
Karen Westwood as Mary Blakiston
Tim McMullan as Atticus Pünd
Matthew Beard as James Taylor / Fraser
Alexandros Logothetis as Andreas Patakis