Cosy crime fans are in for a treat this weekend as Netflix is adding the Canadian detective show, Murder in a Small Town, to its endless roster of bingeable shows.
Some of the best cosy crime dramas are set in seemingly idyllic small towns. From staples like Midsomer Murders and Agatha Raisin to The Brokenwood Mysteries, there's something seriously compelling about peaceful settings hiding dark, sinister secrets beneath the surface.
If this sounds like your sort of show, Murder in a Small Town should be on your radar.
© Alamy Stock PhotoThe story follows Karl Alberg, who leaves his detective job in Minneapolis to become the new police chief of a small coastal town in the Pacific Northwest. He soon discovers that this picture-perfect town is hiding its fair share of secrets.
Ahead of its release on Netflix this weekend, find out all you need to know about the series.
What is Murder in a Small Town about?
The series follows Karl Alberg (Rossif Sutherland), a former Minneapolis detective who steps into the role of police chief in the quiet coastal town of Gibsons, and quickly learns that this gentle paradise is anything but.
The synopsis continues: "As a world-class detective, Karl calls upon all his skills to solve murders that, even in this seemingly idyllic setting, continue to wash up on his shore. Meanwhile, his deepening relationship with the town librarian Cassandra Lee (Kristin Kreuk) is challenged as her career and community involvement take her in new and unexpected directions."
© Alamy Stock PhotoIn season two, Karl's caseload increases as his jurisdiction expands and he delves into a fresh set of puzzling crimes. This includes the investigation into a body found at a local wedding, a double kidnapping and a pop star plagued by a dangerous stalker.
Who stars in Murder in a Small Town?
Rossif Sutherland (Three Pines), who is the son of actor Donald Sutherland and half-brother of Kiefer Sutherland, leads the show as Karl Alberg.
He's joined by Kristin Kreuk (Smallville) as Cassandra Lee, a librarian and Karl's love interest, Mya Lowe (My Life with the Walter Boys) as Corporal Edwina Yen, Aaron Douglas (Battlestar Galactica) as Sid Sokolowski and Marcia Gay Harden (The First Wives Club ) as mayor Christine Holman.
Bethany Brown, Marci T. House, Joshua Close also star.
What have viewers and critics said about the show?
The series is well-loved among cosy crime fans, who have hailed it as "excellent" and demanded longer seasons.
Taking to social media, one person wrote: "Great show! Sutherland is fantastic," while another called for more episodes, adding: "Love this series. Need more than 8 episodes a season."
The critical reception has been mostly positive. Variety described the series as "charmingly predictable with a sliver of edge,", while Collider said the show "is better as a comfort watch than a whodunit procedural".
Will there be a third season?
The drama was renewed for a third outing back in May, with Fox confirming that Rossif Sutherland and Kristin Kreuk will reprise their roles in further episodes.
Also returning for season three are Dakota Guppy as Holly, Aaron Douglas as Sid Sokolowski and Bethany Brown as Layla.
Meanwhile, Peter Gallagher has joined the cast as Rod Finlayson, who is described as "charismatic, uber-independent, capable yet unreliable".
Murder in a Small Town arrives on Netflix UK on Saturday 1 August.
