The first four episodes of Robson Green's new crime drama, The Northumbria Mysteries, have finally arrived – and viewers are wasting no time getting stuck into the series.
Set against the scenic backdrop of the Northumberland countryside, the eight-part detective series follows an unlikely crime-solving duo: Oxford-educated DI Rose O'Connell (Liz White) and ex-con Joe Ruby (Green), who now volunteers at a local priory.
© BBC / Lonesome Pine Productions / Alex TelferWhen the body of a monk is uncovered in the ground of the priory, Rose relies on Joe's unconventional insights from his criminal past to crack the case.
Viewers are already hooked, which comes as no surprise given Robson Green's stellar track record in gripping crime dramas, including acclaimed shows like Grantchester and Wire in the Blood.
Keep reading to find out more about the show, including what viewers are saying.
What is The Northumbria Mysteries about?
The series centres on ex-con Joe Ruby, whose life has been "shaped by mistakes, regrets and missed opportunities," and Oxford-educated DI Rose O'Connell, a "rarefied intellectual, a deep thinker with a brilliant mind and an ice-cool disposition".
The synopsis reads: "Rose is an intellectual with an ice-cool disposition, Joe meanwhile has been on the wrong side of the law for much of his life but is now trying to make amends and move to the right side.
"Joe is a volunteer at a local priory, tending to the grounds, seeking forgiveness, and attempting to start a new life, all under the kind but watchful eye of Father David (Simon Callow).
© BBC / Lonesome Pine Productions / Alex Telfer"However, when the body of one of the monks is found hastily buried in a remote part of the priory grounds, super-smart DI Rose O'Connell and her 'green' second-in-command DS Raj Singh (Gurjeet Singh) are sent to investigate. The mysterious circumstances make it a tricky case to solve but when Joe comes up with some unusual insights from his own dodgy past, Rose senses that she might have a useful ally."
The series comes from Newcastle-based Lonesome Pine Productions, the company behind The Feud, The Inheritance and The Fortune.
Robson described his character as a "gambler" and a "risk taker" who has "always been lured into temptation despite having a good heart and wanting to do the right thing."
© BBC / Lonesome Pine Productions / Alex Telfer"He's a charmer, but he's fallible and through the choices he has made along the way he has lost everything," the actor told the BBC.
Meanwhile, Liz White said DI Rose is an "experienced detective" who has moved to Northumberland for reasons yet to be shared. "She believes in an evidence-based approach and is less inclined to act on instinct than her younger, less experienced colleague, DS Raj Singh (Gurjeet Singh)," said Liz. "She lives alone and, as a way to meet new people in the area, she embarks on a series of unsuccessful dates. Rose is dedicated to her job and has an understated confidence in her ability to reach justice."
What have viewers and critics said about The Northumbria Mysteries?
The series has been hailed as "absolutely brilliant," drawing comparisons to other hit cosy crime shows like Father Brown and The Hairdresser Mysteries.
Taking to social media, one person wrote: "Watched all 4 back to back. We loved it. Scenery amazing," while another was up until 3 am binge-watching the series.
© BBC / Lonesome Pine Productions / Alex TelferA third viewer penned: "Watched the first four this afternoon, I absolutely loved it and cannot wait for the next four. Love the humour especially and the scenery is stunning."
Meanwhile, the show has received an equally positive critical response. In its four-star review, The Telegraph praised the series as "witty, diverting and brings bags of charm," while The Guardian described it as a "rural culture-clash cosy crime drama."
Who stars in The Northumbria Mysteries?
Robson and Liz lead the cast as Joe and Rose. They're joined by a cast of familiar faces, which includes Simon Callow (Four Weddings and a Funeral), Kevin Whately (Lewis), Gurjeet Singh (Ackley Bridge) and Chris Gascoyne (Coronation Street).
How to watch The Northumbria Mysteries
The Northumbria Mysteries premiered on BBC One at 2pm on 23 October, with the first four episodes available to stream on BBC iPlayer on launch day. The remaining eight episodes are coming soon.
