Ep 6. The Curse of the Ninth

In the sixth episode of Midsomer Murders season 19, titled "The Curse of the Ninth," the small town of Finchmere is abuzz with excitement as the beloved and highly respected cello player, Matilda Simms (played by Tamzin Outhwaite), returns to her hometown to perform. Matilda had left the town many years ago to pursue her career, and her return is a big deal for the locals.

However, the excitement is short-lived as Matilda is found murdered in her hotel room the night before her performance. To make matters worse, her beloved cello, a rare and valuable instrument, is missing as well. DCI Barnaby (played by Neil Dudgeon) and DS Winter (played by Nick Hendrix) are called in to investigate the murder and discover the mystery behind the "Curse of the Ninth."

The Curse of the Ninth is a legend in the musical world, which states that a composer who writes a ninth symphony will die before completing his tenth. The legend has been linked to the deaths of Beethoven, Bruckner, Dvorak, and Mahler, among others. It is believed that Matilda had been performing the ninth symphony of a composer who died before finishing his tenth, thus bringing the curse upon herself.

As the investigation progresses, the detectives uncover many secrets and motives from Matilda's family and friends, each with their own connection to the cello player and the curse. Matilda's former music teacher, who was also her ex-lover, becomes a prime suspect, but his alibi checks out. Her brother, who has a history of mental illness, is also a suspect until he is killed in a suspicious car accident.

The plot thickens when the detectives discover that the curse might have been purposely used as a cover-up for another motive. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they discover that Matilda had been carrying on an illicit affair, and the missing cello might have been the real reason for her murder.

As the mystery unravels, Barnaby and Winter are led on a dangerous chase to catch the killer, which takes them through the picturesque village of Finchmere and its surrounding countryside. Will they be able to find the killer before they strike again?

"The Curse of the Ninth" is a gripping episode of Midsomer Murders that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. With its intricate plot, fascinating characters, and stunning locations, it is a must-watch for any fan of the show.