Ep 4. Death of a Stranger

In Midsomer Murders season 3 episode 4, titled "Death of a Stranger", Inspector Tom Barnaby (John Nettles) and his assistant Sergeant Gavin Troy (Daniel Casey) investigate the murder of a young woman named Nancy Dewar in the village of Dunstan. Nancy was found dead in the river, and it soon becomes clear that she was not well-liked in the village. Many people had a motive to kill her, including her husband Ben (James Fleet), who was having an affair, and her neighbor Julian Shepherd (Nicholas Farrell), who had a grudge against her.

As Barnaby and Troy dig deeper into the case, they discover that Nancy had been involved in a complicated love triangle with both her husband and Julian. They also learn that she had been stealing money from the local community center, which leads them to suspect that her death may have been linked to her criminal activities.

As the investigation continues, Barnaby and Troy uncover more secrets in the village. They discover that the local pub owner, Frank Webster (Timothy Bateson), had been spying on his customers and had a history of violence. They also find out that one of Nancy's co-workers, Laura Sharp (Emma Cunniffe), had been sexually harassed by the community center's chairman, Michael Lacey (Jonathan Coy), who may have wanted to silence her.

As the suspects continue to pile up, Barnaby and Troy race against time to solve the case before another murder occurs. Along the way, Barnaby must deal with personal issues as well, including problems with his daughter's wedding plans.

The episode is filled with twists and turns, keeping the audience guessing until the very end. It also explores themes of jealousy, infidelity, and betrayal, while showcasing the beautiful English countryside that the series is known for.

Overall, "Death of a Stranger" is a gripping episode that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With its intricate plot and engaging characters, it's a prime example of why Midsomer Murders has become a beloved television series all over the world.