Watch The Inspector Linley Mysteries

The Inspector Linley Mysteries is a British crime drama series that focuses on the investigations of Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley (Nathaniel Parker) and his partner, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers (Sharon Small), as they attempt to solve complex murder cases throughout England. The series is based on the best-selling crime novels by Elizabeth George.

Thomas Lynley is an eighth Earl who has chosen to serve his country as a detective for the Metropolitan Police rather than follow a life of privilege. Barbara Havers is his polar opposite, an uneducated working-class woman who has worked her way up through the ranks of the police force but struggles to fit in with the upper-class crowd that Lynley is accustomed to.

Throughout the series, the two detectives navigate their differences while solving crimes that involve mysterious deaths, disappearances, and other unsavory happenings in the criminal underworld of London and beyond. The crimes they investigate are often linked to high society, and as such, the detectives must navigate their way through the social intricacies and pressurized environments of the wealthy and powerful.

The show features a range of memorable and complex characters, including Lynley's on-again-off-again love interest, Lady Helen Clyde (Lesley Vickerage), who is a forensic psychologist and provides insight into the behavior of the suspects they investigate. Other recurring characters include Lynley's boss, Assistant Commissioner David Hillier (John Sessions), and Havers' disapproving mother (Maggie Steed).

One of the standout features of The Inspector Linley Mysteries is the writing, which offers up twists and turns that keep the viewer guessing until the very end. The show often delves deep into the psychology of its characters and explores the reasons why seemingly ordinary people can end up committing heinous crimes. The audience is given insight into the mind of the killer, making it all the more shocking when their identity is finally revealed.

In addition to the writing, the show is also notable for its visuals. The series is set in some of the most beautiful and breathtaking parts of England, from the rolling hills of the countryside to the bustling streets of London. The show has a cinematic quality to it, with sweeping aerial shots and stunning vistas that add to the overall sense of drama.

The performances of the lead actors, Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small, are another highlight of the series. Parker brings a sense of dignity and intelligence to the role of Lynley, while Small is the heart and soul of the series, bringing a warmth and humanity to the character of Havers. Their dynamic is central to the show, and it is a testament to their skill as actors that they are able to bring such depth and nuance to their performances.

The Inspector Linley Mysteries ran for six seasons and a total of 24 episodes. Each episode is self-contained, with its own unique murder case to solve, but there are also season-long story arcs that add to the overall narrative of the series. The show explores themes of class, privilege, and power, and offers a window into the sometimes-dark world of high society.

Overall, The Inspector Linley Mysteries is a highly entertaining and well-crafted crime drama that offers plenty of thrills and intrigue for fans of the genre. It has all the hallmarks of a classic British mystery, from intricate plotting to unforgettable characterizations, and is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.