Miss Willoughby and the Haunted Bookshop: Sleuthing and Spirits But Is It A Cozy Hit?

Last Updated on April 22, 2026

Miss Willoughby and the Haunted Bookshop brings a fresh face to the cozy mystery genre, blending elements of supernatural intrigue with classic British detective storytelling.

Released in 2021, this made-for-television film introduces viewers to Elizabeth Willoughby, portrayed by Nathalie Cox, a sophisticated university professor with a penchant for solving mysteries.

The story begins in 1996 with young Elizabeth attending her parents’ funeral. Upon inheriting her family’s impressive English estate, she comes under the guardianship of Robert Thompson, played by Kelsey Grammer, a retired US Marine who becomes both her mentor and butler.

Under Robert’s tutelage, Elizabeth receives comprehensive training in martial arts, chess, literature, and ancient war strategies, shaping her into a formidable investigator.

Twenty-five years later, Elizabeth has established herself as an Ancient Civilizations professor and accomplished author.

Her quiet academic life takes an unexpected turn when she receives a distressing call from old family friends, Helen and Oliver Deakin, who own an antique bookshop experiencing mysterious hauntings.

Helen claims to be seeing visions of her deceased father and detecting the distinct scent of his Parisian perfume.

The Investigation

What initially appears to be a straightforward ghost investigation evolves into something far more sinister.

Elizabeth approaches the case with scientific skepticism, employing EMF meters and digital recorders to investigate the supernatural claims.

As she delves deeper into the mystery, she encounters a cast of suspicious characters, including catty book club members and an overbearing property developer.

Neither her nor Robert actually believe Helen is being haunted and so Elizabeth takes it upon herself to figure out what’s really going on.

Solid Cast & Characters

I enjoyed this cozy mystery TV movie which is a cut above a lot of the films in the genre.

The cast is particularly impressive with Nathalie Cox, Kelsey Grammer, Caroline Quentin and Tara Fitzgerald.

The characters are well rounded but there were a couple of issues, for me at least.

The first is that Elizabeth has an incredibly rigid, almost Victorian, demeanor. The focus on her being a smart, sophisticated and strong-willed woman left no room for anything resembling a real personality.

The second issue is that the resolution is entirely predictable. And worse, for two smart people who pride themselves on problem solving, it should have been obvious what was going on from about 15 minutes into the story.

I get that would have defeated the entire purpose of the film but wouldn’t it have been more clever to turn the plot on it’s head, and do something a little more creative?

That said, it didn’t completely ruin Miss Willoughby and the Haunted Bookshop, which after all is a cozy mystery and not an Oscar contender.

Is It Watchable?

The chemistry between Cox and Grammer and the movie’s deliberately slow, traditional British mystery pacing is to be commended.

And sure, the plot is predictable but it has a great family-friendly approach and old-fashioned charm that make it a pleasant way to pass the time.

Currently, the film is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Where Was It Filmed?

Shot in North Yorkshire, England, the film showcases stunning architecture and quintessentially British locations.

The production was filmed at Birdsall House and Estate, which serves as Miss Willoughby’s home and it is so beautiful it will make your jaw drop.

Will There Be More Miss Willoughby Movies?

While the ending suggests potential for future installments, and there have been discussions about a sequel, no additional Miss Willoughby mysteries have been officially announced as of January 2025.

The film’s ending deliberately leaves room for more adventures, though we will have to wait to see if Elizabeth Willoughby returns to solve another case.

Is It Based On A Book?

Despite sharing its title with Christopher Morley’s 1919 novel The Haunted Bookshop, the film is not based on this or any other book.

Miss Willoughby and the Haunted Bookshop appears to be an original creation, though it draws inspiration from classic British mystery traditions, with some viewers comparing it to Miss Marple, albeit with a more modern twist.

The movie stands as a gentle entry in the cozy mystery genre, offering us a blend of supernatural elements, traditional mystery-solving, and British charm.

While it may not break new ground, it provides a comfortable viewing experience for us fans of classic whodunits and family-friendly mysteries.