Murder Most Puzzling – Top Cozy Crime Fun Starring Phyllis Logan

Last Updated on August 6, 2026

The one thing I’ve come to understand about cozy crime, in all its forms, is that you either love it or hate it. And, more importantly, most critics hate it.

That’s probably why they’ve also done such a terrific job of bashing the life out of Murder Most Puzzling, the newest Channel 5 mystery show, starring Phyllis Logan.

Endless comparisons with Ludwig have seemingly rendered the show unwatchable, because, of course, how could they possibly enjoy a cozy mystery that doesn’t immediately ascend to the dizzying heights of that paragon of BBC puzzle-drama perfection?

After all, if your amateur sleuth isn’t impersonating his own missing twin brother while single-handedly redefining the genre with “wry humour” and “intricate plots”, what’s even the point?

Clearly, Murder Most Puzzling should have realised that unless your lead is a socially awkward genius masquerading as a police detective, and unless every emotional beat lands with the force of a Beethoven symphony, you’re simply not allowed to exist.

Who needs a sleepy market town and a crossword clue murder when you could have “high stakes” sibling drama and “delightful puzzles” that critics assure us are the only true measure of quality?

So, hats off to the reviewers for reminding us that the only cozy mysteries worth watching are the ones that come pre-approved by the BBC, preferably starring David Mitchell and featuring at least one existential crisis per episode. Anything less is just, well, puzzling.

Why Murder Most Puzzling Makes For Great Viewing

Thankfully, I’m not a critic, I’m a cozy mystery enthusiast who loves a solid whodunit, and if it stars the legendary Phyllis Logan (Downton Abbey), then I think I’ve hit the jackpot.

Throw in a feature-length episode (two hours), a quaint fictional market town of Bakerbury, an out-of-his-depth Detective, and an ending all wrapped up in a neat bow, and what’s not to love?

Now, I’m not saying that the show is perfect, because it isn’t. But it’s certainly worthy of more than the bashing it received online from the Twitterati and critics alike.

If you genuinely turned the show off because it’s ‘not realistic’ enough for you, then may I point you in the direction of Silent Witness, Dept Q, Shetland, or a myriad of other hard-hitting, gritty police dramas that are ten a penny.

If, however, you love Ludwig (it’s a terrific show!) Good Ship Murder, Marlow Murder Club, Death in Paradise, or My Life is Murder, then Murder Most Puzzling is for you.

What’s It All About?

Now that my rant is over (they just don’t get us cozy mystery fans!), let me tell you what the show is actually all about.

Murder Most Puzzling is a six-part cozy crime drama that follows Cora Felton, a sharp-witted crossword expert known as “The Puzzle Lady”.

The series opens with the discovery of a teenage girl’s body in the local cemetery, found with a cryptic crossword clue in her pocket.

Stumped by the enigma, local Detective Chief Inspector Hooper (Adam Best) reluctantly enlists Cora’s help, hoping her puzzle-solving prowess can crack the baffling case.

Cora, a recent arrival in Bakerbury and hiding secrets of her own, teams up with her reluctant niece Sherry (Charlotte Hope), journalist Anton Grant (Alistair Brammer), and an assortment of quirky locals.

As more murders occur, each marked by a new puzzle clue, Cora’s unconventional methods and “shoot first, ask questions never” approach put her at odds with the police, and in the killer’s crosshairs.

Despite her lack of knowledge and at times, self-worth, Cora soldiers on, piecing together the who and why of it all.

This charming and easy-to-watch show combines clever puzzles with a cozy mystery vibe that keeps you hooked, even though you can guess the who a little bit sooner than I would like.

Parnell Hall Books

The show is based on Parnell Hall’s Puzzle Lady Mysteries, a beloved series of cozy crime novels centered on the irrepressible Cora Felton, known nationwide as “The Puzzle Lady.”

The series is celebrated for its witty dialogue, eccentric characters, and clever wordplay, blending classic whodunit elements with a comedic twist.

Cora’s chaotic personal life with multiple ex-husbands, a penchant for trouble, and a stubborn refusal to play by the rules makes her a standout sleuth, and with over 20 novels in the series, the Puzzle Lady books have a dedicated fan base and are well worth a read.

More Cora Felton

For now, though, we still have the first season to complete before we even entertain the idea of a second series.

Critics aside, if fans love it, then Channel 5 will renew it, just like they have with Good Ship Murder!

I’m really warming up to Cora, Sherry, Anton, and SCI Hooper, and I cannot wait to see what else they have in store for us.