Get ready for a second caseload of complex crimes and quirky criminals deftly handled by Chief Inspector Roderick Alleyn (Patrick Malahide, The Singing Detective). A hard-working Scotland Yard detective, Alleyn's aristocra... more »tic breeding allows him to blend into the high-society realm in which these crimes occur. In stories based on the classic mystery novels by Ngaio Marsh, Alleyn traps a murderous blackmailer stalking London's debutante set, attends a lethal luncheon at the home of a gracious host, uncovers the killer of a World War I veteran's entrusted confidant, and witnesses heinous exploits on a picturesque Scottish island. The chief inspector gets expert assistance from his partner, Detective Inspector Fox (William Simons, Sergeant Cribb), and his insightful lady friend, artist Agatha Troy (Belinda Lang, To Serve Them All My Days). Guest stars include Diana Quick, John Gielgud, Geoffrey Palmer, Derek Benfield, Margaret Tyzack, and Tom Wilkinson.« less
"Having read all of Ngaio Marsh, Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie to name the most well known British mystery authors (Marsh is a native New Zealander) I rate Sayers # 1, Marsh #2 and Christie #3. Having watched all the available BBC renditions of Christie and Sayers and now the first for me of Marsh(I started with set 2) My opinion is that they have caught the essence of Marsh very well. If anything in a couple of the ones in this set the early melodrama is a bit heavy, not in character with what I recall of the books. However the portrayal of Inspector Alleyn and Troy agree with the low key "veddy British" behavior one woiuld expect from a Scotland Yard Inspector from the privileged class and his artist paramour. Perhaps some of the reviewers of set 1, which I am getting, but not viewed yet, who think the performances too stodgy have been watching too much shoot-em up American TV with no plot, just sex and violence. The settings of the ones we have viewed to date are outstanding and the character portrayal has been suberb. Much more depth than is possible in say a Christie story.
I rate these Inspector Alleyn five stars as well done completely true to the Ngaio Marsh intent. If you do not like the books don't buy the the videos, if you do like the books, then by all means get the videos."
I just can't help myself.
K. Webster | United States | 08/05/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this series. Both sets are great. I do like set two better. I find that second seasons often seem better than the first. The actors maybe more relaxed, who knows. I just can not stop revisiting these stories. I only wish there was a third season."
Feel-good mysteries, interesting puzzles.
DS | Oregon | 04/22/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This series does a delightful rendition of the books. The mysteries are interesting puzzles, the feeling of the time and people is authentic,and the people are warmly personable and polite. This is a really pleasant change from violent race-across-the-screen action. It is a time where people matter, puzzles can be unravelled, and we can respect the constabulary. Reassuring and interesting at the same time. Worth watching many times."
British Mystery
Laura Christie | Kansas | 12/01/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Very well acted period detective murder mystery. Some language a little difficult to understand but overall interesting."
Very good series
L. Pittman | Baton Rouge, LA USA | 02/29/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I cannot add to the good things that have been printed here by other reviewers. Although the DVD set indicates closed captioning is available, I can't get it on my TV. We need CC because our 60+ year old ears have a difficult time understanding the British accent. I will say we did not have any problem with the accent, the actors spoke clearly and distinctly. Also, there was not a lot of background music to interfere with the dialogue."