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Review of "Midsomer Murders - Set One" by

Midsomer Murders - Set One image
Midsomer Murders - Set One

Acorn Media Publishing
DVD
$59.99 Suggested Retail Price

This series was a stellar hit on the Arts and Entertainment cable channel. John Nettles lives in the cozy villages of Midsomer County. Nettles portrays our hero, Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby. Daniel Casey plays the part of his assistant named Sgt. Troy. These stories come from author Caroline Graham who writes wonderful English Village mysteries. They have translated well to the television screen.

Program one is called "Death's Shadow." This is the tale is a very successful theatrical director who has returned home and brought with him a nightmarish memory of his childhood. There ensues a string of murders that baffle Detective Barnaby at first as he looks for a common thread.

The next program is called "Strangler's Wood." A new murder of a lovely Brazilian woman brings back the memories of a series of three earlier murders all committed in Raven's Wood which is also known as "stranglers Wood". The earlier murders also involved strangulation using a necktie. Barnaby and Sgt. Troy find trails of blackmail and betrayal.

In "Beyond The Grave," the local museum has found that their picture on one of the town's founders has been slashed for no apparent reason. Mysterious happenings in the local graveyard add to the fears of the whole town.

In the 2 hour mystery of "Blood Will Out," Barnaby is called upon to keep the peace in a small village. The concern is about a couple of feuding clans of travelers (like gypsies). A local man has gotten fired up by the visitors and gets himself caught in the middle of the feud.

John Nettles performs the part of Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby with skill and the quiet manner of a man who is a at peace with himself with a nice home and family. His second, the good Sgt. Troy plays the part of the eager young Space Cadet who is learning from the old pro, but not at all reluctant to add his say. He is most likable, too.

These are the kinds of videos and DVD's that make a great evening's entertainment. A good myserty like these are enjoyable to watch more than just once. If you're tired of the same old gory cop shows and aching for some ripping good mysteries with characters that are more than skin deep, check out this series from across the Pond.


Rainbo Electronic Reviews published this review in our March, 2004 issue.



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