The mystery genre is incredibly versatile, blending easily with almost any other style of storytelling. If you are looking for horror and suspense, supernatural thrillers deliver. If you prefer a touch of romance or humor, comedic mysteries are the perfect fit.
In fact, there is an entire subgenre known as the cozy mystery. In these stories, the gritty details of a crime take a backseat. Instead, the focus shifts to a warm atmosphere, a good-natured sleuth, family dynamics, and a lighthearted tone. Here are engaging shows where charm and comfort go hand-in-hand with solving real crimes.
The Sommerdahl Murders
Forget bleak Scandinavian noir — this Danish series offers a warm and sunny take on the genre.
The story follows Dan, a detective living in a picturesque coastal town. Alongside his wife, Marianne, and his best friend, Flemming, he investigates a variety of complex murders. However, Dan is so consumed by his work that he fails to notice his wife pulling away. She soon begins contemplating divorce and developing feelings for Flemming.
Despite this romantic tension, the trio must find a way to keep working together as a surprising crime wave threatens their quiet town.
Cannes Confidential
We can confidently place a bet that you know for sure where this show is set. Yes, here you visit the stunning French Riviera, home to some of the world’s most famous resorts. And wherever there are wealthy tourists, con artists are sure to follow.
Camille, a police detective in Cannes, seems to have it all. She is brilliant, highly respected at work, and viewed as a role model by her peers. However, when her father — a prominent police official — is falsely accused of corruption, Camille makes a desperate move.
She strikes a deal with a charming grifter named Harry. In exchange for saving him from prison, he agrees to help clear her father’s name. This unlikely pair finds themselves at the center of a major mystery, all while navigating their growing feelings for one another.
The Madame Blanc Mysteries
This series proves that you can become a detective at any age. Jean White, a charming antiques expert from northern England, relocates to the South of France to investigate the mysterious death of her husband, Rory.
She quickly discovers that Rory was leading a double life and that his fatal car crash was no accident. Along the way, Jean befriends a local taxi driver named Dom and begins working as a freelance consultant for the local police, where her unique skills prove invaluable.
Now known as “Madame Blanc,” she searches for her husband’s killer while solving a string of other puzzling crimes tied to rare antiques.
Mrs Sidhu Investigates
This British show features a strong, independent protagonist who is never afraid of hard work. Mrs. Sidhu is a talented chef and the owner of a catering business. However, her passion for cooking is matched only by her love for adventure and solving mysteries.
When two bodies are discovered at a high-end spa party she is catering, Mrs. Sidhu takes it upon herself to find the culprits. She teams up with the stern Detective Chief Inspector Burton, who is initially less than thrilled to have a “cook” helping him out.
Despite their differences, they form a formidable duo that local criminals quickly learn to fear.
Harry Wild
Jane Seymour stars as a highly energetic, unconventional detective in this engaging series. A former literature professor, her life takes a dramatic turn after she retires.
When she is mugged by a teenager, she suddenly finds herself drawn into the world of criminal investigations. While her police detective son could help her solve cases, he wants nothing to do with her new hobby. Undeterred, she forms an unlikely partnership with the very petty thief who robbed her. Together, they discover that her deep knowledge of literature is surprisingly useful for solving complex crimes.
Art Detectives
This series follows a unique unit dedicated to investigating crimes in the high-stakes art world. Mick Palmer, a charismatic detective, and Shazia Malik, a no-nonsense constable, tackle complex cases involving everything from Viking treasures and Vermeer paintings to Banksy murals and collectible vinyl records.
Because these thefts are often tied to murders, their work is far from easy or carefree. The stakes get even higher when Mick’s estranged father — one of Britain’s most notorious art fraudsters — re-enters his life, putting the detective’s integrity and principles to the ultimate test.
