13 Must-Watch Crime Dramas Based on Books: From Slow Horses to The Day of the Jackal

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Magpie Murders – available now on iPlayer

Susan Ryeland, a literary editor, draws inspiration from a renowned fictional detective. The sequel to Moonflower Murders has been released, and filming for the concluding part of the trilogy, Marble Hall Murders, has recently ended.

Adapted from the novels by Anthony Horowitz

Murder Most Puzzling – available now on 5

In a small, tranquil market town, a crossword puzzle creator (Phyllis Logan), harboring a hidden past, arrives and finds herself unraveling mysterious crimes instead. Unsurprisingly, the local police force becomes irritated by her unwanted involvement in their affairs.

Adapted from A Clue for the Puzzle Lady (2000) and its sequels by Parnell Hall.

The Marlow Murder Club – available now on U

In this charming whodunit, set amidst upscale Buckinghamshire, a threesome of detective ladies (headed by Samantha Bond) are recruited to assist the formal investigative team.

Adapted from the 2021 novel (and its sequels) by Robert Thorogood

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder – available now on iPlayer/Netflix

Emma Myers, known as Student Pip, feels unsatisfied with the outcome of the missing teen case and decides to take matters into her own hands by becoming an investigator herself. Further developments are ongoing.

Adapted from the 2019 novel (and its sequels) by Holly Jackson

Virdee – available now on BBC iPlayer

Detective Harry Virdee from Bradford, portrayed by Staz Nair, pursues a murderer who’s been terrorizing the local Asian community, all while his latest marriage creates a stir within his own family.

Adapted from AA Dhand’s 2018 novel City of Sinners

Department Q – available now on Netflix

Matthew Goode plays a self-important police officer who is given a small, underground workspace and a pile of unsolved cases to review. This series might be likened to “Slow Horses,” but instead of spies, the main characters are detectives.

Adapted from 2007 Danish-language novel The Keeper of Lost Causes by Jussi Adler-Olsen

Dalgliesh – available now on 5

In these intricately designed mystery series from the 1970s, Detective Adam Dalgliesh, both a poet and police officer portrayed by Bertie Carvel, asserts his reputation for being one of television’s most intellectually engaging detectives.

Based on the PD James Adam Dalgliesh novels (1962-2008)

The Gold – available now on BBC iPlayer

Neil Forsyth’s portrayal of the 1983 Brink’s-Mat heist, featuring Hugh Bonneville and Jack Lowden, follows the path of stolen gold through the decades. You can watch both series right away.

Published in February 2023, the factual companion book titled “The Gold: Unveiling the Truth Behind Brink’s-Mat: Britain’s Largest Heist” by Forsyth and Thomas Turner became available.

The Beast Must Die – ITVX

In this dark, intriguing tale, the character played by Cush Jumbo, named Frances, embarks on a quest for vengeance against her son’s killer. The story also features Billy Howle portraying the role of detective Nigel Strangeways and Jared Harris.

Adapted from the 1938 novel by Cecil Day-Lewis, under the pen name Nicholas Blake

The Day of the Jackal – available now on Now

In this sophisticated update of a timeless thriller, Eddie Redmayne plays a high-earning hitman, while Lashana Lynch pursues him as an intelligent field agent. There’s already talk about a new season being developed.

Adapted from the 1971 Frederick Forsyth novel

The Night Agent – available now on Netflix

An ordinary FBI agent (Gabriel Basso), working late into the night at the White House, unwittingly becomes entangled in a complex plot as he strives to expose a secretive betrayer.

Adapted from the 2019 novel by Matthew Quirk

Killing Eve – available now on BBC iPlayer

Jodie Comer first gained prominence by portraying a ruthless assassin pursuing a secret agent (played by Sandra Oh). At present, a prequel titled “Honey” is being developed.

Based on the Villanelle novellas (2014-2016) by Luke Jennings

Alex Rider – available now on Prime Video

In a thrilling sequence of international escapades, the adolescent secret agent (Otto Farrant) confronts ruthless tech magnates and hidden killers across three action-packed series. Alongside them are Vicky McClure and Stephen Dillane.

Based on the Alex Rider books (2000-2023) by Anthony Horowitz

…and 5 more to watch soon

Down Cemetery Road – coming soon to Apple TV+

Two women (Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson) team up to find a missing child.

Adapted from the 2003 novel by Slow Horses’ Mick Herron.

Murder Before Evensong – due in the Autumn on 5

In a 1980s murder mystery, Reverend Daniel Clement, portrayed by Matthew Lewis, continues the tradition of religious detectives like Father Brown and those from Grantchester, solving crimes within the clerical community.

Adapted from the 2022 novel by Richard Coles

Lynley – due in the Autumn on BBC1

In my case, I hail from an esteemed background, while she comes from a more down-to-earth upbringing. Yet, our diverse origins have resulted in an unbeatable partnership. As Leo Suter and Sofia Barclay portray DI Lynley and DS Havers respectively, we bring a unique blend of sophistication and rebellion to the table.

Based on Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley novels (1988-2025)

Atomic – coming soon to Sky Atlantic/NOW

Two companions find themselves entangled in a scheme involving the illegal transportation of uranium, as they pledge to avert a catastrophic nuclear disaster, all the while eluding the watchful eyes of MI6 and the CIA. This gripping series features Alfie Allen and Shazad Latif in pivotal roles.

Inspired by the 2006 non-fiction book Atomic Bazaar by William Langewiesche

Night Manager 2 – due in 2026 on BBC1

In this upcoming sequel to Tom Hiddleston’s stylish portrayal of an undercover operative in the acclaimed John Le Carré narrative, expect Hugh Laurie’s return as an executive producer. Catch up on the original series by streaming it now on iPlayer.

Based on The Night Manager (1993) by John Le Carré

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2025-07-11 09:35