Uncover the Truth: 10 Chilling Mystery Series to Obsess Over After ‘The Stolen Girl’

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The Kidnapped Child”

This gripping drama unfolds every parent’s darkest fear in a chilling tale of an innocent slumber party that takes a terrifying turn when one child goes missing. Inspired by the suspenseful novel “Playdate” penned by Alex Dahl, this mini-series captivates viewers right from its opening episode.

The story revolves around Elisa Blix (Denise Gough), whose life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Rebecca (Holliday Grainger), the mother of her daughter’s new best friend. Charmed by Rebecca, Elisa agrees to a playdate, which later escalates into a sleepover. However, Elisa’s character, known for her caution, acts impulsively in this instance. The next day, when she and her husband Fred (Jim Sturgess) arrive to pick up their daughter, they are met by a bewildered housekeeper who discloses that the house is actually a holiday rental, and that the woman Elisa had met has vanished along with both girls.

In Episode 1, several mysteries are introduced, including Rebecca’s real identity, her connection to Elisa’s daughter Lucia (Beatrice Campbell), and their current locations. The character of journalist Selma, portrayed by Ambika Mod from “One Day,” is hinted at playing a significant part in unraveling this enigma.

Every week at 10 PM Eastern Time, you’ll find me tuning into Freeform to catch the thrilling five-part series. Simultaneously, episodes are streaming on Disney+, and they become available on Hulu the following day if I miss them. As I eagerly anticipate the next episode, I’ve curated a list of 10 mystery TV shows that share similar vibes with “The Stolen Girl” for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

10
‘The Killing’ (2011 – 2014)

The American TV series “The Killing,” which debuted on AMC in 2011 and was later continued on Netflix due to fan support after an early termination, is inspired by the Danish show “Forbrydelsen” (The Crime). This gripping drama, set in Seattle, unfolds a complex murder mystery involving a young girl named Rosie Larsen (Katie Findlay), whose lifeless body was discovered in the car of councilman Darren Richmond (Billy Campbell), who is vying for mayor. The series follows the investigative journey of two unconventional homicide detectives, Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder, played by Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman, as they tirelessly work to solve this intricate case.

An Introspective Mystery

The series “The Killing” is a captivating drama with a gloomy atmosphere that becomes even more enthralling due to its nuanced character development, exploration of the mental toll of grief, and the personal struggles faced by the detectives. The second installment delves further into the mysteries surrounding the Larsen family, along with an underlying political scandal. In seasons 3 and 4, fresh cases come to light.

9
‘Broadchurch’ (2013 – 2017)

As a movie buff, I must say that the Brits have an uncanny ability to churn out gripping crime dramas, and Broadchurch is no exception to this rule. Starring none other than the brilliant David Tennant and the incredibly talented Olivia Colman, this series takes place in the quaint coastal town of Dorset and revolves around Detective Inspector Alec Hardy and Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller. The story unfolds following the heartbreaking murder of an 11-year-old local boy named Danny Latimer, as the duo tirelessly works to uncover the truth behind his tragic demise. Just like any good mystery, there’s a simmering pot of secrets bubbling beneath the surface in this tight-knit community, and the townspeople are far from pleased about the unwanted media spotlight that comes with such a case.

A Gritty Crime Drama

Broadchurch delves deeply into the themes of sorrow, mourning, and the repercussions of violence through a sensitive and impactful examination. This subtle but intense whodunit maintains suspense by meticulously revealing details, unfolding in an engaging manner that captivates viewers from start to finish. Seasons 2 and 3 continue this trend with their compelling storytelling and excellent writing.

8
‘The Forest’ (2017)

The Forest, a French television series, has been likened to the previously mentioned Broadchurch. Set in a village on the French-Belgian border, close to the dense Forest of Ardennes, the story revolves around the mysterious disappearance of 16-year-old Jennifer Lenoir (Isis Guillaume). Captain Gaspard Deker (Samuel Labarthe) and local officer Virginie Musso (Suzanne Clément) take up the case, alongside a teacher who harbors a questionable past linked to those haunting woods. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they unearth one shocking secret after another from the small town’s hidden underbelly.

A Heavy, Atmospheric Mystery Drama

The visual storytelling, character progression, and narrative of this series are top-notch, skillfully preserving your curiosity until the final episode. Its haunting setting enhances the show’s suspense and tension. What sets The Forest apart from other shows in its genre is its emphasis on the victims, characters, and their connections rather than the culprit, creating a profound emotional impact.

7
‘The Cry’ (2018)

In my humble opinion, delving into the gripping world of BBC’s collaborative production with Australia, titled “The Cry“, I found myself captivated by its adaptation from Helen FitzGerald’s 2013 novel of the same name. I played the role of a movie reviewer, following the journey of Jenna Coleman, a dedicated Glasgow primary school teacher, who ventures with her baby Noah and fiancé Alistair Robertson (Ewen Leslie) from Scotland to Australia, a move prompted by Alistair’s desire to claim custody of his 14-year-old daughter Chloe (Markella Kavenagh), years after their affair. The narrative takes an unsettling turn as the couple’s new life is marred by Noah’s mysterious disappearance, casting them under intense media and police scrutiny.

Riveting Television

The four-part drama unfolds across various timeframes, creating a gripping, emotional rollercoaster that’s equal parts psychological thriller. It delves into themes of motherhood, postnatal depression, and abuse. Coleman delivers an outstanding, unforgettable performance in this production.

6
‘Sharp Objects’ (2018)

Following the success of Gillian Flynn’s namesake novel, Sharp Objects features six-time Academy Award nominee Amy Adams portraying Camille Preaker, a journalist residing in Chicago who finds herself back in her rural Missouri town of Wind Gap upon investigating the mysterious murders of two young girls. This return rekindles her strained relationship with her mother Adora, played by Patricia Clarkson, and her teenage half-sister Amma, portrayed by Eliza Scanlen. As Camille uncovers more about the case, she confronts the haunting memories she’s spent years trying to escape.

A Southern Gothic Mystery

Sharp Objects” is a haunting, maze-like story set in the South, exploring the impact of past traumas, mourning, and the damaging effects of dysfunctional family relationships. The series also tackles intense subjects such as self-inflicted harm and abuse, so viewer discretion is advised. Adams delivers an outstanding portrayal that vividly depicts her character’s battles with self-contempt and quest for healthy coping mechanisms. If you appreciate character-driven narratives, this is worth a watch next.

5
‘The Woods’ (2020)

The Woods stands out as one of the best adaptations penned by Harlan Coben so far. The Polish production moves between two distinct periods – a summer camp in 1994 nestled within woods and the present day, 2019. The narrative revolves around a Warsaw prosecutor who’s drawn into a case involving a murder victim bearing a set of newspaper clippings from his past. This case seems to be intertwined with the enigmatic events of the summer of ’94, when some individuals were brutally murdered and two others, including his sister, inexplicably vanished without a trace.

A Twist-Filled, Gritty Whodunit

If you’re on the hunt for an engaging mystery series that keeps you hooked till the very end, give “The Woods” a try. Its intriguing narrative structure holds your attention throughout. With top-notch production values, exceptional acting, and intricate character progression, viewers won’t be able to tear themselves away until they’ve watched all six episodes!

4
‘Black Snow’ (2022 – Present)

The gripping Australian crime drama “Black Snow” unfolds around a long-unsolved murder mystery situated in a remote town in North Queensland. The narrative is skillfully woven across two different time periods. Upon the opening of a time capsule belonging to a graduating class, a hint for an old case resurfaces – the gruesome 1994 slaying of Isabel Baker (Talijah Blackman-Corowa), a 17-year-old South Sea Islander. The revelation stirs up the past as Detective James Cormack (Travis Fimmel) is assigned to lead the investigation. As he diligently pursues the truth about Isabel’s murder, he finds himself entangled in his own personal cold case: the vanishing of his brother.

An Important History Lesson

The initial season of “Black Snow” offers much more than just a mystery. It gradually uncovers broader injustices, casting light on Australia’s past of blackbirding, a practice in the 19th and early 20th centuries that involved enslaving South Pacific islanders for work on cotton and sugar plantations in Queensland, as defined by Britannica. The series also examines the lasting effects of this practice on the South Sea Islander Community and sheds light on the dark chapters of colonialism. In its second season, a fresh case is presented.

3
‘The Clearing’ (2023)

The critically acclaimed psychological thriller by J.P. Pomare, titled “The Clearing“, has been adapted into an eight-part miniseries featuring a stellar Australian cast including Miranda Otto, Teresa Palmer from “A Discovery of Witches”, and Guy Pearce. This gripping series offers a dramatized portrayal of the infamous Australian cult The Family, which existed from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s, known as The Kindred in this narrative.

A Disturbing Look at Cults

Otto delivers an eerie depiction of its fearsome leader, Adrienne Beaufort. Palmer plays Freya, a solitary mother linked to The Kindred whose past recollections resurface when a nearby girl vanishes within her town’s confines. Spanning multiple time periods, the narrative delves into the subtle yet terrifying tactics of cults, their methods of manipulation, and the emotional wounds suffered by those who manage to break free.

2
‘The Snow Girl’ (2023 – 2025)

Titled “The Snow Girl,” this novel adaptation is set to depict Javier Castillo’s namesake story from Spain. The narrative revolves around the abduction of 5-year-old Amaya Martín Núñez (played by Emma Sánchez) during the Twelfth Night parade in 2010. Miren Rojo, a fledgling investigative journalist who’s still dealing with her personal traumas, finds herself immersed in this case and dedicates several years to it. Along the way, she transforms from an intern into a seasoned reporter, piecing together clues delivered via a series of VHS tapes sent to her.

A Non-Scandinavian Nordic Noir

Regardless of hailing from a distinctly warmer region, the Spanish television series shares similarities with Nordic Noir that will captivate viewers, owing to its filming style, moodiness, and themes. Featuring a labyrinthine, suspenseful plot, “The Snow Girl” is an enticing series to watch in one sitting, presented across various timeframes. However, it should be noted that the series tackles serious and heavy topics, so viewers are advised of potential triggers related to Child Sexual Abuse.

1
‘The Åre Murders’ (2025)

As a captivated reader of Viveca Sten’s Nordic-noir masterpieces, “Hidden in Snow” and “Hidden in the Shadows,” I can attest that the gripping series “The Åre Murders” authentically embodies this genre. The story unfolds in the quaint, snow-blanketed town of Åre, nestled in a secluded, frosty expanse of Northern Sweden, renowned for its prestigious ski resorts. A chilling mystery begins when a young girl vanishes from this picturesque landscape.

Enter Hanna Ahlander (portrayed by Carla Sehn), a Stockholm detective who’s recently faced the double whammy of suspension and heartbreak. In an attempt to find solace at her sister’s cabin in Åre, she finds herself irresistibly drawn into the case. Partnering with Detective Daniel Lindskog (Kardo Razzazi), they embark on a thrilling journey to unravel the secrets hidden beneath the pristine snow.

A Dark, Gripping Watch

As a dedicated cinephile, I can’t help but express my admiration for the groundbreaking series that has taken Netflix by storm in 2025. This captivating production has left audiences worldwide spellbound and has earned a wealth of critical accolades. The narrative, masterfully unfolded over five riveting episodes, is propelled forward by the powerhouse performances of its leading actors.

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2025-04-23 05:04