10 Near-Perfect Murder Mystery Shows Based On Books

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Most murder mystery shows, whether adapted from books or not, go beyond just solving a crime each episode. They explore complex human connections and the damaging effects of emotions like anger and jealousy, all while presenting interesting and challenging puzzles for both the characters and the audience to figure out.

A lot of beloved detective characters and captivating mysteries first appeared in books, and then were adapted for television. The most successful TV murder mysteries stay true to what made the original stories so good, while also presenting interesting detectives – whether professionals or amateurs – in a way that works well on screen. These shows do just that, offering nearly flawless adaptations.

Murdoch Mysteries (2008-Present)

Based On The Murdoch Mysteries Books By Maureen Jennings

CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries, inspired by Maureen Jennings’ books, is a captivating weekly murder mystery series. Set in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the show follows Detective Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) and his colleagues – including the forward-thinking Dr. Julia Ogden (Helene Joy), who eventually becomes his wife – as they investigate Toronto’s most challenging and perilous crimes.

With its brilliant lead character – responsible for many key inventions and advancements of the 20th century – plus accurate historical storylines, creative genre blending, and a mix of familiar faces both good and bad, it’s easy to see why Murdoch Mysteries has been a hit for 19 seasons and continues to be popular. The show has lasting appeal and could potentially go on indefinitely.

Midsomer Murders (1997-Present)

Based On The Chief Inspector Barnaby Books By Caroline Graham

If you’re like me and love a good mystery – especially ones with a quaint, slightly unsettling vibe – then you absolutely have to check out Midsomer Murders. It’s based on Caroline Graham’s Chief Inspector Barnaby novels, and it’s set in this ridiculously picturesque, yet deadly, little county called Midsomer. Seriously, it’s amazing anyone lives there! The murder rate is insane – usually two or three people get bumped off per episode. But that’s what makes it so good! You get to follow both DCI Barnaby and his partners as they unravel these surprisingly twisted cases and catch some killers you’d never expect.

Midsomer Murders is a long-running and popular British crime series that has recently been renewed for its 26th season on AcornTV and ITV. Even after its original lead actor left, the show successfully continued with a new detective, DCI Barnaby (played by Neil Dudgeon), maintaining its charming and humorous approach to solving crimes.

Bones (2005-2017)

Based On The Temperance Brennan Series By Kathy Reichs

The TV show Bones, inspired by the novels of forensic anthropologist Dr. Kathy Reichs, is still one of Fox’s biggest hits. Unlike many crime shows that focus on police work, Bones highlights the important role science and forensic evidence play in solving murders, offering a fresh take on a familiar genre.

But the show’s success wasn’t just about the intriguing cases. The connection and eventual love story between Brennan and FBI Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz) gave the show a heartwarming center, which balanced out the often dark and graphic murders. In fact, the characters in Bones were just as captivating as the mysteries themselves.

Grantchester (2014-Present)

Based On The Grantchester Mysteries Books By James Runcie

Grantchester is a beautifully made period drama that also happens to be a gripping murder mystery. The series, based on James Runcie’s Grantchester Mysteries books, centers around Detective Inspector Geordie Keating (played by Robson Green) and his investigations into tragic deaths in the Cambridgeshire area during the 1950s and 60s.

Geordie doesn’t work with other police officers; instead, he forms close friendships with all three of Grantchester’s vicars – Sidney Chambers (played by James Norton), Will Davenport (played by Tom Brittney), and Alphy Kotterma (played by Rishi Nair). These friends, with their strong ability to understand people and relentless curiosity, turn out to be surprisingly good detectives. The eleventh and final season of Grantchester is coming to PBS Masterpiece this summer, making it a perfect time to start watching or catch up on the series.

Vera (2011-2025)

Based On The Vera Stanhope Books By Ann Cleeves

Vera is a hugely popular crime drama from ITV. It’s based on the Vera Stanhope novels by acclaimed author Ann Cleeves, who also wrote the books that inspired the BBC series Shetland. The show stars Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope, a detective who solves murders in the starkly beautiful countryside of Northern England.

Every episode of Vera presents a fresh, gripping, and unsettling mystery, making it one of the more intense detective shows available. Brenda Blethyn’s portrayal of Vera is powerful – she’s a remarkably intelligent, compassionate, and dedicated detective, and it’s disappointing the series has ended. If you haven’t seen it, the show’s 14 seasons will pass quickly.

Elementary (2012-2019)

Based On The Sherlock Holmes Books By Arthur Conan Doyle

Sherlock Holmes is arguably the most well-known detective in fiction, and with countless retellings, any new version needs a unique twist. The TV show Elementary offers that by reimagining Sherlock (Jonny Lee Miller) as having moved to New York City, where he works with the NYPD and his partner, Joan Watson (Lucy Liu), to solve crimes.

CBS’s Elementary is an enjoyable and engaging murder mystery show, and the acting by Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu is fantastic. A highlight of the series is watching Joan Watson develop as an independent investigator, and the dynamic between her and Sherlock feels more complex and meaningful compared to other versions of the Sherlock Holmes story.

The Residence (2025)

Inspired By The Residence: Inside The Private World Of The White House By Kate Andersen Brower

You might not expect it, but the Netflix and Shondaland miniseries The Residence is truly unique. Based on Kate Andersen Brower’s book about life inside the White House, the show centers on detective Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba) as she investigates the murder of the White House Chief Usher (Giancarlo Esposito) during a state dinner with Australian dignitaries.

With its fast-paced editing, funny scenes, and surprising twists, The Residence brings a fresh take to the mystery genre. It’s too bad Netflix didn’t bring it back for another season – Cordelia Cupp had the potential to become a real standout detective like Benoit Blanc. However, the series ends with a very satisfying finale, making it a show you’ll enjoy watching.

Poirot (1989-2013)

Based On The Hercule Poirot Books By Agatha Christie

Any list of great murder mysteries needs to include Agatha Christie. In the ITV series Poirot, David Suchet brilliantly plays Christie’s iconic detective, guiding audiences through a fascinating collection of puzzling crimes, spooky settings, and shocking murders.

The TV series successfully adapted every Hercule Poirot story written by Agatha Christie. Though later seasons became more controversial due to a shift towards darker themes, the show, particularly its earlier episodes set in the 1930s, is still considered a classic example of a murder mystery.

Endeavour (2012-2023)

Based On The Inspector Morse Books By Colin Dexter

ITV’s Endeavour is part of a series of shows inspired by Colin Dexter’s Inspector Morse novels. All three programs—the original Inspector Morse, its sequel Inspector Lewis, and Endeavour—are excellent murder mysteries, but Endeavour feels particularly unique.

Set in the 1960s and early 70s, Endeavour centers on the early career of detective Endeavour Morse (Shaun Evans) and his work with Detective Inspector Fred Thursday (Roger Allam) as they solve challenging and disturbing murder cases in Oxford. The show’s strong writing and performances are beautifully complemented by its detailed sets, costumes, and music, making Endeavour a truly memorable and haunting mystery that stays with you long after you’ve watched it.

Sherlock (2010-2017)

Based On The Sherlock Holmes Books By Arthur Conan Doyle

BBC’s Sherlock stands out from all the other shows on this list because of its huge cultural influence. It launched the careers of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, and it redefined the detective drama genre. Plus, this updated take on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories gave us a particularly compelling version of Sherlock’s arch-enemy, James Moriarty, brilliantly played by Andrew Scott.

While not every episode of Sherlock is a masterpiece—some storylines, like the one about Sherlock and Mycroft’s sister, don’t quite work—the show is incredibly enjoyable to rewatch. Each episode offers something engaging, whether it’s a surprising plot twist, a dramatic cliffhanger, or a touching scene between Benedict Cumberbatch’s brilliant Sherlock and Martin Freeman’s grounded John Watson. Like other shows of its kind, Sherlock provides everything fans look for in a compelling murder mystery series.

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2026-04-27 05:28