Reverend Richard Coles reveals if Murder Before Evensong’s crime-solving vicar is based on him

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“Have you ever wondered how many fictional detectives are also vicars?” asks the Rev Richard Coles, who is a musician, priest, and author. “Probably not, but there are around 200! When you consider it, vicars are ideally suited to murder mysteries. They’re involved in all sorts of places and people rarely question what they’re up to.”

Even beyond the genre of cosy crime, Coles points out that handling situations involving murder is actually a common part of a priest’s role. “I initially served in central London, and then I moved to be a vicar in a more rural parish for 12 years. People assumed I’d find it dull, just dealing with village fêtes. But there was a murder during my very first week – or, more accurately, an alleged murder. It does happen, you see. Human nature remains the same everywhere – it’s a mix of darkness and light, no matter where you are.”

People who are murdered deserve proper funerals, the same as anyone else. Frequently, you’ll find yourself conducting services not only for those who have been killed, but also for the people who committed the crimes. Ultimately, everyone needs help and support at the end of their life, regardless of their actions. Everyone comes to you in the end.”

Having worked in the field and with a brother who was a detective at Scotland Yard, it seemed destined that Coles would begin writing mystery novels centered around religious themes. He introduced the sophisticated clergyman, Daniel Clement, to the genre, who first appeared in the 2022 novel Murder Before Evensong, and has since returned in three more novels (along with a short story).

The story is now being adapted for television. Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis will play a priest, wearing a cassock, in this six-episode series. The plot follows Daniel as he’s drawn into investigating a murder in a village in the English Midlands in 1988.

Coles says people often mistake Daniel Clement for himself, and when he saw Matthew in costume, it was surprisingly like seeing a more attractive version of himself. “It definitely made me rethink things a little bit!”

Considering how much the series is based on Coles’s real life – similar to Coles, Daniel moves to a rural parish following time in London, and also loves sausage dogs – I find a particular plotline in the drama quite interesting, as it wasn’t present in the books. This storyline involves Daniel visiting people with AIDS in the hospital, which leads to criticism from both the media and members of his congregation.

“That idea really originated with Nick Hicks-Beach [the screenwriter],” Coles explains. “He made an effort to learn about my background, and he picked up on something very significant in my life. I, like many gay men my age living in London during the 1980s, lived through the AIDS crisis. It was a truly awful time. It had a devastating impact on all of us.”

When I first saw the plot of the TV show, I immediately felt it was a good approach – but it wasn’t something I could have created myself. The writers needed to develop that storyline.

He admits it’s still a sensitive subject. “It’s hard to talk about,” he said, and I get that. He shares the story now with friends who experienced it alongside him, but even that took 30 years. It’s clearly something he’s still processing, and he’s firm in saying, “I certainly don’t think it’s something I want to write about.” I respect that – some wounds just need time, and not everything needs to be public. It’s a very personal boundary.

Similar to the unsettling connection between religious figures and death, this aspect of the show reflects reality. Just as Daniel did in the series, some church members actually defied convention to support people battling AIDS. Coles explains, “I volunteered at the London Lighthouse [a centre for people with HIV/AIDs], and a group of nuns were remarkably quick to recognize the need for help, offering it without any criticism or delay.”

I was really struck by that at the time. It’s actually one of the things that made me consider the Church as a possibility. Without that experience, I wouldn’t be where I am today, doing the work I’m currently involved in.

The need for things to be set right also seems central to many fictional stories. Coles points out, “British murder mysteries were especially popular in the late 1930s, likely because people felt a growing sense of danger.” She continues, “Similarly, the world feels increasingly unstable now. Murder mysteries capture that feeling, but then offer a resolution, helping us feel safe again.” Praise be! It’s a comforting cycle.

Q&A with Murder Before Evensong star Matthew Lewis

You’re an atheist — what was it like playing a man of the cloth?

Thankfully, putting on a dog collar didn’t cause any immediate disasters, which was a positive sign. After my family and friends finished laughing when I told them about this project, they commented that it would be a real test of my acting skills. I’m not a big follower of organised religion myself, but I do believe it continues to be important in society in some capacity.

What did Richard make of that?

As an actor and a person, I’m really intrigued by faith, and especially by Richard’s beliefs. I’ve enjoyed many thoughtful conversations and debates with him about theology. It’s fascinating to me – especially since I don’t personally hold any religious beliefs!

Many readers have suggested that the character Daniel is essentially Richard writing about himself – do you share that view? I believe Daniel contains more of Richard’s own personality than he acknowledges, although it’s not a direct self-portrait.

You started with a well-known role, playing Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potterfilms – were you hesitant to revisit the character? There’s always some worry. Similar to what happened with Harry Potter, we’re hoping to attract new viewers who aren’t familiar with the books. But it’s also really important to us that we don’t disappoint the fans who have read them.

As someone who loves to read, I’ve seen adaptations that didn’t quite hit the mark. My goal is to ensure that fans of the original story will still enjoy this version. I’m committed to getting it right and honoring what people already love about it. I want to deliver something that resonates with them and doesn’t leave a bitter taste.

Murder Before Evensong premieres on 5 at 9pm on Tuesday 7th October.

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2025-09-29 19:52