Marble Hall Murders, the first instalment in Anthony Horowitz's Susan Ryeland series, returns with its signature blend of meta-narrative and classic whodunit. This is an early assessment of the first episode of a miniseries, airing on PBS Masterpiece, which continues the story of editor Susan Ryeland, who once again finds herself entangled in a murder investigation that mirrors the fictional case she's editing. The narrative unfolds across two timelines: a 1955 Corfu villa and present-day London, as Susan works on a continuation novel of the Atticus Pünd series.
Lesley Manville shines as Susan Ryeland, anchoring the series with her compelling performance, and Tim McMullan reprises his role as the fictional detective Atticus Pünd. The meta-fictional structure, a hallmark of Horowitz's work, is present, though some critics suggest it feels more formulaic. While the premise is intriguing, the pacing in the early episodes can be slow, and some viewers found the real-life murder plot predictable.
However, the series benefits from strong production design and atmospheric cinematography, particularly in its depiction of Corfu. The supporting cast also delivers solid performances, with many actors playing dual roles, adding to the intricate puzzle. Despite some criticisms regarding predictability and a reliance on its established formula, Marble Hall Murders offers an engaging watch, largely carried by its talented cast and Horowitz's knack for intricate plotting.
PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel