Best Binges for Mystery Buffs on Netflix

I love me a good mystery. Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sue Grafton, Mary Higgins Clark, James Patterson – I could go on and on listing some of my favorite mystery writers. It doesn’t really matter if they are period dramas or more modern ones, there is something compelling about gathering a series of clues as the mystery slowly unravels. It’s almost like a game for me – seeing if I can solve the mystery myself. This appreciation for mysteries isn’t just when it comes to reading though. I can watch hours of mystery TV shows too. That’s why I put together this list of Best Binges for Mystery Buffs on Netflix.

BEST BINGES FOR MYSTERY BUFFS ON NETFLIX CANADA

Father Brown Mysteries –

I love the gentle but persistent nature that is Father Brown. He can’t resist a mystery, but at the same time, he can’t resist trying to help those involved save their souls. I appreciate his caring, accepting personality and of course, his clever crime-solving mind!

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries –

Miss Fisher is a spirited woman living in 1920s Australia. She has a sharp wit and uninhibited personality that put her way ahead of her time and provide her with the perfect tools for solving mysteries. She’s wealthy, fashionable, confident, and most of all, a kind-hearted amateur sleuth who often takes up the cause of social justice and fighting for the underdog.

Murdoch Mysteries –

Ahh, Detective William Murdoch. He’s a member of the Toronto constabulary in 1895 (and continuing into the early 1900s) with a love for gadgets and inventions. Like Miss Fisher, he is ahead of his time with his clever forensic inventions and procedures, which enable him to solve crimes

Broadchurch –

True confession time: I am not a Doctor Who fan. And out of all the episodes I have seen, David Tennant’s frenetic portrayal of the Doctor simply annoyed me. But David Tennant’s performance in Broadchurch is absolutely gripping. The character development season over season brings me back to this compelling show again and again. Unlike the shows above which, for the most part, deal with a new crime to be solved each week, Broadchurch goes more in depth, tackling one major mystery over the course of an entire season.

Sherlock –

Well you know, this one had me with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson respectively. They have exactly the chemistry I would want of these characters. The plots are based on the classic Conan Doyle books with slight variations and a modern twist. Don’t think though, that once you’ve seen one Sherlock Holmes series, you’ve seen them all. This series has its own charm and intensity. (Is it possible to have both charm and intensity? Yes, it must be, because that’s the best way I can think of to describe this show).

Midsomer Murders –

Set in modern day England in the fictional county of Midsomer, this show reminds me of Murder She Wrote a little bit. It’s not so kitschy or quirky by any means and the lead is an actual detective as opposed to a busybody. But it does have that juxtaposition of a charming little town/county with way more murders than one would expect in such an idyllic setting. I do like the addition of the lead detective’s family to provide some balance and lightheartedness. 

Ripper Street –

I’ll admit that it took me a bit of time to get into this one. I loved episode 1 but by about the 3rd or 4th episode, my interest was waning a bit. I hoped it was just a temporary lull and continued on. Thankfully, it picked up again quickly! It’s a Victorian crime thriller taking place in Whitechapel in the east end of London, about 6 months after the last victim of Jack the Ripper is murdered. This is a darker, edgier show than many of the others. Be forewarned, it’s also a little more gruesome than most of the others as well but with the references to Jack the Ripper, that’s to be expected.