Mark Gatiss’ murder mystery you shouldn’t skip

Post‑War London Bookshop Detective

Bookish is a six‑part drama set in 1946 London. Created and co‑written by Mark Gatiss and Matthew Sweet, it stars Gatiss as Gabriel Book, a gay antique bookshop owner moonlighting as a detective. The show weaves literary puzzles and period authenticity into each two‑part mystery.

Created during lockdown and originally conceived as a novel, Bookish blends cosy parlor‑game charm with emotional depth, highlighting post‑WWII tensions and hidden identities while bringing fresh intrigue to traditional whodunnit storytelling.

Gabriel Book’s Unique Investigation Style

Gabriel Book uses his encyclopedic literary knowledge to crack mysteries. Armed with a handwritten letter from Winston Churchill, he gains unusual access to crime scenes, adding historical flair and narrative license.

Gatiss designed Book’s sleuthing style as a nod to golden‑age detective fiction: intellectual, methodical, and steeped in classic clue‑chasing. The “colour noir” aesthetic gives the show visual depth, pairing pastel period styling with shadows and emotional weight

Lavender Marriage Adds Emotional Layers

Book is married to Trottie (Polly Walker) in a platonic “lavender marriage” that conceals his homosexuality in a period when it was illegal. Their relationship balances support and secrecy.

Critics praise the emotional nuance this arrangement brings, making the show more than just puzzle‑solving; it becomes a study of personal identity, societal constraints, and human connection in post‑war Britain.

Ensemble Cast Supports Core Story

Alongside Gatiss and Walker, the cast features Connor Finch as ex‑prisoner Jack (Book’s assistant), Buket Kömür as aspiring writer Nora, and Daniel Mays, Joely Richardson, Elliot Levey, and others rounding out the investigative team.

Jack’s background adds complexity as he seeks redemption amid the bomb‑scarred city, while the supporting cast enriches narrative texture and deepens character relationships.

Three Two‑Part Mystery Cases

Structured as three two‑episode stories, Bookish tackles distinct crimes in each arc. The premiere centers on skeletal remains in a bomb pit. Each case unfolds with literary references, period detail, red herrings, and a central reveal, classic whodunnit structure delivered with warmth and style.

This format supports narrative momentum while giving viewers time to engage with emotional undercurrents.

Elegant Cosy Crime Reinvented

Though Gatiss resists the term “cosy crime,” Bookish wears its vintage charm on its sleeve while addressing serious themes like war trauma, societal transition, sexuality, and hidden prejudice.

The series pairing lighthearted literary puzzlework with deeper post‑war hardship offers something that feels nostalgic yet relevant, a satisfying twist on the genre.

Meticulous Modern‑Classic Visual Style

The visual design combines nostalgia with stylistic flair: muted palettes, period props (powdered eggs, ration books), and noir shadows evoke mid‑century London.

Gatiss coined the term “colour noir” to describe this blend of pastel charm and suspenseful atmosphere. Critics note the filmic production value as a standout aspect, enhancing immersion in the world of Bookish.

Literature as Detective’s Key Tool

Book’s mind‑library triggers his deductions: literary references from Tolstoy, Keats, Wilde, and pulp fiction offer clues. Radio Times describes his shop as an analogue ca omputer of knowledge.

This meta‑approach reflects Gatiss’s detective‑fiction passion, with clues tied to bookish detail, making the show appeal to both mystery lovers and literary fans.

Authentic Social History Representation

Bookish doesn’t shy away from the era’s social climate: it portrays prejudices, war-scarred communities, returning soldiers, gun crime, and the daily challenges faced by women in a society still rebuilding after devastation.

The inclusion of a lavender marriage between Gabriel and Trottie powerfully reflects the era’s repressive stance toward LGBTQ+ individuals, offering a deeply human story of survival and compromise. Characters grapple with rationing, housing shortages, and the psychological aftermath of war, all while navigating a world clinging to outdated norms.

Thoughtful Character‑Driven Mystery

Critics highlight that Bookish thrives on human connections as much as investigative cleverness. Its heart lies in layered relationships, Gabriel and Trottie, Jack’s search for purpose, Nora’s aspirations elevating it above episodic puzzle fare.

The Times praises its emotional depth, wit, and originality in character arcs, making viewers care as well as solve

Gatiss’s Puzzle‑Crafting Expertise

Mark Gatiss engineered intricate mysteries with red herrings, locked‑room style setups, fair‑play plotting, and surprise twists, including changing murderers mid‑script. He built each case like a Jenga tower, tweaking elements to maintain suspense.

That mechanics reflect his writing for Sherlock and covetable puzzle structures echo Christie and Doyle, offering both comfort and surprise.

From Script to Tie‑In Novel

Originating as a novel idea eight years ago, Bookish began as a book before becoming a screenplay. Gatiss and Sweet are now turning the TV mysteries back into novel form, a rare reverse adaptation.

This meta‑textual process enriches the narrative’s literary roots and offers fans an alternate format in which to explore Gabriel Book’s world.

Critics Praise Warm, Stylish Execution

Reviews from The Guardian, The Times, New Statesman, and several other respected outlets praise Bookish for its cozy intrigue, richly rendered period atmosphere, compelling character chemistry, and emotional resonance.

Critics highlight how the series strikes a satisfying balance between escapism and substance, offering viewers both intellectual stimulation and heartfelt storytelling. The Times notes its careful blend of humor and melancholy, while The Guardian applauds its aesthetic charm and finely crafted visual world.

Pre‑Renewed for Second Season

Even before its official July 16 premiere on U&Alibi in the UK (and PBS in the U.S.), Bookish was greenlit for a second series, a clear sign of strong confidence from both producers and network partners. The early renewal reflects not only belief in Mark Gatiss’s creative vision but also the show’s broad potential for critical and audience success.

Gatiss has confirmed that filming will once again take place in Belgium, which cleverly doubles for post-war London thanks to its preserved architecture and adaptable cityscapes. Writing for the second season is already underway, with Eagle Eye Drama continuing to provide creative and production support.

Accessible on Streaming and TV

The show premiered July 16, 2025 in the UK and US (U&Alibi, PBS), with all episodes available on platforms like Sky Box Sets and NOW. International rights are handled by Beta Film.

Viewers can binge or pace through three two‑part mysteries, making it both appointment‑watch and streaming‑friendly. If you’re looking for what to watch next, it’s already making waves as one of the top new TV shows to stream now on every major platform.

Bookish’s Lasting Appeal

Bookish is a thoughtful celebration of detective fiction, literature, and post‑war history, blending puzzle, character, and design. Gabriel Book’s charm and moral complexity, Trottie’s steadfast partnership, and Jack’s redemptive arc create emotional stakes.

With its renewal, novel adaptation, and critical acclaim, Gatiss has created a world that readers can return to, whether on screen or in page‑turning book form. It’s also part of a growing wave of powerful shows that keep the spirit of Juneteenth alive year-round, through storytelling that challenges, uplifts, and remembers.

Let us know what resonated most with you. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.