A nice mystery with an unexpected ending (but aren't they always?). Good acting, good direction, lovely scenes, and classic English small-town setting.
The plot involves three women, ages around 40 - 65, who become involved as amateur sleuths in a series of murders. The leader is Judith, a retired archaeologist who lives in a classic old mansion bequeathed to her by her great aunt. The other two are a vicar's wife and a dog walker.
The police officer in charge of the investigation is also a women, due to a recent retirement or similar change of personnel (frankly I forget exactly). That opens up the well-used plot twist of the new "guy" trying to prove herself. It also makes it slightly more probable that the police would actively enlist the services of the three amateurs. Slightly. But in real life? It's not going to happen. This is one weakness of the plot.
Another is the basic improbability of it all. I won't go into any more detail, as I don't want to reveal any spoilers.
The other big weakness is the heavy-handed "women in charge" aspect. It becomes almost a political tract.
Too bad. The basic idea could have been handled a lot better with these good actors and lovely sets.
The plot involves three women, ages around 40 - 65, who become involved as amateur sleuths in a series of murders. The leader is Judith, a retired archaeologist who lives in a classic old mansion bequeathed to her by her great aunt. The other two are a vicar's wife and a dog walker.
The police officer in charge of the investigation is also a women, due to a recent retirement or similar change of personnel (frankly I forget exactly). That opens up the well-used plot twist of the new "guy" trying to prove herself. It also makes it slightly more probable that the police would actively enlist the services of the three amateurs. Slightly. But in real life? It's not going to happen. This is one weakness of the plot.
Another is the basic improbability of it all. I won't go into any more detail, as I don't want to reveal any spoilers.
The other big weakness is the heavy-handed "women in charge" aspect. It becomes almost a political tract.
Too bad. The basic idea could have been handled a lot better with these good actors and lovely sets.