What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedMidsomer Murders
Anthony Horowitz · Series · 1997
If you loved Midsomer Murders, start with Magpie Murders (Anthony Horowitz, 2017) — a book on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 3 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Midsomer Murders across media.
You crave the juxtaposition of quaint, idyllic village life against the dark, unsettling reality of meticulously plotted and violent crimes.
Books on the same thread
Magpie Murders
Anthony Horowitz · Book · 2017
Explores: Book within a book, Editor-detective, Author-editor relationship.
If Midsomer Murders hooked you with its clever narrative layers, you will appreciate how this complex mystery mirrors the show’s intellectual approach to the classic British whodunit format.
The Murder at the Vicarage
Agatha Christie · Book · 1984
Shares a thread with Midsomer Murders: Cozy Mystery.
Fans of Midsomer Murders will recognize the familiar pattern of village scandal and hidden identities that force a sharp investigator to uncover the truth behind a peaceful facade.
The Moving Finger
Agatha Christie · Book · 2000
Shares 2 threads with Midsomer Murders: Small Town Secrets, Cozy Mystery.
Much like Midsomer Murders, this story explores the dark underbelly of a quiet community where anonymous threats lead to murder, requiring a keen eye to solve the case.
A Deadly Episode
Anthony Horowitz · Book · 2026
Shares a thread with Midsomer Murders: Cozy Mystery.
This story captures the same spirit of meta-commentary found in Midsomer Murders, playfully deconstructing the detective tropes you love while delivering a compelling, modern mystery involving a sudden death.
Films on the same thread
Hot Fuzz
Edgar Wright · Film · 2007
Shares 2 threads with Midsomer Murders: Small Town Secrets, Police Procedural.
You will enjoy how this film satirizes the same rural crime setting that defines Midsomer Murders, balancing a fish-out-of-water premise with the discovery of grisly secrets in a village.
Midsommar
Ari Aster · Film · 2019
Explores: Grief, Trauma, Toxic Relationships.
If the rural setting of Midsomer Murders draws you in, this film offers a darker, psychological exploration of how a small-town festival can spiral into a terrifying, cult-driven nightmare.
The Thursday Murder Club
Chris Columbus · Film · 2025
Shares a thread with Midsomer Murders: Cozy Mystery.
This caper mirrors the investigative charm of Midsomer Murders by focusing on a close-knit group that uses wit and local knowledge to solve murders within their own quiet community.
Podcasts on the same thread
Small Town Murder
James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman · Podcast · 2026
Explores: provincial life, tragic irony, forensic breakdown.
If you enjoy the focus on provincial life found in Midsomer Murders, this podcast offers a detailed, comedic investigation into the specific sociological quirks of small towns and their tragedies.
The Archers
Podcast
Explores: family life, community, farming.
Listeners who appreciate the rich community dynamics and rural atmosphere of Midsomer Murders will find this long-running drama provides a similar deep dive into the complexities of village life.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Who created the television series Midsomer Murders?
The television series Midsomer Murders was created by Anthony Horowitz. It first premiered in 1997 and centers on a veteran DCI and his young sergeant who work together to solve violent crimes that occur within the peaceful Midsomer community.
What is the primary premise of Midsomer Murders?
Midsomer Murders follows a veteran DCI and a young sergeant as they investigate violent crimes in the Midsomer community. The duo works to identify suspects, eliminate the innocent, and pursue the guilty individuals responsible for shattering the peace of the area.
Is Midsomer Murders a show about police investigations?
Yes, Midsomer Murders focuses on police investigations. The plot revolves around a veteran DCI and his young sergeant who are tasked with solving violent crimes, placing suspects under suspicion, and diligently working to find the guilty parties within the Midsomer community.
When did Midsomer Murders first air?
Midsomer Murders first began airing in 1997. The series features a veteran DCI and his young sergeant who investigate violent crimes that disrupt the peaceful nature of the Midsomer community by identifying suspects and ruthlessly pursuing the guilty.