Robson Green’s latest crime drama is already proving difficult for viewers to switch off, with fans praising the new detective series The Northumbria Mysteries and some admitting they stayed up until 3am to watch it.
The first four episodes of the eight-part series have arrived, introducing audiences to an unlikely crime-solving partnership set against the striking backdrop of the Northumberland countryside.
Green stars as former criminal Joe Ruby, while Liz White plays the highly intelligent Oxford-educated detective, DI Rose O’Connell. Together, the pair find themselves drawn into a murder investigation that begins with a grim discovery at a remote priory.
An Unlikely Duo at the Heart of a Murder Mystery
Joe Ruby is a man trying to put his troubled past behind him. After years spent on the wrong side of the law, his life has been shaped by mistakes, regrets and missed opportunities.
Now volunteering at a local priory and tending to its grounds, Joe is seeking forgiveness and hoping to start again under the watchful eye of Father David Rutherford, played by Simon Callow.
But his quiet new life takes an unexpected turn when the body of one of the monks is discovered hastily buried in a remote part of the priory grounds.
DI Rose O’Connell and her relatively inexperienced second-in-command, DS Raj Singh, played by Gurjeet Singh, are called in to investigate.
© BBC / Lonesome Pine Productions / Alex TelferLiz White as DI Rose O’Connell and Robson Green as Joe Ruby
Rose is known for her sharp intellect, evidence-based approach and cool, composed manner. Joe, however, brings something entirely different to the investigation.
When his experiences from his criminal past provide some unusual insights into the case, Rose begins to realise that the former convict could become a valuable ally.
Robson Green on Playing a Flawed but Charming Character
© BBC / Lonesome Pine Productions / Alex TelferThe Northumbria Mysteries follows ex-con Joe Ruby, Oxford-educated DI Rose O’Connell and her second-in-command DS Raj Singh
Green, who is well known to crime drama fans for his roles in Grantchester and Wire in the Blood, described Joe as a man who is constantly tempted despite wanting to do the right thing.
The actor called his character a “gambler” and a “risk taker” who has repeatedly been drawn toward temptation.
“He’s a charmer, but he’s fallible and through the choices he has made along the way he has lost everything,” Green said.
Liz White, meanwhile, described Rose as an experienced detective who has moved to Northumberland for reasons that have yet to be revealed.
Rose lives alone and tries to meet new people by going on a series of unsuccessful dates, but her main focus remains her work and her determination to see justice done.
Viewers Are Already Hooked
© BBC / Lonesome Pine Productions / Alex TelferSimon Callow plays Father David Rutherford
The first episodes have received an enthusiastic response from viewers, with fans praising the show’s humour, scenery and compelling mysteries.
One viewer wrote that they had watched all four episodes back to back and loved the series, particularly the “amazing” scenery.
Another fan admitted they had stayed up until 3am binge-watching the drama.
A third viewer praised the first four episodes, writing that they “absolutely loved it” and could not wait for the next instalments.
They added that the humour was a particular highlight and described the Northumberland scenery as stunning.
The show has also drawn comparisons with popular cosy crime dramas such as Father Brown and The Hairdresser Mysteries.
Critics Praise the Show’s Charm and Wit
© BBC / Lonesome Pine Productions / Alex TelferViewers are binge-watching the show on BBC iPlayer
The response from critics has been equally positive.
In a four-star review, The Telegraph described the series as “witty, diverting and brings bags of charm,” while The Guardian called it a “rural culture-clash cosy crime drama.”
The series comes from Newcastle-based Lonesome Pine Productions, the company behind The Feud, The Inheritance and The Fortune.
Who Stars in The Northumbria Mysteries?
Green and White lead the cast as Joe Ruby and DI Rose O’Connell.
They are joined by Simon Callow, Kevin Whately, Gurjeet Singh and Chris Gascoyne, bringing together a familiar group of faces for the new detective drama.
How to Watch
The Northumbria Mysteries premiered on BBC One at 2pm on October 23, with the first four episodes becoming available to stream on BBC iPlayer on the same day.
With viewers already racing through the opening episodes and staying up late to find out what happens next, the series appears to have quickly found its audience. The remaining episodes are set to arrive soon.