The Brokenwood Mysteries – Series 11 – Review

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The Brokenwood Mysteries Series 11 – Review

The latest season of *The Brokenwood Mysteries* is back with a fresh set of intriguing crimes for the detectives to investigate.

Where to Watch

The eleventh series of The Brokenwood Mysteries will be available on DVD and digitally from October 6, 2025, thanks to Acorn Media International.

Director: Mike Smith, Ian Hughes, Jacqueline Nairn, Katie Wolfe

Writer: Timothy Balme, Laura Hill, Roy Ward, Tania Klouwens (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Neill Rea (The Warrior’s Way)
  • Fern Sutherland (The Almighty Johnsons)
  • Cristina Serban Ionda (Out of Season)
  • Karl Willetts (The Power of the Dog)
  • Jarod Rawiri (Boy)

Detective Inspector Mike Shepherd begins a new job in the small town of Brokenwood, where old grudges and long-held memories strongly influence the present.

Runtime: 1 Hour 30 Minutes per episode

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Verdict on The Brokenwood Mysteries Series 11

The Ghost in You

Okay, so I recently checked out *The Ghost in You*, and it starts with this cool 80s band rolling into town and playing a gig. But things take a dark turn when someone falls from Trudy’s bar right after the show! That’s when Mike, Kristin, Daniel, and Gina—a team of investigators—start digging into what happened. Their investigation quickly leads them down a rabbit hole of secrets surrounding the band and its past. It’s a really intriguing setup, honestly.

It’s great to have this show back! The ongoing mystery is captivating, and the team’s dynamic is wonderful. We’re excited to be back in this town and see where the story goes next. It’s a strong return episode that really draws you into the world and makes you want more. (4/5)

Sudden Death Round

After a beloved radio host unexpectedly dies while returning to host a school event, everyone in attendance becomes a suspect. As the team investigates, they uncover deeper secrets and realize that old memories from the school are connected to both the victim and the guests.

This series vividly portrays the complex relationships and lingering tensions of high school, as the investigation reveals connections between many of the characters. The mystery keeps you guessing, and the show realistically depicts everyday struggles. It excels at showcasing the team’s seamless collaboration as they unravel the crime, and leaves you eager to see what happens next. (4/5)

All Hallows Eve

On Halloween night, a local seance brings together town residents and visitors, but the gathering takes a deadly turn when one man is stabbed to death. The team investigates, interviewing everyone who was present, but the medium involved only adds to the mystery.

This episode presents a classic locked-room murder mystery with a cast of intriguing suspects. Several locals are involved, and many of them had a connection to the victim, giving them potential motives. It’s another strong installment in the series that will leave you eager to see the team solve more crimes. (4/5)

How the Other Half Dies

When a prominent town resident dies in a bizarre accident involving a chandelier, Mike and his team start an investigation to determine if it was murder. The case quickly becomes complicated as the townspeople start behaving oddly. Meanwhile, Mike deals with a personal problem when someone steals his car, and he sets out to find the thief.

This episode presents a puzzling mystery that turns out to be surprisingly complex. It’s also the funniest episode so far, thanks to a subplot about Mike looking for his car. The episode offers a lighter tone while still showcasing the more upscale side of the setting. (4/5)

The End of the Line

In “The End of the Line,” the team investigates after a potential suspect is found dead while on a zip line. The initial focus is on the teachers and students who were present, but the investigation quickly reveals that several people they know may be involved.

As a big fan of the show, I found this episode particularly engaging. It cleverly revisits old suspects and threads from earlier storylines, building a really compelling mystery around who’s pulling the strings. It also nicely explores the fallout from past events. It’s definitely one of the more memorable episodes and leaves you eagerly anticipating what happens next. I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

An Oades to Christmas

In ‘An Odes to Christmas,’ the team investigates the death of a Santa Claus, discovering his identity links him to a family they’ve encountered before – a family whose member was recently released from prison. The case quickly becomes a complicated family drama and resurfaces the team’s existing opinions about local criminals.

As a fan, I thought the finale was really interesting! It brought back a case from a previous season, which was a nice touch, but honestly, if you haven’t seen the older episodes, some of the impact is lost. The mystery itself was full of twists and turns, with a lot of potential suspects, and it was especially powerful because the story felt surprisingly personal. I’d give it 4 out of 5 stars!

Overall

I was so glad to see *The Brokenwood Mysteries* back for Series 11! It’s been fantastic – each new case has genuinely surprised me, and they’ve struck a perfect balance between funny moments and genuinely gripping storylines. The whole cast, both the main detectives and the familiar supporting characters, have been brilliant. Even after eleven series, it still feels fresh, really entertaining, and leaves me eager for the next episode!

Overall, Series 11 of The Brokenwood Mysteries is a thoroughly enjoyable collection of crime stories, boosted by the fantastic connection between the characters.

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2025-10-06 14:40