Sherlock Creator’s 2-Part Historical Detective Drama With Rare Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score Could Last Forever

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Mark Gatiss, one of the creators of the popular series Sherlock, has a new detective drama with the potential for a very long run. British television is known for successful, long-lasting crime and detective shows, including classics like Poirot, Midsomer Murders, Silent Witness, Vera, and Death in Paradise, which have entertained viewers worldwide for years, and even decades. Although Gatiss’ Sherlock only lasted four seasons – despite fan efforts to revive it – his latest mystery series could surpass that show’s success.

Mark Gatiss, known for admiring authors like Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, has created his own detective character, Gabriel Book. Book, who owns an old bookshop, helps the London police solve crimes after World War II using his sharp mind and extensive knowledge of classic literature. The first season of Bookish, which premiered on PBS earlier this year, received a perfect 100% rating from Rotten Tomatoes critics.

The first season of Bookish focused on mysteries happening very close to home, all near Book’s bookshop. But the upcoming second season will be much bigger in scope, with cases taking the characters across London and even into Europe. In fact, Mark Gatiss was already writing ideas for season 3 as early as January 2026, though the show hasn’t officially been renewed for a third season yet. Bookish has the potential to run for many seasons, and it’s a show worth continuing.

Mark Gatiss’ Bookish Could Be The Next Great British Detective Drama

Gabriel Book is an exceptional detective, despite appearing to be an amateur. His deep knowledge of old books and classic stories, combined with his personal life as a gay man in 1940s London, gives him a special insight that the police often overlook. Like Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple and Benoit Blanc from recent mysteries, he notices crucial details and understands people in ways that help solve cases the police have struggled with.

He’s remarkably courageous, consistently facing risk whenever he deals with Inspector Bliss (Elliot Levey) and Sergeant Morris (Blake Harrison). Gabriel Book is a compelling and well-developed main character, and his past experiences clearly shape how he works as a detective. He, along with his quirky friends, family, and colleagues, make the show consistently engaging, promising a series that viewers will want to revisit season after season.

The way ‘Bookish’ structures its mysteries works really well for a series that could run for a long time. Although there are continuing storylines, like the relationship between Book and Jack, a former convict who’s learning the bookselling trade, the show isn’t built around a huge, complicated plot. This means it won’t get bogged down by one. Gabriel is motivated by finding the truth, but it doesn’t have to be personally connected to him.

The first season features three separate murder mysteries, each explored over two episodes, and season two will be structured the same way. Importantly, you can enjoy each case as a standalone story. While the show delves into Gabriel’s past, it remains focused on solving the crimes.

Bookish’s Unique Setting Will Help The Show Reinvent Itself Each Season

What really grabbed me about Bookish is the time period it’s set in. It’s fascinating how Gatiss chose 1946, right after the war and as London was rebuilding from the Blitz, because it really shapes Book’s story as a gay man. So many other British detective shows are set during the war – think early Foyle’s War or The Bletchley Circle. And the ones that look at the time after usually jump ahead to the 50s and 60s, like Grantchester or Father Brown. This feels different, and it adds a lot to the atmosphere.

Mark Gatiss, in an interview with ScreenRant about Bookish season one, shared that he selected this particular historical period because of its emotional resonance and potential for compelling stories. He described it as a “very rich soil to work with,” full of hidden secrets and significant implications. Gatiss believes this era, a pivotal moment in British history, will help make the mysteries in Bookish feel fresh and distinctive for years to come.

Secrets lurk around every corner – in back alleys, fancy hotels, and even ordinary apartments. Everyone is facing their own difficulties, and no one is without a past. As Britain grapples with the aftermath of World War II and undergoes massive change, the series Bookish consistently finds new directions, mirroring the nation’s own transformation. With a relatable detective, a straightforward format, and a strong sense of history, Bookish has all the ingredients to become a beloved and enduring detective show.

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2026-05-22 04:39