Why Murder Before Evensong, a new cosy crime with a Happy Valley star, is your next TV obsession

by

If you enjoy comforting mysteries like *The Thursday Murder Club*, you might love *Murder Before Evensong*. It’s also based on a popular book series – this one written by Reverend Richard Coles – and offers a similar charming atmosphere, making it a great choice for your next TV binge.

The show centers around Canon Daniel Clement, the local priest of Champton, whose proposal to add a restroom to the church creates conflict within the town. Things take a dark turn when a body is discovered.

The first book in the series, *Murder Before Evensong*, was released in 2022. It was followed by *A Death in the Parish* in 2023, and then by *Murder at the Monastery* and *Murder Under the Mistletoe* in 2024. The most recent installment, *A Death on Location*, was published just a few months ago.

What to Read Next

Matthew Lewis will star in the new Channel 5 series, joined by Amit Shah, known from *Happy Valley*, who plays DS Neil Vanloo. The series is based on a book by Coles, adapted for television by Nick Hicks-Beach (*Midsomer Murders*), and directed by David Moore (*Outlander*).

The Lighthouse, the company behind Netflix hits like *Scoop*, *Luther*, and *Our Girl*, is producing the show.

I’m seriously hyped that Canon Clement and his community are getting a TV show! The Lighthouse team is amazing, and I’m already trying to figure out how I can make a little appearance. Apparently, keep an eye out for a pretty creepy archdeacon riding around on a ridiculously small bike – a ‘sit up and beg’ bicycle, they said!

Lewis expressed his immense excitement about returning to the role and immersing himself in the delightful world of Champton, lovingly built by Rev. Richard Coles.

He’s been a long-time fan of the author’s work and really enjoys the characters and stories. He said it’s a privilege to collaborate with this talented team and to play the role of Canon Clement, both for existing fans and those discovering the story for the first time.

What is Murder Before Evensong about?

Set in the 1980s, *Murder Before Evensong* centers around Rector Daniel, who unexpectedly becomes involved in a murder investigation after a body is discovered in his church.

Daniel lives with his mother, Audrey, who is a widow, and shares their home with his two dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda.

Daniel’s proposal to update the church unexpectedly splits the congregation. When a body is discovered on church grounds, things quickly escalate. As the police investigate and the death toll rises, Daniel must attempt to unite his divided community while also trying to identify a murderer.

Who is in Murder Before Evensong?

Alongside Shah and Lewis, Murder Before Evensong also stars:

The cast includes Amanda Redman, known for *Scoop*, as Audrey, and Tamzin Outhwaite (*EastEnders*) as Stella Harper. Sam Baker-Jones (*DI Ray*) plays Nathan Liversedge, alongside Marion Bailey (*The Crown*) as Kath. Adam James (*Vigil*) stars as Bernard De Floures, with Alexander Delamain as Alex De Floures and Meghan Treadway (*Trying*) as Honor De Floures. Gary Bates (*The Thursday Murder Club*) appears as Howard, Nina Toussaint-White (*Showtrial*) as Jane Thwaite, and Justine Cain (*Three Little Birds*) as Tanya the Travel Agent. Sofia Price (*Virdee*) plays the Secretary to the Bishop, and Noé Sébert (*Ackley Bridge*) is Hervé Gauchet.

When will Murder Before Evensong air?

I’m super excited – Murder Before Evensong is coming out on Tuesday, October 7th at 9 PM on Channel 5! And if I miss it, no worries, because it’ll also be available to stream on 5.

The new edition of Living Legends is here! Buy Gaga in newsagents or online, priced at just £8.9

Read More

2025-09-25 17:49