Britain has earned quite a reputation for its mystery stories. From the celebrated works of Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to present examples such as Alex Michaelides, the infamous island has a resoundingly vast collection of intriguing mysteries that continue to implore audiences to explore their own biases and how they may manifest in tense situations. Using the endless imagination that comes with fiction to highlight long-held practices, beliefs, and motivations behind harrowing acts, the best of these mysteries are truly life-changing to experience.
While all forms of media have varying levels of quality, these 8 British mysteries make up the best on Prime Video. Whether they be decades-long series or fresh, new stories, these gritty, dark yet illuminating tales of loss, secrets, and lies will undoubtedly foster a deeper appreciation for the British mystery canon.
8
‘Tin Star’ (2017)
Created by Rowan Joffé, Tin Star focuses on former London detective Jim Worth, who is haunted by his past mistakes and decides to leave behind his old life by relocating with his family to the remote Canadian town of Little Big Bear. Seeking a peaceful life, he takes on the role of police chief, but when a powerful oil company also moves into town, Jim is forced to confront his past – and his darker alter ego, Jack Devlin.
Starting on an unassuming note, the series becomes a brutal and emotional exploration of revenge and survival. Led by Tim Roth’s intense performance, Tin Star maintains tension across three seasons, evolving into a high-stakes crime drama that culminates in a return to Liverpool for a final reckoning. The detective elements are flawlessly woven into the larger narrative, which is filled with unpredictable twists.
7
‘Three Pines’ (2022)
Based on Louise Penny’s novels, Three Pines centers around Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, a compassionate detective, as he investigates a series of perplexing murders in the quaint village of Three Pines. He delves deeper into the town’s hidden secrets and, at the same time, pursues another case – the disappearance of a young Indigenous woman.
Alfred Molina’s portrayal of Gamache brings warmth and sincerity to the layered mysteries. The show itself is quite unconventional in its detective storytelling as it immerses viewers in a world where investigation is as much about uncovering the truth as it is about the protagonist’s personal journey. The lush cinematography and slow-burning narrative received widespread praise, but unfortunately, Three Pines was cancelled after just one season.
6
‘Line of Duty’ (2012)
Few detective series are as addictive and immersive as Line of Duty, a police procedural that follows AC-12, an anti-corruption unit that is responsible for investigating misconduct within the force. Led by Superintendent Ted Hastings, DS Steve Arnott, and DC Kate Fleming, the team strives to uncover deep-rooted corruption, illegal cover-ups, and lies and betrayals in an effort to maintain the integrity of the force.
Line of Duty stands out for its gritty realism and complex narrative. Created by Jed Mercurio, it is Britain’s most acclaimed crime drama. Notably, Line of Duty draws praise for its razor-sharp writing and intricate plotting. The performances, especially those of Keeley Hawes, Stephen Graham, and Thandiwe Newton, make the long-running cop show all the more thrilling and tense.
5
‘River’ (2015)
Detective Inspector John River is haunted – literally. He is haunted by visions of his recently murdered partner, Detective Sergeant Jackie ‘Stevie’ Stevenson, and as River struggles with the grief and guilt of losing him, he also tries to solve the mystery surrounding his death. At the same time, he channels his unorthodox methods to solve complex cases for the Metropolitan Police.
Stellan Skarsgård leads the drama and delivers a fascinating performance as the titular character. Over just six episodes, the show’s tightly woven narrative explores the intricate relationship between River and Stevie, as the former’s visions and unconventional crime-solving techniques challenge the typical tropes of the genre. The result is a captivating character study that is both poetic and atmospheric.
4
‘The Fall’ (2013–2016)
The Fall sees industry heavyweights Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan star in a riveting drama that follows a serial killer and the detective dedicated to bringing them to justice. Metropolitan Police Superintendent Stella Gibson (Anderson) dedicates most of her time to collaborating with local detectives on various cases. However, a case that has remained active for almost a month has captured her attention, leading her to devote most of her energy to uncovering the truth.
Initially, The Fall was celebrated for leaning into more provocative yet grounded storytelling in comparison to the sensationalist narratives found in most police procedurals. Both Anderson and Dornan were celebrated for their respective portrayals, earning BAFTA nominations and victories at the IFTAs. A reliable template and strong example of an exemplary, slow-burning, psychological thriller, The Fall is an alluring piece that makes the most of its suspenseful storylines, and more importantly, its intriguing lead characters.
3
‘The Devil’s Hour’ (2022–Present)
Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife) joins Doctor Who alum Peter Capaldi in The Devil’s Hour. This haunting mystery chronicles the complex relationship between a seemingly ordinary social worker and a dangerous criminal. Within moments of meeting Lucy (Raine), the audience learns of her peculiar affliction. Waking up at 3:33 AM every night, barely escaping the horrifying visions that haunt her in her sleep, Lucy attempts to understand the origins and the reasoning behind her afflictions. Her curiosity leads her to an ominous man named Gideon (Capaldi), who claims to be a clairvoyant.
On the strength of its first season, The Devil’s Hour was renewed for a second and third season, and for good reason, too. Upon viewing the premiere, it is nigh impossible not to be impressed with Raine and Capaldi’s performances. From a close look at Lucy’s weakening grasp on stability and security to Gideon’s raven-like presence, the series brings the intrigue and terror necessary for a good mystery. Furthermore, the connection between Lucy’s nightmares and Gideon’s reign of terror creates an engaging mystery that fans and newcomers alike can dive into.
2
‘DCI Banks’ (2010–2016)
ITV
DCI Banks is a crime drama based on Peter Robinson’s Inspector Alan Banks novels. The Stephen Tompkinson-led series follows the titular detective as he attempts to crack the code behind various acts of violence. Often accompanied by Detective Sergeant Annie Cabbot (Andrea Lowe) and Detective Inspector Helen Morton (Caroline Catz), the trio operates with refreshing due diligence.
Robinson would explain in The Telegraph that while his cast may not share the same physical traits as their respective characters have in the books, they sure make up for it in their performances. Audiences are treated to complex characters who all share a vested interest in providing justice to the victims and survivors they come to defend. Noting their “dedication” to their performances, the well-written drama has successfully reinterpreted the novels, resulting in a charming yet gritty drama.
1
‘The Frankenstein Chronicles’ (2015–2017)
Set in early 19th-century London, The Frankenstein Chronicles follows Inspector John Marlott (Sean Bean), who is heading a grisly case. Based on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the series portrays Marlott as the one dealing with the criminal aspects of the unnatural experiments and body-part theft that would ultimately lead to the creation of the infamous Frankenstein’s monster.
While the show is monster-less, The Frankenstein Chronicles perfectly captures the dark, gothic atmosphere that has made the work timeless. Moreover, the series evolves from a typical period-driven police procedural to a more thoughtfully layered exploration of themes surrounding mortality and morality across its two seasons. Sean Bean is also phenomenal here, and the series does an impressive job of fully immersing viewers in the period.
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