In a thrilling new addition to the world of British television, Downton Abbey star Phyllis Logan has joined forces with her real-life husband, Kevin McNally, in Channel 5’s gripping crime drama Murder Most Puzzling. Premiering on June 19, 2025, the series has quickly captivated audiences with its unique blend of cozy mystery and dark whodunit, drawing comparisons to Broadchurch and Only Murders in the Building—but with a distinctive twist: crosswords. Set in the deceptively tranquil market town of Bakerbury, the story kicks off with the chilling discovery of a teenage girl’s body in a local cemetery, a cryptic crossword clue tucked in her pocket. Enter Cora Felton, played by Logan, a recent arrival and nationally syndicated crossword puzzle maker known as the “Puzzle Lady,” whose knack for solving cryptic clues becomes the key to unmasking a killer. With McNally guest-starring as a charming suitor, the series weaves personal drama with a murder investigation, delivering an addictive thriller that fans are calling “impossible to switch off.” This article explores the show’s premise, its star-studded cast, the real-life chemistry between Logan and McNally, and why Murder Most Puzzling is the must-watch drama of 2025.

The Premise: A Crossword-Fueled Mystery

Murder Most Puzzling, adapted from Parnell Hall’s best-selling Puzzle Lady Mysteries novels, centers on Cora Felton, a celebrated crossword compiler who moves to the sleepy town of Bakerbury seeking a fresh start. But tranquility is shattered when a teenage girl’s body is found in the local cemetery, an enigmatic crossword clue in her pocket baffling the police. With their investigation stalling, DCI Derek Hooper (Adam Best) reluctantly enlists Cora, whose fame as the “Puzzle Lady” suggests she can crack the clue and solve Bakerbury’s first murder case. What follows is a twisting tale of secrets, suspects, and surprises, as Cora’s unconventional “shoot first, ask questions never” approach unearths a web of deceit in a town that’s anything but sleepy.

The series, described by Logan as “Murder She Wrote meets Miss Marple on steroids,” blends the cozy charm of small-town mysteries with the dark intensity of modern crime dramas. Each episode introduces new layers to the case, with Cora’s crossword-solving skills revealing connections to cold cases, corrupt officials, and hidden motives. The show’s unique hook—using cryptic crosswords as clues—sets it apart, offering viewers a puzzle to solve alongside Cora. “It’s a police procedural, but not as we know it,” Logan told Radio Times. “It’s full of great characters and a clever, funny script by Dominique Maloney.” With six episodes in its first season, Murder Most Puzzling has hooked audiences, earning praise for its “addictive” pacing and “twisting” narrative.

The Cast: A Stellar Ensemble

At the heart of Murder Most Puzzling is Phyllis Logan, whose portrayal of Cora Felton is both charismatic and complex. Best known as Mrs. Hughes in Downton Abbey, Logan brings warmth, wit, and grit to Cora, a character she describes as “her own woman” who “wants a Bloody Mary for breakfast, so she has one, why not?” Cora’s unapologetic nature—chain-smoking, irreverent, and fiercely independent—makes her a refreshing protagonist, with Logan relishing the role’s authenticity. “She’s not PC at all, but she’s completely believable,” Logan told Radio Times. “Once I decided to play her in my own accent, she just came to me.”

Joining Logan is her husband of 14 years, Kevin McNally, who guest-stars in episode three as Gilbert, a charming suitor who sparks a romantic subplot with Cora. McNally, a versatile actor known for Pirates of the Caribbean, The Crown, and Unforgotten, brings a roguish charm to Gilbert, whose intentions are questioned by Cora’s niece, Sherry. “Cora is distracted by love,” the episode synopsis teases, “but when Sherry says he seems too good to be true, it plants a seed of doubt.” The real-life chemistry between Logan and McNally elevates their scenes, with HELLO! noting their “natural spark” as a highlight. The couple, who met on the 1993 miniseries Love and Reason and previously played Jane Austen’s parents in Miss Austen, bring a lived-in authenticity to their on-screen romance.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Charlotte Hope (Game of Thrones, The Spanish Princess) plays Sherry Carter, Cora’s long-suffering niece who creates the crosswords Cora takes credit for, adding a layer of intrigue to their dynamic. Adam Best (Holby City, Peaky Blinders) shines as DCI Hooper, a bumbling yet endearing detective who clashes with Cora’s unorthodox methods. Nick Danan (Innocent) and Jack Weise (The Hardacres) portray DS Sam Brody and PC Danny Finley, respectively, rounding out the Bakerbury police. Alistair Brammer (Dalgliesh) plays Anton Grant, an inquisitive journalist with eyes for Sherry, while Yasmin Seky (Kin) is Becky Baidwan, a lawyer with ambiguous loyalties. Richard Croxford (Bloodlands), Conor Sánchez (Ellis), and Amber Mendez-Martin (Jay Kelly) add depth as Mayor Firth, librarian’s son Jimmi Potter, and DCI Hooper’s daughter Katy, respectively.

The Real-Life Chemistry: Logan and McNally’s Partnership

The casting of Phyllis Logan and Kevin McNally as romantic partners is a masterstroke, leveraging their 30-year relationship to create authentic chemistry. Married in 2011 and parents to a son, David, the couple’s shared history infuses their scenes with warmth and nuance. “It’s lovely working with Kevin,” Logan told The Mirror. “We know each other so well, it makes those moments effortless.” McNally echoed this, saying, “Playing opposite Phyllis is like coming home. We just get each other.” Their prior collaboration in Miss Austen as Mr. and Mrs. Austen showcased their ability to blend humor and heart, a dynamic that shines in Murder Most Puzzling.

Fans have been captivated by their interplay, with a first-look clip from episode three—showing Cora and Gilbert sharing tales of her five failed marriages over drinks—going viral on X. “Phyllis and Kevin are adorable together,” tweeted @DramaLoverUK. “You can tell they’re married in real life!” Their scenes, described by Radio Times as “a sneak peek of a dalliance,” add a lighter counterpoint to the murder mystery, balancing romance with suspense. The real-life connection also lends authenticity to Cora’s vulnerability, as Logan channels her own experiences into the role. “I do enjoy a cryptic crossword myself,” she admitted to Radio Times, noting that her personal hobby mirrored Cora’s expertise.

The Plot: A Sleepy Town with Dark Secrets

Set in the fictional market town of Bakerbury—filmed in Northern Ireland, with locations in Belfast, Lisburn, and Ballymena—Murder Most Puzzling begins with a chilling crime: the murder of a teenage girl, found in a cemetery with a crossword clue in her pocket. The clue, a cryptic puzzle, stumps the local police, led by DCI Hooper, who are unaccustomed to such cases. Enter Cora Felton, a recent transplant whose fame as the “Puzzle Lady” makes her an unlikely ally. “With their case going nowhere,” the synopsis reads, “they turn reluctantly to Cora, whose talent suggests she can help unravel the crossword clue and solve the murder.”

Cora’s investigation reveals that Bakerbury is far from idyllic. As she decodes the clue, she uncovers links to a cold case—the murder of a young woman named Anita five years prior, for which a man named Darren was convicted. In episode two, Cora visits Bakerbury Prison to interview Darren, who insists he’s innocent and points to a local eccentric, Roy Gleason, as the true killer. The prison governor, played by Aidan McArdle (Bergerac), warns Cora off, hinting at deeper corruption. Each episode introduces new suspects, from the overbearing Mayor Firth to the amoral lawyer Becky Baidwan, whose ties to journalist Anton Grant complicate the case.

The crossword clues serve as a narrative device, with each episode featuring a new puzzle that unlocks a piece of the mystery. Logan described the concept to Radio Times as “a bit like Ludwig but with crosswords,” noting that the puzzles add an interactive element for viewers. “I tend to do the one in the Metro,” she said, revealing her own crossword habit. The show’s blend of cozy mystery—complete with quirky characters and a picturesque setting—and darker themes, like murder and betrayal, has drawn comparisons to Broadchurch for its emotional depth and Only Murders in the Building for its playful sleuthing.

Fan and Critical Reception: “Addictive” and “Impossible to Switch Off”

Since its premiere, Murder Most Puzzling has garnered rave reviews from fans and critics alike. HELLO! called it “a must-watch,” praising its “clever blend of humor and suspense.” Radio Times highlighted Logan’s “safe pair of hands,” noting that her performance anchors the series, while The Telegraph described it as “a quirky British crime series” with “jaunty music and a picturesque setting.” Viewers on X have been equally enthusiastic, with posts like “Murder Most Puzzling is my new obsession! Phyllis Logan is brilliant as Cora” and “This show is Broadchurch meets Pushing Daisies—so addictive!”

The crossword element has been a particular hit, with fans sharing their attempts to solve the clues on social media. “I’m pausing the show to crack these puzzles!” tweeted @QuizMaster22. Others praised the Logan-McNally chemistry, with @TVAddictUK writing, “Phyllis and Kevin’s scenes are pure gold. More please!” However, some critics, like The Telegraph, noted the show’s reliance on cozy crime tropes, calling it a “pale imitation” of 2024’s Ludwig. Despite this, the series’ 8pm Thursday slot on Channel 5 has drawn strong ratings, with millions streaming on My5.

Production and Filming: A Northern Ireland Backdrop

Filmed in Northern Ireland, Murder Most Puzzling transforms Belfast, Lisburn, and Ballymena into the fictional Bakerbury. The Glasshouse café in Lisburn became Bab’s Bakery, while the Old Warren area and a local supermarket served as backdrops. Logan, whose ancestors hail from Ballymena, told Love Ballymena that filming felt like “coming home.” “We started in a beautiful garden, but then a blizzard hit,” she recalled, describing the challenges of November shoots. Night scenes in a graveyard, complete with stunts and “people falling into graves,” added to the production’s intensity.

The series, produced by Fiction and December Films, benefited from Northern Ireland’s skilled crews, with managing director Emily Dalton calling it “my fifth project here, working with the best crew in the UK.” The authentic setting, combined with Dominique Maloney’s “clever, funny script,” creates a vivid world that immerses viewers in Bakerbury’s secrets.

The Broader Impact: A New Spin on Crime Drama

Murder Most Puzzling arrives amid a wave of cozy crime dramas, from The Madame Blanc Mysteries to Dalgliesh, but its crossword hook sets it apart. The interactive element taps into a growing appetite for puzzle-based entertainment, seen in shows like The Masked Singer and The Traitors. By blending this with the emotional weight of a teenager’s murder, the series appeals to both cozy mystery fans and those craving darker narratives.

The show also highlights the strength of older female protagonists. Cora, in her 60s, defies stereotypes with her bold, unfiltered personality, resonating with audiences tired of ageist tropes. Logan’s performance, coupled with her real-life rapport with McNally, adds authenticity, making Murder Most Puzzling a celebration of seasoned talent. Fans are already clamoring for a second season, with posts like “Give us more Cora and Gilbert!” trending on X.

Conclusion

Murder Most Puzzling is a triumph for Channel 5, blending the cozy charm of a small-town mystery with the chilling stakes of a murder investigation. Phyllis Logan’s magnetic portrayal of Cora Felton, the crossword-solving “Puzzle Lady,” anchors the series, while her real-life chemistry with Kevin McNally adds heart to a thrilling narrative. Set in the deceptively quiet Bakerbury, where a teenager’s murder and a cryptic clue unravel a web of secrets, the show has hooked viewers with its “addictive” pacing and “impossible to switch off” twists. Comparisons to Broadchurch and Only Murders in the Building underscore its broad appeal, while the crossword gimmick offers a fresh spin on the genre. As fans eagerly await more episodes, Murder Most Puzzling proves that in the hands of talents like Logan and McNally, even the sleepiest village can hide the darkest truths.