‘Captivating’ crime drama on BBC is ‘better than Line of Duty and Broadchurch’

The BBC crime drama has been impressing audiences and critics alike, and fans of shows like Line of Duty and Broadchurch will love the little-known series – streaming free on iPlayer

The crime drama landscape is saturated, making it challenging to discover a series which truly distinguishes itself from the genre’s crowded field.

It’s thrilling, therefore, when audiences uncover hidden gems that exceed expectations – and this overlooked British-Irish police procedural does precisely that.

Brought to screen by Sarah Phelps, Dublin Murders is a detective drama drawing from two novels – In the Woods (2007) and The Likeness (2008) – by author Tana French, both part of her Dublin Murder Squad literary series.

Fans of British crime offerings such as Line of Duty and Broadchurch will particularly appreciate this show, whose twists and revelations create compulsive viewing.

Led by Killian Scott and Sarah Greene as Detectives Rob Reilly and Cassie Maddox, the actors are supported by Michael D’Arcy, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, Eugene O’Hare, Moe Dunford, Ellie O’Halloran, Niall Jordan, and Ian Kenny in an exceptional ensemble, reports the Mirror.

The eight-part crime drama was originally commissioned by the BBC for BBC One and Starz, with Irish public broadcaster RTÉ coming aboard the production later.

The programme’s official synopsis reads: “Detectives Rob Reilly and Cassie Maddox find themselves dispatched to investigate the murder of a young girl on the outskirts of Dublin, Ireland. Based on the books “In the Woods” and “The Likeness” by American-Irish writer Tana French, this psychological thriller features a cast of mostly Irish actors, including Killian Scott and Sarah Greene as the leads.

“The series follows the detectives, who put their friendship to the test, as they are pulled deeper into the intrigue and darkness that surrounds the case.”

Available to stream free on BBC iPlayer and on Netflix with a subscription, the series has garnered praise from both critics and viewers.

One reviewer said of the show: “Some crime series captivate because the mystery itself is so maddeningly mysterious, while the lure of others is largely the frisson between the leading detectives. This Irish drama of tragedy and intrigue has both in spades.”

While another critic said: “Don’t let the dull title fool you; this is an excellent, unique crime story; a treat whether you’re a fan of the source material or not.”

A third reviewer expressed their admiration for the series: “Dublin Murders is gripping, wonderfully atmospheric stuff that throws up mysteries galore.”

While one critic believed the police drama surpassed many comparable offerings: “Murders are bad everywhere. Dublin Murders, though, the new BBC crime drama by Sarah Phelps? Very good. In fact, better than many crime dramas.”

Viewers were equally enthusiastic, with one saying: “I really dug the absolute hell out of this, def a beautifully brutal mini series, and the actors we’re perfect, the young actress who played Adalyn was completely convincing and scary af, you ever see a movie with little demon kids that weird you the F out well if you haven’t watch this,i loved it.”

One IMDB user review of the British-Irish police drama reads: “A MIND TWISTING PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER. I just finished binge watching this. It starts off slow as the story unravels its characters. It seems like a pretty simple whodunnit, but its not.

“The characters are flawed and have dark pasts which interweave beautifully with the main plot and just when you think you have it all worked out…. another bread crumb appears and like Hansel and Gretel you cant help yourself… You follow. I wont give anything away, but i hope they do a season 2… Special appearance by one of my favourite Game of Thrones characters and the acting is superb”

While another IMDB user review says: “Dublin Murders is very clever writing indeed, in fact, I haven’t seen anything quite like it.”

One fan of the show said: “Absolutely brilliant. This gets you hooked from the first episode. I just wish it was released as a whole as I hate waiting for each episode.

“One of the best shows on tv in a long time. Brilliant cast. Killian Scott has been in a few shows I’ve seen and he is fantastic in this as well. Hope there’s more than one season.”

While a Rotten Tomatoes audience review of the series reads: “I think this is an excellent show! I’m so tired of American shows! The casting is marvelous; this is not the same old thing. Very true to the novels, and very good! I am reading every Tana French novel I can get my hands on. Love it!”

Dublin Murders is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer and with a subscription on Netflix.