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Midsomer Murders is a fine example of British cozy mysteries (inspired by the novels of Caroline Graham), without going over the top on the gore factor. Set in the bucolic English villages in Midsomer County, the murders that occur here(at an alarmingly high rate, one might add) are in stark contrast to the serene beauty of the English countryside. The murders can be grisly, but this is often offset by the scenic country setting, and the witty dialogue (Amazon Prime members are able to view Midsomer Murders' episodes via instant download for free).

DCI Tom Barnaby (John Nettles) resides with his wife Joyce (Jane Wymark) in the country town of Causton, where the Criminal Investigation Department is located. Although based in Causton, both the DCI and DS find themselves going all over the county investigating the strangest and at times grisliest murders in little hamlets with innocent sounding names like Badger's Drift. Tom is a meticulous investigator and an astute observer of human nature. His methodical investigative methods and keen eye contrast with his young Detective Sergeant, Gavin Troy (Daniel Casey) who is is prone to making politically-incorrect statements and often blunders to the wrong conclusion regarding the identity of a particular murderer.

The episodes in Season 2 are:
Death's Shadow - Tom and Joyce are planning to renew their wedding vows, but the murder of a local property developer puts a spoke into their wedding plans.
Strangler's Wood - the town of Midsomer Worthy is in an uproar over the murder of an exotic beauty in Raven's Wood, especially since the place became notorious (earning its morbid nickname Strangler's Wood in the process) after similar murders occurred there in the past.
Blood Will Out - The DCI finds his hands full dealing with a feuding band of travelers and the murder of a local landlord
Beyond the Grave - In the town of Aspern Tallow, a 17th century painting is vandalized, and then a murder occurs. Strange happenings have the villagers on edge, and so the DCI and DS step in to help sort things out.

There is a Gothic feel to many of the crimes, which is enhanced by the unique music chosen to accompany a particular episode. At times, certain scenes seem overly exaggerated, but to me, they only add to the charm of the show. This is a great example of atmospheric crime dramas with a wonderful ensemble cast and riveting storylines. Midsomer Murders will appeal to fans of British cozy mysteries, where blood and gore take a backseat to wit and humor, and the focus is on investigations set amidst a bucolic, close-knit setting.

Television's most murderous county is Midsomer, England, and the show has been solving multiple murders in episodes for over a decade. John Nettles, Midsomer's DCI Tom Barnaby, is the cop leading the investigation team. Expect some smiles (& LOL), a touch of romance, some awesome scenic footage of beautiful village life in England, of course crime mystery, some blood-but not too much, and a sensational support cast with always the sub-plots through relationships. If you are new to Midsomer Murders, they are based on books by Caroline Graham. And many leading British guest stars, as huge stars beg to be on an episode to kill or be killed.
I have never watched a less-than GREAT episode of Midsomer Murders.

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