You know how some TV shows make you wonder, 'Wait, was this a book first?' Murdoch Mysteries totally gives off that vibe, but it’s a bit of a twist. The show pulls from Maureen Jennings' 'Detective Murdoch' novels, but it’s not a direct adaptation. Instead, it cherry-picks elements—the setting, the protagonist’s name, his meticulous nature—and then runs wild with original plots. I stumbled on the books after season three of the show and was surprised by how different they felt. Jennings' Murdoch is more brooding, and Toronto’s underbelly is grimmer, but the historical research shines through equally.
The show’s creators clearly adore the source material, though. They kept the spirit of methodical deduction and sprinkled in real-life figures like Princess Louise or Harry Houdini, which the books don’t do as much. It’s a fun remix—like hearing a cover song that rearranges the melody but keeps the soul. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries with a side of history, the show’s your jam; if you prefer noir-ish depth, grab the novels. Either way, it’s a win.
Murdoch Mysteries is loosely tied to books, but not in the way you’d expect. Maureen Jennings wrote a series of novels featuring Detective William Murdoch, set in 1890s Toronto, and the TV show borrows his character and era. But the plots? Almost entirely original. The show’s lighter, sometimes even playful—like when Murdoch invents futuristic gadgets. Jennings' books are grittier, with more focus on social issues of the time. I read 'Except the Dying' after watching the show and was struck by how much moodier it was. The TV version feels like a spiritual cousin, not a twin. Still, both are perfect for history buffs who love a good whodunit.
Murdoch Mysteries is one of those shows that feels like it must have sprung from a book series, given its rich historical detail and intricate plots. But here's the thing—it actually started as a TV show! The series was inspired by characters from Maureen Jennings' detective novels, particularly the 'Detective Murdoch' series, which includes titles like 'Under the Dragon's Tail' and 'Poor Tom Is Cold.' The show takes the essence of Jennings' late-19th-century Toronto setting and her methodical detective but spins its own original stories. I love how it blends real historical events with fiction, like when Murdoch interacts with figures like Nikola Tesla or Arthur Conan Doyle. The books are worth checking out if you enjoy the show's vibe, though they’re darker and more procedural. The adaptation took creative liberties, but that’s part of its charm—it feels like a loving homage rather than a strict retelling.
I binge-watched the show during a rainy weekend and ended up ordering Jennings' books right after. While the tone differs—the novels are grittier, with Murdoch grappling more overtly with societal issues—they share that same clever puzzle-solving DNA. If you’re into period mysteries, both the show and the books offer a satisfying dive into Victorian-era crime-solving, just with slightly different flavors. The show’s lighter touch and whimsical anachronisms make it more accessible, but the novels? They’re like uncovering a hidden layer of Murdoch’s world.
2026-05-05 14:35:04
1
View All Answers
Scan code to download App
Related Books
Esmerelda Sleuth: The Other Side of the Mirror (Book 1)
Meet Esmerelda Sleuth. Sleuth is her name and investigating is her game. (Paranormal Investigating, that is.)
Esmerelda makes a good living as an investigator in a rather progressive firm. She lives a stable and sensible life until she meets Lance; an old money "hottie" who works for a real estate firm next to her building. After accepting an invitation for a weekend getaway party, she quickly discovers that Lance has a secret. He is wealthy. That part is true. And, yes, he's procured a job as a realtor in the building next door. His secret is that he belongs to an underground society of humans who didn't abandon their connection to magic centuries ago when religion declared it evil and he has traveled through time specifically to find her and bring her back to his time to marry him. If that isn't enough of a far fetched tale to absorb, he informs her that she was born in his time to a family belonging to that same secret society and was promised in marriage to him as an infant. When enemies who didn't want to see the union of families take place made attempts on her life, her parents sent her into the future and erased her memories of them as a precaution.
Possessing virtually no belief in magic, ghosts, psychics, time travel, etc., it takes some doing on Lance's part to convince her to believe his story and go back with him. When she does, the lies, deceit and attempts on her life start all over again. Will she escape emotionally and physically unscathed?
"The Other Side Of the Mirror" is a steamy-paranormal-romance- mystery-thriller and book one of the Esmerelda Sleuth series.
There are three things Samara Culkin loves: her father, wearing high heels, and being a detective. But in a world where being a female officer is considered weak, she struggles to find a place where she feels truly belong. Determined to prove The Detective Tag firm that she is worth it, she sets out to solve one of the biggest cases the city of Los Angeles has ever seen.
There are three things Clayton Jones likes: his car, detective skills, and the female detective who happens to catch his eye—Samara. As an expert and well-known crime officer, he is given the chance to work with her; a one-time possibility that rarely happens. The only problem is that she hates him. And he does not know why.
The Detective Tag is a crime fiction with a twist of romance. Join Samara and Clayton—all the bitterness, dislikes, and romance in between—as they dive into the world of crime cases and murder investigations.
Well, maybe a bit of finding love, too.
"He's gone, Elizabeth," her captain Charles Johnston tells her. Elizabeth blinks back her tears. Her face full of shock and disbelief. Her frozen stare interrupted by his words. "He left his badge." "There's no way," she thought. He wouldn't leave her like this. No warning, no phone call, no letter. She was more to him than that or at least so she thought. That conversation has plagued her for 3 years. For 3 long years, Detective Elizabeth Ryan tried to shut out him, to finally be able to move on. But just as she does, he abruptly returns seeking more than what either of them anticipated. Will Elizabeth be able to forgive him, or will the past be too much to swallow? What happens when life throws her too many twists to handle?
Murder Inquiry is a crime fiction, whose plot is about Edwin Wolfgang, a rich New York based banker, who gives out loans for which he accepts artworks as collateral, but kills his customers before they are able to pay back the loan. And a FBI agent attached to the New York field office, who's charged with the task of bringing Mr Wolfgang to book. The story is set in three cities, in three different continents, and is full of twists and turns from the killing of Wolfgang's last two victims, up to his eventual arrest.
With her enemies in pre-civil war Virginia still seeking her death, Esmerelda is forced to return to the future only days after wedding Lance. Because it was necessary to fake her death in order to stop her enemies from following her to the future, her new husband, Lance, was forced to stay behind. He’d placed a magic box for them to communicate until he found a way to safely be with her beneath the floorboards of the house.
Now, she must find it.
A task that is easier said than done!
“The Magic Box” is book two of the exciting paranormal-romance-mystery-thriller Esmerelda Sleuth Series
A series of past murders catch the attention of the police and the media.
All the people who were killed were women, all of which had some sort of relationship with a well known and successful businessman named Asriel Parker.
For some reason, the murders all point to him as the number one suspect and connection between them. The reasonable thing to do is to put him behind bars but there is one problem.
"Everyone is innocent in the eyes of the law until proven guilty."
There isn't a shred of evidence that actually pinpoints Asriel Parker as the culprit.
With that statement in mind, Selena March, a good police officer and detective is sent undercover as his live-in Personal Assistant to dig up whatever information she can use to put the murderer behind bars.
Selena has no idea what she signs up for but she knows for a fact that falling in love is not part of the whole 'undercover' mission
Murdoch Mysteries is one of those shows that just keeps giving! I stumbled upon it a few years ago while browsing through period dramas, and it quickly became a comfort watch. As of now, the series has aired a whopping 16 seasons, which is insane for a detective show set in the late 19th century. The longevity speaks volumes about its quality—each season brings fresh cases, character growth, and that charming Victorian-era tech intrigue. I love how it balances procedural crime-solving with long-term arcs, like Murdoch’s relationship with Dr. Ogden. If you’re into historical whodunits with a dash of humor, this is a goldmine.
What’s wild is how the show evolves over time. Early seasons feel more like standalone mysteries, but later ones weave in bigger narratives, like the rise of forensic science and even cameos from real historical figures. Season 16 dropped in 2023, and fans are already buzzing about potential renewal news. Personally, I hope it runs for years—it’s rare to find a series that stays this consistent without jumping the shark.
Oh, Yannick Bisson brings Detective William Murdoch to life with such charm and precision in 'Murdoch Mysteries'! I’ve been following the show since its early seasons, and his portrayal is a big part of why it’s so addictive. Bisson nails Murdoch’s blend of quiet intelligence and dry humor, especially in those moments where he’s tinkering with his inventions or sparring with Inspector Brackenreid. It’s fascinating how he balances the character’s Victorian-era sensibilities with a modern appeal—like when Murdoch geeks out over forensic techniques.
What’s even cooler is how Bisson’s chemistry with the cast, especially Hélène Joy as Dr. Ogden, adds layers to the show. Their slow-burn romance is one of my favorite TV relationships. The way Biston subtly shows Murdoch’s vulnerability beneath his stoic exterior? Chef’s kiss. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve recommended this show just to gush about his performance.
Murdoch Mysteries has this fantastic ensemble that feels like a quirky Victorian-era family. At the center is William Murdoch, the methodical detective with a love for cutting-edge forensic tech—think fingerprinting before it was cool. His calm demeanor balances out Julia Ogden, the bold coroner who challenges societal norms with her medical expertise and progressive views. Then there's Inspector Brackenreid, the gruff but lovable boss who occasionally grumbles about Murdoch's 'fancy gadgets' but trusts his instincts. George Crabtree, the eager constable with a wild imagination, steals scenes with his theories involving aliens or time travel.
Over the seasons, characters like Dr. Emily Grace (Julia’s rival-turned-friend) and Nina Bloom add depth, while villains like James Gillies keep things tense. The show’s charm lies in how these personalities clash and grow—whether it’s Julia fighting for women’s rights or George’s hilarious tangents. Even minor characters like Higgins, the sarcastic coroner’s assistant, leave an impression. It’s one of those rare period dramas where the cast’s chemistry makes the mysteries even more addictive.