NETFLIX ADDS THE COSY CRIME SERIES VIEWERS ARE CALLING “EXCELLENT” — AND THIS PICTURE-PERFECT TOWN HIDES SOME VERY DARK SECRETS

Cosy crime fans looking for their next binge-watch have a new series to add to the list. Murder in a Small Town brings together everything viewers love about the genre — picturesque scenery, mysterious murders, complicated relationships and a seemingly peaceful community where almost everyone appears to have something to hide.

The Canadian detective drama follows Karl Alberg, played by Rossif Sutherland, a former Minneapolis detective who leaves the city behind to become police chief in the quiet coastal town of Gibsons.

But his dream of a slower life quickly disappears.

Because beneath the town’s idyllic appearance lies a surprisingly dark world of murder, secrets and suspicious characters.

A PEACEFUL TOWN WITH A VERY DARK SIDE

Karl may have left behind the pressures of big-city policing, but crime has followed him.

As bodies begin turning up in and around Gibsons, the experienced detective is forced to rely on his instincts to uncover what is really happening in the community.

At the same time, his relationship with local librarian Cassandra Lee, played by Kristin Kreuk, develops — creating another storyline as Cassandra becomes increasingly involved in the town and its community.

The second season raises the stakes even further as Karl’s jurisdiction expands and his workload grows.

Among the cases he encounters are a body discovered at a wedding, a double kidnapping and a pop star dealing with a dangerous stalker.

So much for small-town peace and quiet.

THE CAST HAS PLENTY OF FAMILIAR FACES

Sutherland leads the series as Karl Alberg, with Kristin Kreuk playing Cassandra.

The cast also includes Mya Lowe, Aaron Douglas and Marcia Gay Harden, alongside Bethany Brown, Marci T. House and Joshua Close.

Sutherland is particularly notable for his family connections. He is the son of legendary actor Donald Sutherland and the half-brother of Kiefer Sutherland.

VIEWERS WANT MORE

The series has developed a loyal following among fans of cosy mysteries, with viewers praising Sutherland’s performance and the show’s comforting combination of picturesque surroundings and murder investigations.

One viewer called the show “great” and singled out Sutherland, while another complained that eight episodes per season simply aren’t enough.

Critics have also been largely positive, with Variety describing the series as having a charmingly predictable quality while Collider suggested it works particularly well as a comfort watch rather than a conventional hard-edged police procedural.

And that may be exactly why it appeals to fans of shows such as Midsomer Murders, Agatha Raisin and The Brokenwood Mysteries.

THERE’S ALREADY MORE TO COME

Fans won’t have to worry about the mystery ending too soon.

The series was renewed for a third season, with Sutherland and Kreuk set to return alongside several familiar cast members.

Peter Gallagher has also joined the third season as Rod Finlayson, described as charismatic, fiercely independent, capable — but unreliable.

That sounds like exactly the kind of new character who could make life even more complicated for Karl.

Murder in a Small Town arrives on Netflix UK on Saturday, August 1.