Britain has earned quite a reputation for itsmysterystories. From the celebrated works of Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to present examples such as Alex Michaelides, the infamous island has a resoundingly vast collection of intriguing mysteries that continue to implore audiences to explore their own biases and how they may manifest in tense situations. Using the endless imagination that comes with fiction to highlight long-held practices, beliefs, and motivations behind harrowing acts, the best of these mysteries are truly life-changing to experience.
While all forms of media have varying levels of quality, these 15 British mysteries have often been cited as thebest on Prime Video. Whether they be decades-long series or fresh, new stories, these gritty, dark yet illuminating tales of loss, secrets, and lies will surely foster a deeper appreciation for the British mystery canon.
15Tin Star (2017)
Created by Rowan Joffé,Tin Starfocuses on former London detective Jim Worth, who is so haunted by his mistakes that he decides to leave the past behind by relocating with his family to the remote Canadian town of Little Big Bear. Seeking a peaceful life, he takes on the role of police chief, but when a powerful oil company also moves into town, Jim is forced to confront his past – and his darker alter ego, Jack Devlin.
Complex Crime Thriller
Starting off on an unassuming note, the series becomes abrutal and emotional exploration of revengeand survival. Led by Tim Roth’s intense performance, it maintains tension across three seasons and evolves into a high-stakes crime drama, culminating in a return to Liverpool for a final reckoning. The detective elements are flawlessly woven into the larger narrative, which is filled with unpredictable twists.
14Three Pines (2022)
Three Pines
Based on Louise Penny’s novels,Three Pinescenters around Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, a compassionate detective, as he investigates a series of perplexing murders in the quaint village of Three Pines. He delves deeper into the town’s hidden secrets and, at the same time, pursues another case – the disappearance of a young Indigenous woman.
Intelligent, Slow-Burn Mysteries
Alfred Molina’s portrayalof Gamache brings warmth and sincerity to the layered mysteries. The show itself is quite unconventional in its detective storytelling as it immerses viewers in a world where investigation is as much about uncovering the truth as it is about the protagonist’s personal journey. The lush cinematography and slow-burning narrative received a lot of praise, but unfortunately,Three Pineswas canceled after one season.
13Line of Duty (2012)
Line of Duty
Few detective series are as addictive and immersive asLine of Duty, a police procedural that follows AC-12, an anti-corruption unit that is responsible for investigating misconduct within the force. Led by Superintendent Ted Hastings, DS Steve Arnott, and DC Kate Fleming, the team strives to uncover deep-rooted corruption, illegal cover-ups, and lies and betrayals to try and maintain the integrity of the force.
Relentless and Suspenseful
Line of Dutystands out for its gritty realism and complex narrative. Created by Jed Mercurio, it is Britain’s most acclaimed crime drama, and it draws praise for its razor-sharp writing and intricate plotting. The performances, especially those of Keeley Hawes, Stephen Graham, and Thandiwe Newton, make thesix seasons more thrilling and tense.
12River (2015)
Detective Inspector John River is haunted – literally. He is haunted by visions of his recently murdered partner, Detective Sergeant Jackie ‘Stevie’ Stevenson, and as River struggles with the grief and guilt of losing him, he also tries to solve the mystery surrounding his death. At the same time, he channels his unorthodox methods to solve complex cases for the Metropolitan Police.
Hauntingly Beautiful Experience
Stellan Skarsgård leads the dramaand delivers a fascinating performance as the titular character. Over just six episodes, the show’s tightly woven narrative explores the intricate relationship between River and Stevie, as the former’s visions and unconventional crime-solving techniques challenge the typical tropes of the genre. The result is a captivating character study that is both poetic and atmospheric.
11Vincent (2005)
Private investigator Vincent Gallagher does not play by the rules. He is a former cop turned detective-for-hire who takes on cases the police wouldn’t care to touch, from missing persons to criminal conspiracies. His Manchester-based agency is operated by his sidekick and fellow team members, and his personal life is just as complicated.
Detective Drama With a Twist
Across two seasons,Vincentdelivers gripping cases, sharp dialogue, and a protagonist who is as flawed as he is genius. Ray Winstone’s commanding presence as Vincent Gallagher makes him one of the most captivating detectives on British television. The show also thrives onits noir-inspired aestheticand delicate mysteries. Despite its short run, the suspense, drama, and personal stakes make it a hidden gem.
10Inspector George Gently (2007-2017)
Inspector George Gently
Inspector George Gentlysees the Alan Hunter-penned novels serving as a substratum for a perfectly enjoyable crime drama set in the ’50s and ’60s. The titular detective (Martin Shaw) and his reliable partner, Inspector Sergeant Bacchus (Lee Ingleby), spend most of their time together solving a range of murder cases with greater implications than both men could consider.
Throughout their shared journey, audiences learn more about the men behind the profession, their relationship with the outside world, and the various anxieties that follow them in and out of the crime scene.
A Delightful Time Capsule
Lauded for its accurate and appealing depiction of Britain during the ’50s and ’60s, the series both explores and pushes back on some of the norms of the specific time period. Specifically, a strong point of continuity in the series is itsexploration of the death penalty, before, during, and after its abolition in 1965. Moreover, the mysteries at hand are engaging, to say the least.
With a decent combination of acknowledging the tragedy of these investigations and subsequent feelings of confusion and intrigue, the series is nothing short of satisfying for devout fans of the mystery genre.
9Silent Witness (1996-Present)
Silent Witness
Silent Witnessis a decades-spanning crime drama that continues to follow exciting and dynamic characters. Beginning with the story of pathologist Sam Ryan (Amanda Burton), the series takes a close look at various investigations that ranged from sadly expected tragedies to gruesome crimes that left little to the imagination. With a rotating cast, the series has been able to live beyond initial expectations, regularly earning positive reviews from domestic and international audiences alike.
A Never-Ending, Sublime Crime Drama
Despite controversial scenes causing quite a stir, the series has largely succeeded on the backs of a talented assortment of actors, compelling cases with gratifying resolutions, and broader story arcs that both mirror real life but also make the most of the showrunners' imagination. With an ample number of congenial storylines and a bevy of talent to carry these suspenseful tales, it comes as no surprise thatSilent Witnesscontinues to entertain viewers, forging a well-established and growing fan base.
8The Fall (2013-2016)
The Fallsees industry heavyweights Gillian Anderson andJamie Dornan starin a riveting drama that follows a serial killer and the detective dedicated to bringing them to justice. Metropolitan Police Superintendent Stella Gibson (Anderson) dedicates most of her time to working with local detectives on a variety of cases. However, a case that has remained active for almost a month has captured her attention, leading her to pour most of her energy into discovering the truth behind such a puzzling case.
A Particularly Fascinating Game of Cat and Mouse
Initially,The Fallwas celebrated for leaning into more provocative yet grounded storylines in comparison to the sensationalist narratives found in most police procedurals. Both Anderson and Dornan were celebrated for their respective portrayals, earning BAFTA nominations and victories at the IFTAs.
A reliable template and strong example of an exemplary slow-burning, psychological thriller,The Fallis an alluring piece that makes the most of its suspenseful storylines, and more importantly, its intriguing lead characters.
7Vienna Blood (2019-Present)
Vienna Blood
Vienna Bloodis a joint British-Austrian production that finds Max Liebermann (Matthew Beard), doctor andmentee of Freud, working side by side with Police Detective Oskar Rheinhardt (Jürgen Maurer). Set in the titular city during the early 1900s, the duo find themselves attempting to make sense of rather disturbing killings, interrogating the modus operandi and motive of the suspects.
Beyond the mysteries, storylines centered around the pervasive antisemitism in the European continent also inform the relationship between the two men, as well as their perspective on the rapidly changing world.
A Vivid Portrait of the Classic European Mystery
With seasons limited to two to three episodes,Vienna Bloodproves that decent stories can be adapted outside typical expectations for a given series. Adapted from the Liebermann novels by Frank Tallis, the series would earn mixed reviews upon its premiere. However, both Beard and Maurer have earned rave reviews for their respective portrayals, in many ways serving as the heart of the show. Where the show lacks in length,Vienna Bloodand its creative decisions make for a watchable series that makes the best use of its brevity and clarity.
The 10 Best Period Detective Dramas To Binge Right Now
These 10 period detective dramas keep audiences wrapped up in a compelling mystery and deliver history, suspense, and adventure.
6The Devil’s Hour (2022-Present)
The Devil’s Hour
Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife) joinsDoctor Whoalum Peter CapaldiinThe Devil’s Hour, a haunting mystery that chronicles the complex relationship between a seemingly ordinary social worker and a dangerous criminal.
Within moments of meeting Lucy (Raine), audiences learn of her peculiar plague. Waking up at 3:33 AM every night, barely escaping the horrifying visions that haunt her in her sleep, Lucy attempts to understand the origins and the reasoning behind her afflictions. Her curiosity leads her to an ominous man named Gideon (Capaldi), who claims to be a clairvoyant.
A Chilling Tale of Fate
On the strength of its first season,The Devil’s Hourwas renewed for a second and third season, and for good reason, too. Upon viewing the premiere, it is nigh impossible not to be impressed with Raine and Capaldi’s performances.
From a close look at Lucy’s weakening grasp on stability and security to Gideon’s raven-like presence, the series leads bring the intrigue and terror necessary for a good mystery. Furthermore, the connection between Lucy’s nightmares and Gideon’s reign of terror, while convoluted as it may be, creates an engaging enough mystery for fans and newcomers alike to dive into.
