Murder Before Evensong – DVD Review
By Karl Hornsey
Following hot on the heels of the big-screen adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club, comes Murder Before Evensong, the first of the series of books by the Reverend Richard Coles to be made for TV. Coles joined the raft of celebs turning their hand to light crime fiction with this novel in 2022, and has followed it up with another four (so far) in the series, with every expectation that they too will be adapted.
At the heart of the stories is Canon Daniel Clement, who turns his hand to sleuthing following a murder in the sleepy village (it’s always a sleepy village) of Champton, where he shares a rectory with his overbearing mother, played marvellously by Amanda Redman. The part of Canon Clement is played by Matthew Lewis who, if the series does indeed run and run, may finally shake off being primarily known for his role as Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films.
With Coles among the executive producers, it’s reassuring that this is an adaptation he’s comfortable with though, as with the aforementioned Thursday Murder Club, there are some significant differences to the source material. As a fan of Richard Osman’s books, I found the film almost unwatchable, so had reservations on hearing that the TV treatment was to be dished out to those of Coles too, but I had nothing to fear.
“Dark subject matter”
As one initial murder turns into something of a spree, Clement is called in to help the local police force but, scratching beneath the surface of this idyllic location soon unearths a hotbed of gossip, vitriol and long-kept secrets that need to be uncovered to bring the culprit to justice. Joining Redman among a fine supporting cast are the likes of Tamzin Outhwaite, Amit Shah, Ben Batt (sporting a remarkable wig) and Nina Toussaint-White, while Clement seems very much at home in cassock, making an excellent choice for the lead role.
With the never-ending public appetite for ‘cosy crime’, and a favourable reaction to the series currently being broadcast on Channel 5, it seems as though Coles has tapped into a market that may be approaching saturation point, but that can seemingly always find room for another amateur sleuth. While there’s a long way to go before Canon Clement challenges the long-standing Father Brown in the annals of both page and screen, the future is bright for Coles’ creation, even if it’s very much darker for many of the characters in this first adaptation.
Cosy it may be, but there’s some dark subject matter here that should appeal to all, and which explains the 15 certificate given to the series. It’s perfect viewing now that the clocks have gone back and the dark and chilly autumnal evenings have really kicked in.
‘Murder Before Evensong’ is released on DVD by Acorn International Media
Karl’s love of writing was piqued at the age of eight, when he won a Blue Peter badge in an essay-writing competition. The location of said badge might be a mystery now, but the memory never fades. Hours spent writing about sport as a teenager, in pre-internet years when you had to make your entertainment, honed his skills, and Karl has worked in TV and radio listings at PA Media for 28 years, and the age of hybrid working means 50% of that can be at home listening to Classic FM and thinking about his next visit to his beloved Yorkshire Dales.
@KarlHornsey, hornskar
FAQs – Murder Before Evensong (TV series)
What is Murder Before Evensong about?
Canon Daniel Clement – a village priest in 1988 Champton – is drawn into a murder investigation that exposes secrets, rivalries and long-buried grudges.
Who created it?
It is adapted from The Reverend Richard Coles’ Sunday Times best-selling novel, with Coles among the executive producers.
Who stars in the series?
Matthew Lewis leads as Canon Daniel Clement, with Amanda Redman, Amit Shah, Tamzin Outhwaite, Ben Batt, Nina Toussaint-White and Adam James in support.
Where and when is it set?
Champton, a picturesque English village, in 1988 – think parish life, gossip and simmering tensions beneath a calm surface.
How many episodes are there?
Six – a single mystery arc unfolds across the series.
Which channel is airing it first?
Channel 5 in the UK – with a subsequent DVD and digital release from Acorn Media International.
When is the DVD and digital release?
17 November 2025 – courtesy of Acorn Media International.
What certificate is the series?
15 – cosy in tone but with darker themes and some violence.
How does it compare to other cosy crime shows?
It blends village-green warmth with a sharper edge – think Grantchester meets classic Christie, with 1980s flavour.
Who is Canon Clement’s household?
He shares the rectory with his formidable widowed mother, Audrey, and two dachshunds – Cosmo and Hilda.
Does Canon Clement work with the police?
Yes – DS Neil Vanloo enlists him for insights into parish life, widening the suspect pool as bodies begin to mount.
Is it faithful to the book?
Core characters and tone are preserved, with changes for television pacing and ensemble storytelling.
Is it suitable autumn-winter viewing?
Absolutely – it is designed as a comfort-watch whodunnit with atmosphere, humour and plenty of red herrings.
