Speaking Volumes

   If you've never watched Midsomer Murders, do yourself a favor and try this British series. Manyof your neighbors are alread hooked. Based on crime novels by Caroline Graham, the dvd's are about murders taking place in the county of Midsomer and feature Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby, played by actor John Nettles. Beginning with the series pilot Killing at Badger's Drift, there are now eleven seasons of Midsomer Murders. Our library is very fortunate to have all eleven seasons; most, a very generous gift of Norm and Sue Hyer. Another patron, Gary, loved the series so, that he purchased one season for us too.

You might be shaking your head and saying, “eleven seasons, who would possibly watch all those?” Well, quite frankly, there are legions of fans in Columbia and around the world. Midsomer  fans have created an excellent website with information about the series, the episodes, the characters, etc.,
http://www.midsomermurders.net/index.php

I can't say that I've watched them but those that I have watch are appealing. I was drawn in right away. It was a bit of a guilty pleasure as there were lots of murders, but so beautifully filmed that the murders became secondary. The stories are old fashioned who-dunnits with a modern edginess. This and the scenic countryside seem to be their prime attraction.

The occupants of Midsomer are a wealthy bunch, quite snobbish really,  who meddle incessantly in each other's lives .Quoted from the website:
“Each story is built up carefully, with underpinning currents and unsolved mysteries adding to the bemusement of the detectives. There are usually a number of false leads, such as those who have committed petty crimes, or harbour some dark secret that they attempt to conceal from the world. Despite the sinister, atmospheric edge that runs through the show, it maintains a constant humour.”

I've watched them out of order but this might be a no-no for some. Seasons 12 will be available for purchase soon. According to the official site of Midsomer, the13th season will find John Nettles retiring.

   John says: "It’s the end of an era for me, and while I’m very sad to be handing in Barnaby’s police badge, he has solved nearly 200 murders, which I think meets the targets of modern policing! I wish my successor, whoever he or she is, the very best." And so do we!