UKTV & PBS Masterpiece co-commission ‘The Marlow Murder Club’ from ‘Death In Paradise’ creator

L-R: Robert Thorogood & Samantha Bond

UKTV and PBS Masterpiece in the US have co-commissioned an adaptation of The Marlow Murder Club, the novel from Death In Paradise creator he Robert Thorogood.

Produced by Monumental Television in association with ITV Studios, the 2 x 120-minute drama will air next year on UKTV’s FTA channel Drama and streaming service UKTV Play and on US broadcaster PBS Masterpiece – where it will be cut as a four-part series.

Thorogood will write the adaptation of his own novel while also serving as executive producer, alongside Monumental’s Debra Hayward, Alison Owen and Alison Carpenter, and Susanne Simpson for PBS Masterpiece. Steve Barron will direct and exec produce, while Jane Wallbank will produce. ITV Studios will handle international distribution.

Starring Samantha Bond, Jo Martin, Carah Horgan and Natalie Dew, the series follows retired archaeologist Judith Potts, who lives alone in a faded mansion in the peaceful town of Marlow, filling her time by setting crosswords for the local paper. During one of her regular wild swims in the Thames, Judith hears a gunshot coming from a neighbour’s garden and believes a brutal murder has taken place.

When the police are reluctant to believe her story, Judith finds herself forming an unlikely friendship with local dog-walker and empty-nester Suzie and unfulfilled vicar’s wife Becks as they start an investigation of their own.

Eventually asked to assist with the official police investigation, headed by newly promoted Tanika, the women must piece together clues, grill suspect witnesses, and face down real danger as they work against the clock to stop the killer in their tracks.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for Drama, as we start commissioning UKTV Originals for the channel. Whether you’re a fan of the book or new to the adventures of the wonderful Judith Potts, our viewers are in for a real treat,” said Emma Ayech, channel director for Drama.