MIDSOMER MURDERS: BARNABY'S CASEBOOK

"I've spent a lifetime trying to fathom the complexities of jungle ecosystems, but they are as nothing compared to the bizarre mechanizations of this village," a beleaguered Midsomer denizen declares in "Tainted Fruit," by David Hoskins.The music is inimitable, another character in this humorous danse macabre. "The Straw Woman" is a wonderful Halloween episode, adding yet another level of complexity and delightful darkness to the series. Sharp dialogue and humor make this collection a real treat. Don't assume this is lace doily stuff, no indeed! The Brits have knack for mixing classic stories with ghoulish humor and sharp observations of the flawed human character. Historically, penny-dreadfuls were published at Christmastime, as in Robert Louis Stevenson and Charles Dickens. Note that in the Christmas Special, campy horror flicks are being broadcast on Detective Scott's television, all part of the tradition. This is a delicious series, far more complex than I expected, a virtual escape to the dangerous environs of Midsomer county. Laura Howard is pitch-perfect as Barnaby's daughter Cully, and Jane Wymark is superb as his long-suffering wife.Don't miss the wonderful DVD Extras: "Super Sleuths" documenting the show's first decade, and the visual treat of seeing the real villages where the series filmed in the delightful (catch Nettles' elfin skip at the end, and the comment that behind every successful man is a surprised woman" on the special disk MAP OF MIDSOMER MURDERS. I made the mistake the first go-around thinking this was just another rendition of the Midsomer Maps under the usual specials menu of the episodes, but it's a virtual trip to the U.K., not to be missed!The only drawback is that Detective Scott's (John Hopkins) role is fairly thankless, short on dialogue; no wonder Hopkins left. The writers later remedy this with the advent of his plucky successor, Jason Hughes as Detective Sergeant Ben Jones, who develops a wry and great relationship with Barnaby. John Nettles is perfection (as is the rest of the cast), depicting an irascible and deeply particular personality, aging with character, like a fine Ardbeg whisky. Note the badger emblem on the police cars. Enjoy!

Midsomer Murders has been a TV hit for over 20 years now. One of my favorites since the first time I watched it on TV. Some of the older DVDs are at the public library--but couldn't find the ones in this seasons shows. Really enjoyed this set--took me back to the younger Inspector, his daughter and wife, Joyce. Loved the little quaint villages that the murders take place in and learn so much about the history of the villages and customs and traditions of English village life. A modern Agatha Christie feel about these. This was Queen Elizabeth's favorite TV show and her favorite actor, John Nettles, stars. She was disappointed when he announced he was retiring. The show is still on with a new cast, and still very good, but not the same without the original actors. These were shown on the A & E and Biography channels when they first came out. The newer MIdsomer Murders is on PBS now. 17 mysteries on 17 DVDs and two bonus discs, approximately 28 hrs. Plus two bonus DVDs including interviews and a documentary about the show's first decade. Previously released on DVD as Sets 4, 6, 7, & 8. Acorn Media. This was purchased as used, but found it to be in very good condition. A little wear on the outside case but the DVDS were like new.

My husband and I really enjoy these light-hearted murder mysteries as we relax in the evenings & recover from the news!

Over the years I have been checking out Midsomer Murders from the library but they never had them all. They are the one mystery I can watch again. The acting is great and the countryside beautiful.All my Midsomer DVDs have arrived in perfect shape.

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This is one of the best quintessential British mysteries series if not the best ever. The main characters are excellent actors and actresses who know their stock and trade and they are very likable. The supporting actors and actresses are very good in their own right. I like a mystery that keeps my interest and allows me to try to figure out who done it and Midsomer Murders delivers every time. I have to admit that I have only solved a handful of the ones that I have watched but that's ok. I now have all of the Tom Barnaby cases and plan on buying the John Barnaby cases after watching all of the first 13 seasons.

I absolutely love the Midsomer Murders programing series. I always watched the PBS schedule to see when they were going to show more. There are still so many episodes I haven't seen so I began to order them online. I am thrilled that I did. This box of episodes includes the transition from DS Gavin Troy (The Green Man) when he is promoted, to DS Dan Scott (Bad Tidings) making his debut. All the murders are plotted out well and are never boring. This set includes Series 5 (three discs), 6 (three discs), and 7 (4 discs). Each series is in it's own case, and the three cases are in an attractive box. Series 6 includes production notes and a Midsomer map, and Series 7 includes an interview with John Nettles and the Midsomer map. Lots of quality entertainment.

My husband and I really enjoy English mysteries but had never watched any of these since I had read the titles as "Midsummer" and thought it ran only during the hot months. Than I saw on Amazon that it was "Midsomer" and looked into the programs. After reading reviews decided to try them and purchased the first series of several episodes. I have since purchased the second series and we are enjoying them very much. There is always some light humor in each episode, we have yet to figure out who the murdered is before the ending and we like that there is positive family life for the chief detective and he and his side-kick get along well. When we want a mystery with less tension than most we watch one of these. Another plus, the subtitles. I am planning on purchasing the next series.

I enjoyed watching this series, best Uk programming ever on Netflix. Now that is no longer available on Netflix, I searched amazon and so pleased I could by the series. So far I’ve purchased to series 12, and I can enjoy anytime as I continue to build the whole series. Amazon was easy to place orders and delivery time was exceptional. Ava

bons acteurs et scénario

I have all but the last one of Midsomer Murders, which comes out in September. I like these because they are also a good story like Agatha Christie. They have interesting plots and I have watched them especially when there has not been anything on the TV that is worth watching. My only negative point about this set is that there is NO CAPTIONING IN IT. In spite of that issue, if you like the Agatha Christie movies you'll most likely like these as well. I have had no regrets in getting either of these story plots -- Midsomer/Agatha Christie.

See my review of the first Midsomer Murders Collection: The Early Cases.

Loved the entire box set. Nettles is the best.