As regular readers will know, I can’t resist a murder mystery or a good crime series. From the movie classics to the wealth of light-hearted or super serious TV shows. Happily, there is an inexhaustible supply of this genre from all over the world, but I’m going to spend the next few weeks highlighting some of the homegrown hits.
Whitstable Pearl is an absolute gem of a series that will win over fans of cosy crime dramas and heartfelt character stories. Set in the charming coastal town of Whitstable, the show follows Pearl Nolan (played by the wonderful Kerry Godliman), a seafood restaurant owner with a keen eye for detective work. When a search for a missing friend results in a suspicious death, Pearl puts her inquisitive mind to use (and locks horns with a local police detective) to find out what really happened to her friend.
As a private investigator on the side, Pearl juggles the complexities of solving local mysteries with the intricacies of her own life, making for a compelling and often heartwarming watch. The show’s setting is one of its biggest strengths; like many of us these days, I spend too many hours behind a computer, and the picture-perfect seaside town of Whitstable, with its stunning scenery, only enhances the cosy, small-town vibe. Throughout the three series (so far), Pearl investigates suspicious deaths and kidnappings and averts an assassination attempt; there’s a fun homage to Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window that involves DCI McGuire (Howard Charles) becoming mildly obsessed (with good reason) with his neighbour’s antics.
The series does a brilliant job of blending the tranquillity of the English coast with the darker intrigue of its murder mysteries. The mysteries themselves are engaging without being overly gritty, and there’s a delightful mix of twists and red herrings to keep you hooked, but what really elevates Whitstable Pearl is its heart.
At its core, the series is about Pearl and the people in her life. Her relationships with the quirky locals, her family, and her romantic entanglements are nuanced and highly relatable. This is in no small part down to the casting of Kerry Godliman, and a special mention has to go to Frances Barber as Pearl’s widowed mum, Dolly. There’s a refreshing sense of emotional depth to the characters—none of them are one-dimensional, and their struggles and triumphs feel real. Pearl, especially, is an incredibly likeable lead—intelligent, independent, and grounded, yet never afraid to show vulnerability. She’s the kind of character you want to root for from the start.
With beautiful cinematography, a captivating soundtrack, and a strong supporting cast, Whitstable Pearl offers the perfect mix of mystery, drama, and heart. Whether you’re looking for a light, charming escape or a show with more depth than meets the eye, Whitstable Pearl delivers in spades. It’s a show that proves cosy crime dramas can be as rich with emotion and character as they are with intrigue, and it’ll keep you coming back for more with every episode.
Series 1 and 2 are available on DVD and Digital, and Series 3 can be streamed on Acorn TV.
