13 Mysteries to Watch if You Love “Murder, She Wrote”
Murder, She Wrote has been a beloved TV classic for decades and sets the gold standard for what a cozy mystery is. Following widowed schoolteacher Jessica Fletcher as she begins her career as a murder mystery author in the quaint small town of Cabot Cove, Maine and on her travels, this series (1984 - 1996) showcases a clever and classy amateur sleuth at her finest, as portrayed by the incomparable Angela Lansbury.
We’re certainly huge fans at CozyCrimes! Have you visited our Murder, She Wrote page?
If you’re in the mood for more whodunits, here are 13 mystery shows full of suspense and charm that are sure to captivate the MSW fan as much as The Corpse Danced at Midnight.
13. Hetty Wainthropp Investigates
Just as Jessica Fletcher captivates audiences with her wit and intuition, Hetty Wainthropp, (played by Patricia Routledge) charms viewers with her tenacity and determination to uncover the truth. Whether it's a missing person, a theft, or a suspicious death, each episode presents a new puzzle for Hetty and her sidekick, Geoffrey Shawcross (played by Dominic Monaghan), to solve.
Hetty Wainthropp Investigates offers a delightful blend of mystery, humor, and heartwarming moments as well as a sense of a sense of comfort and familiarity that will appeal to fans of Murder, She Wrote. With its charming protagonist, clever mysteries, and cozy English setting, the series provides an equally satisfying and entertaining viewing experience for lovers of classic television mysteries.
12. Monk
Another classic cozy mystery series that has clever resolutions to cases is Monk. This series focuses on the “how” as much as the “who” and keeps fans laughing along the way.
Adrian Monk (played by Tony Shalhoub), is a brilliant former detective who now consults with the San Francisco Police Department while battling his obsessive-compulsive disorder and a long list of phobias that range from fears of heights, germs, and milk.
11. Queens of Mystery
If hearing about Jessica’s writing career and her books such as “The Killer Called Collect” or “Dirge for Dead Dachshund” piqued your interest, you should enjoy meeting Matilda Stone’s (played by Olivia Vinall and then Florence Hall) three aunts (played by Julie Graham, Sarah Woodward, and Siobhan Redmond) who each write a different style of mystery novels.
In Queens of Mystery, Matilda tries to work by the book in hew new positions as Detective Sgt., but her aunt’s involvement in cases in their quaint English village of Wildemarsh make that difficult. This quirky and whimsical murder mystery series will keep you guessing about cases and Matilda’s mother.
10. Father Brown
Fans of Murder, She Wrote will find much to enjoy in Father Brown (2013 - present). Based on the books by G. K. Chesterton, this charming TV series is set in the 1950s English village of Kembleford.
Like Jessica Fletcher, Father Brown (played by Mark Williams) is an amateur sleuth drawn into solving mysteries within his parish, offering viewers a cozy backdrop and cleverly constructed whodunits to unravel. Both shows feature endearing characters, moral themes, and engaging storytelling that keep audiences guessing until the final reveal.
With its quaint settings, quirky cast, and compelling mysteries, Father Brown provides a delightful viewing experience reminiscent of the beloved classic Murder, She Wrote.
9. Murder, She Baked / Hannah Swensen Mysteries
Based on the homage in the original name for this series (Murder, She Baked), it’s clear they expected some fan crossover between the two series. Both feature an amateur sleuth who solves murders in a small town full of interesting neighbors and suspects.
Based on the long-running book series by the Queen of the Culinary Mystery Joanne Fluke, the series follows Hannah Swensen(played by Alison Sweeney), a baker and small business owner of The Cookie Jar in Lake Eden, Minnesota. With her natural curiosity and a knack for getting people to talk with her baked goods, Hannah investigates murders when they occur in town (sometimes being dubbed a “dead body magnet.”)
8. Diagnosis Murder
Another beloved powerhouse performer can be found in Dick Van Dyke who plays Dr. Mark Sloane, a cheerful and clever doctor who sometimes roller skates and often solves murders. His affable nature and unconventional methods make him a compelling and endearing protagonist.
Diagnosis Murder puts a spin on the investigative procedural by adding a medical aspect to the show as Dr. Sloane and his team of doctors (including those played by Victoria Rowell, Scott Baio, and Charlie Schlatter) go beyond the hospital to help patients and solve mysteries.
Dr. Sloane often consults with the police on cases as his son Steve (played by his real-life son Barry Van Dyke) is a homicide detective. It’s such fun to watch them act together and adds even more charm to the series.
7. Mystery 101
If the academic and crime fiction aspects of Murder, She Wrote where we watch a former schoolteacher become a professional mystery writer, you should enjoy the Hallmark cozy mystery series Mystery 101 where Professor Amy Winslow (played by Jill Wagner) teaches college courses on crime fiction. With the help of her best-selling mystery author father Graham Winslow (played by Robin Thomas), she starts to puzzle out answers to real-life mysteries.
While Detective Travis Burke (played by Kristoffer Polaha) is initially annoyed by her involvement, he is eventually impressed by her insight and the possibilty for friendship and romance grows.
6. Mrs. Sidhu Investigates
While some might call caterer Mrs. Sidhu (played by Meera Syal) a busybody, we call her another charming amateur sleuth.
Between caring for her son, cooking tasty meals for clients, and offering sage auntie advice, Mrs. Sidhu also finds time to investigate mysteries when those she cares about are in trouble. Though DCI Burton (played by Craig Parkinson) is initially reluctant to have her involved, he begins to trust her gut and enjoy her food.
5. Rosemary & Thyme
Rosemary & Thyme follows the adventures of two professional gardeners, Rosemary Boxer (played by Felicity Kendal) and Laura Thyme (played by Pam Ferris), who use their horticultural expertise to uncover answers to mysteries.
It offers a perfect blend of mystery, humor, and captivating storytelling that will resonate with fans of Murder, She Wrote. Whether you're drawn to the clever sleuthing, engaging characters, or picturesque settings, this charming British mystery series showcases glorious gardens, female friendship, and classic whodunits.
4. Madame Blanc Mysteries
Another widow who discovers her sleuthing abilities after her husband’s death is Jean White (played by Sally Lindsay who also co-created the series). However, Mr. White had some secrets that make him less endearing than Frank Fletcher.
In The Madame Blanc Mysteries, antiques expert Jean moves from England to France to look into her husband’s suspicious death. While there she befriends a local taxi driver (played by Steve Edge) and some other quirky inhabitants (including a hilariously clueless wealthy couple played by Robin Askwith and Sue Holderness) and begins solving mysteries of many varieties.
3. Elsbeth
Utilizing a similar format to Columbo (see our next pick!) where the audience sees whodunit from the start but roots for an investigator to catch up to the clever criminal, this Good Wife spin-off follows Elsbeth Tascioni (played by Carrie Preston) as a gifted but easily distracted attorney.
Hired to be an impartial observer of the NYPD, Elsbeth contributes to investigations when she picks up on overlooked clues and faces off against those who think they committed the perfect murder.
Fans of Murder, She Wrote will appreciate Elbeths’s upbeat and can-do attitude as well as uncanny ability to solve a mystery.
2. Columbo
Columbo is often paired with Murder, She Wrote during reruns and it’s no surprise fans appreciate both shows. Both series showcase brilliant sleuths who employ unconventional methods to solve crimes. While Jessica Fletcher uses her keen intuition and deductive reasoning, Lieutenant Columbo (played by Peter Falk) relies on his disarming demeanor and seemingly bumbling nature to catch perpetrators off guard. Both Jessica Fletcher and Lieutenant Columbo are beloved for their endearing quirks and unwavering dedication to justice, making them iconic figures in the realm of television investigators.
Both created by Levison and Link (with Peter S. Fisher also on Murder, She Wrote), these two series have a timeless appeal and is sure to leave you eagerly anticipating the next perplexing case to unravel.
Marple
Fans of Jessica Fletcher should enjoy seeing Agatha Christie’s original older female amateur sleuth in action. Brought to life by two talented actresses (Geraldine McEwan and Julia McKenzie), this series showcases classic Miss Marple mysteries such as The Body in the Library and A Murder is Announced. Like Jessica, Miss Marple is a sharp-witted and observant amateur detective who unravels complex murder cases, though in her quaint English village instead of Cabot Cove - though both sleuths have been known to travel to interesting locales.
Based on the Queen of Crimes’ books, Marple features a delightful blend of intriguing plots, colorful characters, and charming settings brought to life on screen.
Some stories are darker than others, but cozy mystery lovers and Murder, She Wrote fans should enjoy these nostalgic and puzzling whodunits.