Ep 3. Episode 3

Sidney Chambers, the main character, visits the church to practice his sermon when he discovers that there has been a break-in at his vicarage. Realizing that nothing has been stolen except a valuable trinket from Germany, the vicar decides not to report it to the police for fear of bringing more attention to his bad habits.

Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Geordie Keating has his hands full with the murder of a young woman named Abigail Redmond. Her body was discovered floating in the river, and even though she had been strangled, the autopsy report shows that she had been pregnant.

Sidney's friend, Amanda, who works at the local newspaper, approaches him for help in solving the mystery of Abigail's death. She believes that there is a connection between Abigail and a famous author who had been visiting the town. Sidney agrees to investigate when he notices a strange shadow lurking outside the church, which he believes could be connected to the murder case.

Sidney and Amanda pay a visit to the famous author only to find him dead, with a suicide note by his side. However, Sidney is suspicious of the circumstances surrounding the suicide and, after some digging around, he finds out that the author had been blackmailed by someone after discovering his secret.

As Sidney continues to investigate the case, he discovers that there are more connections between Abigail and other well-known men in the town, including the local doctor and the headmaster of the school. He soon realizes that the case is much bigger than he thought, and that the killer could be closer than he had initially suspected.

Meanwhile, Sidney's troubles with Amanda continue, as she tries to push him into admitting his feelings for her. He struggles with his conscience, as he is still in love with his ex-girlfriend, who is now dating someone else.

With this episode, Grantchester continues its trend of offering a deliciously gripping and intelligent murder mystery, coupled with the complexities of human relationships. The portrayal of the small town is authentic and realistic, and the characters are well-developed, with their own quirks and motivations. The narrative seamlessly blends different subplots, making for an engaging viewing experience.

Overall, this is a must-watch for fans of murder mysteries and period dramas alike. Featuring strong performances, a compelling storyline, and excellent writing, Grantchester is a television series that is not to be missed.