Ep 5. Death by Persuasion

In Midsomer Murders season 19 episode 5, titled "Death by Persuasion," the quaint village of Granville Norton is preparing for the annual literary festival. The festival is the highlight of the village's social calendar, and this year's festivities are expected to be particularly exciting, as celebrated author Max Jennings will be giving the keynote speech.

When Max is found dead, bludgeoned with a whiskey bottle, the festival quickly turns into a murder investigation. Barnaby and Nelson are tasked with untangling the web of secrets and lies that surround the residents of Granville Norton in order to find the killer.

As they delve deeper into Max's past, Barnaby and Nelson uncover a host of possible suspects, each with their own motive for wanting Max dead. Was it the envious up-and-coming author Adele who was jealous of Max's success? The resentful literary agent who felt that Max had wronged him? The mysterious woman who seems to have a connection to Max's past? Or was it someone else entirely?

As they piece together the evidence, Barnaby and Nelson are drawn into the intriguing world of literature and its many eccentricities. Along the way, they encounter a wide array of colorful characters, from the reclusive author who lives in a remote cabin to the eccentric local bookseller who seems to know everyone's secrets.

With the festival set to go ahead regardless of the murder, tensions are high in the close-knit village. Barnaby and Nelson must race against time to find the killer before another victim is claimed.

Filled with suspense, intrigue, and plenty of literary references, "Death by Persuasion" is a gripping episode that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.