Ep 1. Murder in the Dark: First Chapter

Queens of Mystery is a British television series that follows the lives of four talented crime-solving women, known as the "Swanscombe sisters." The show takes place in a fictional English village, Wildemarsh, and features a mixture of murder mystery, comedy, and drama. Season 1, Episode 1, titled "Murder in the Dark: First Chapter," introduces the audience to the unique and quirky world of the Swanscombe sisters.

The episode starts with Detective Sergeant Matilda Stone, played by Olivia Vinall, investigating a disappearance in Wildemarsh. Her investigation leads her to the home of her three aunts - Cat, Beth, and Jane - who also happen to be famous crime writers. The sisters are all excited to help Matilda with the case, but she is hesitant to involve them, knowing their penchant for drama and mischief. However, when a body is discovered, Matilda realizes that her aunts' unique perspectives and imagination are precisely what she needs to solve the case.

As the investigation progresses, Matilda discovers that the Swanscombe sisters are not only successful authors but also amateur sleuths. In fact, they have been solving real-life crimes for years, with their fictional works often inspired by the cases they've worked on together. Matilda is hesitant to include them in the investigation at first, but she slowly realizes that their creativity and intuition could be helpful.

Throughout the first episode, we are introduced to each of the Swanscombe sisters' unique personalities. Cat, played by Julie Graham, is the eldest and has a no-nonsense attitude. She is a feminist icon and author of the "Miss Marsh" series of novels. Beth, played by Sarah Woodward, is the middle sister and is considered the odd one out of them. She's known for her love of animals and is the author of the "Vixen Stories." Jane, played by Siobhan Redmond, is the youngest sister and is known for her romantic novels. She's thoughtful and often the mediator between her sisters.

As the investigation unfolds, Matilda discovers that there are several suspects in the disappearance and murder case, including the missing woman's husband, his mistress, and his business partner. It becomes increasingly clear that the sisters' help is needed when they discover a clue in one of their unpublished manuscripts that points to the identity of the killer.

The episode ends with the identity of the killer revealed, and the Swanscombe sisters celebrated as heroes for their assistance in solving the case. The episode sets up the dynamic between Matilda and the sisters, paving the way for future cases.

"Murder in the Dark: First Chapter" is an excellent introduction to the world of Queens of Mystery, with its blend of mystery, humor, and drama. It offers a unique take on the classic whodunit story and provides a refreshing perspective on female crime-solving. The episode leaves viewers excited to see what other cases the Swanscombe sisters will solve in future episodes.