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TV Series Review

Harry Wild Series 2 – Review

Read our review of Harry Wild Series 2, a captivating crime drama with Jane Seymour as a retired professor turned investigator.

Director: Robert Quinn

Writer: David Logan, Sonia Moyersoen, Jo Spain (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A recently retired English professor discovers a real knack for investigation and cannot help but interfere with the cases assigned to her police detective son.

Runtime: 48 Minute Episodes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Silence Dogood Did Bad starts when Harry’s (Seymour) ex is murdered. Elsewhere, Fergus (Nedd) struggles to reconnect with his mother who left him when he was young. The two look to investigate the murder and she ends up finding a more disturbing truth about who was behind the murder.

This is the return for the series as Harry finds the latest case hitting closer to home. Despite getting close to her son’s job she teams up with Fergus to get to the bottom of a cop’s death. It shows the dynamic continues to follow a trend, as the employed cops don’t like rookie detectives solving the crimes. The humour works and we are prepared for what the unlikely pair will get up to next. (3/5)

The Village Has Eyes starts when a local woman goes missing. She has been writing about the devil and Harry and Fergus are called to investigate it. However, another dead body leads them down a dangerous path of devil worshippers.

This mystery takes the detective duo to a remote Irish village for their latest case. It has plenty of mystery about what is happening and plays into the concept of devil worshippers. This plays into the strengths of both of the detectives and proves their knowledge can solve the problems. It is a nicely put-together mystery and has plenty of twists. (3/5)

A Botox A Day Keeps the Mortician in Pay starts when a member of a hen party dies. Harry and Fergus are called in to investigate, which sees them getting to know other hens and the staff at the salon. However, Fergus must learn quickly how toxic a group of friends can prepare for a wedding.

This mystery deals with the drama of hen-does and the chaos surrounding them. It is filled with drama around the relationships. While also putting even more focus on Fergus reconnecting with his mother. It has less intense mystery, but the family rebuilding scenario takes over this episode for the better. (3/5)

Orla Wild’s Wicked Wicked Ways starts when a former flame of Orla’s arrives in town. She reluctantly turns to her mother-in-law Harry to help him, as he has a hitman chasing him down. It takes things down a much deadlier path than any previous case.

This episode easily has the most intense crime to be solved. While part of the crime has happened, the threat is still around and could affect loved ones. We dive into more organised crime, which offers plenty of mystery and insight into people’s past. (4/5)

Professor Wild in the Library with the Revolver when Harry, Fergus and Lola attend a murder mystery weekend. However, they find themselves needing to solve a real murder when the chef is found dead. They must put their detective caps on to solve the case when it turns out nearly everyone has a reason to target the victim.

This episode lets everyone play with the murder mystery turned real concept. It is one of the most interesting concepts and gets to see how everyone there has the potential of different personalities. This is a fun mystery and welcomes the idea of almost anyone having a secret leading to twists unfolding. (4/5)

He Could’ve Been a Contender Until They Chopped His Arms Off starts when Fergus’s boxing trainer is found dismembered around the countryside. The killer throws the body parts around the countryside and Fergus turns to Harry to investigate the crime. It follows them going undercover in the gym and learning more about the problems it was facing.

This episode brings things back closer to home for Fergus. It gets to have more of a laugh between the pair, while a more serious situation is unfolding. There is an idea of corruption going on within the gym that could give out more questions than answers. It is a nice conclusion and Fergus’s side of the story has an interesting situation to deal with. (3/5)

Harry Wild Series 2 brings the detective and her apprentice back together for a new series of crimes. The crimes have a nice mix of everything going on and Fergus has an interesting side story running throughout the series. His reconnection with his estranged mother has plenty of problems going on. However, we learn nothing about Harry, she comes to the crime scene and has nothing told about her personal life. It makes her feel empty when it comes to dealing with the situation. At least Fergus has plenty going on for a teenager in this business town.

Outside of this, we get a nice entertaining series of crimes to be solved. We have a mix of unusual characters without any of the crimes becoming as intense as they could. The series struggles to do enough to make the real detectives feel annoyed, like most of the others in the similar situation. For a relaxing series of crimes, it works well for a chilled evening of mystery-solving.

Harry Wild Series 2 is available from 13th of May 2024

Final ThoughtsHarry Wild Series 2 is a relaxing series of mysteries.

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TV Series Review

Fallout – Season 1 – Episode 1 – The End – Review

Get ready for an intense ride in Fallout Season 1 - Episode 1. Uncover the secrets of a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles and the challenges faced by its survivors.

Director: Jonathan Nolan

Writer: Geneva Robertson-Dworet, Graham Wagner (Screenplay)

Writer: Geneva Robertson-Dworet, Graham Wagner (Creators)

Cast

Plot: In a future, post-apocalyptic Los Angeles brought about by nuclear decimation, citizens must live in underground bunkers to protect themselves from radiation, mutants and bandits.

Runtime: 1 Hour 15 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Fallout Season 1 – Episode 1 – The End starts when the world gets attacked with nuclear weapons. We jump to 217 years later, where we meet Lucy MacLean (Purnell), a vault member living with her father Hank (MacLachlan). She plans to get married to continue the human race keeping the connection with a neighbouring vault.

However, that perfect plan shows a much darker side, as the neighbouring vault has been invaded by raiders who want to take Lucy’s vault next. Elsewhere, Maximus (Moten) lives in a community which gets a new selection for the Brotherhood. In the aftermath of the attack on the vault, Lucy wants to locate her father, which means she decides to head to the surface for answers. Maximus gets his chance to join the military unit as one of the Brotherhood, after his close friend gets horribly injured.

Fallout Season 1 – Episode 1 – The End takes us into the world where we get a first chance to meet our leading characters. Vault girl Lucy who sets out on a mission to find her kidnapped father and Maximus who has grown up in the Brotherhood.

It is a solid introduction to the show giving plenty of throwbacks to the games on Lucy’s side of things. While opening the wider world with Maximus’ side of the story. We get prepared for what is to come with wonderful creations and are left wanting even more.

Available on Prime Now.

Final ThoughtsFallout Season 1 – Episode 1 – The End is a brilliant introduction to the series.

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TV Series Review

Wreck Series 2 – Episode 6 – You Can Let Go Now – Review

Review of Wreck Series 2 - Episode 6 - You Can Let Go Now. Join the young man as he investigates the disappearance of his sister on a cruise ship.

Director: Louis Paxton

Writer: Ryan J Brown (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A young man joins the crew of a cruise ship in order to investigate the disappearance of his sister.

Runtime: 45 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Wreck Series 2 – Episode 6 – You Can Let Go Now starts as Karen is preparing to blow up the Deveraux mansion. However, Jamie and Pippa are locked in the ‘Green Room’ ready for the latest game to start. Meanwhile, the control of the Deveraux game is spiralling out of control, and they decide to use it to cover up getting rid of the problems.

It becomes a race to get their friends out before the bomb explodes. Elsewhere, Jamie and Pippa get to witness the twisted games the victims are put through.

Wreck Series 2 – Episode 6 – You Can Let Go Now is the explosive conclusion to the series. It has built up the sides in the battle against the Deverauxs and their twisted business. All while presenting a host of different outcomes.

This is a strong ending to the series, as it builds on the personal battles the characters must overcome. It shows us the potential size of the villainous family and highlights how easily they can shake off a bad experience and keep things covered up. The finale continues to show how much this battle will take out Jamie and his friend. While maintaining the bigger threat still operating in the world. The only downside of the finale was the feeling it wanted to set up the next season more than finish this season.

Wreck Series 2 is available on BBC iPlayer now.

Final ThoughtsWreck Series 2 – Episode 6 – You Can Let Go Now is a strong finish that leaves us wanting even more.

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TV Series Review

Wreck Series 2 – Episode 4 – Disposable – Review

Get ready for an intense and suspenseful episode. Wreck Series 2 - Episode 4: Disposable takes you on a thrilling journey.

Director: Louis Paxton

Writer: Ryan J Brown (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A young man joins the crew of a cruise ship in order to investigate the disappearance of his sister.

Runtime: 45 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Wreck Series 2 – Episode 4 – Disposable starts as Jamie prepares for the next step of the plan. Meanwhile, Cormac leads the rest out of the dangers. However, they find themselves stalked by Beaker who has been hunting them down to prove his worth to the boss.

Jamie finds himself getting to know a stranger around the camp. While Pippa and Vivian get up close and personal with the Deveraux running the camp.

Wreck Series 2 – Episode 4 – Disposable ups the stakes as one group deals with an old deadly enemy. Elsewhere, the plan is put in place to capture the biggest threat. It is bubbling along nicely and keeps the intensity up.

This is the best episode since the returning one. It has intensity throughout the episode and creates a horror moment with one group. While letting the story breathe with the calmer heist preparation side of things. The episode mixes things up nicely and continues to prove we aren’t going to see anything held back. We get more glimpses into the imposing figure that creates a real sense of threat and keeps the duck mask an important part of what makes the show have an identity. And a ‘Boomstick’ reference is always a winner.

Wreck Series 2 is available on BBC iPlayer now.

Final ThoughtsWreck Series 2 – Episode 4 – Disposable lets the horror flourish.

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TV Series Review

Wreck Series 2 – Episode 3 – Hold the Line – Review

Read the review of Wreck Series 2 - Hold the Line. Explore the mysterious storyline centered around a missing sister on a cruise ship.

Director: Chris Baugh

Writer: Ryan J Brown (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A young man joins the crew of a cruise ship in order to investigate the disappearance of his sister.

Runtime: 45 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Wreck Series 2 – Episode 3 – Hold the Line starts with the explanation as to why Karen (Webb) has jumped ship to help Pippa’s team. Pippa reluctantly lets Jamie’s friends know the plan and what they want. It reveals the bigger plan of what is expected on the island.

Jamie’s group of friends continue their investigation into both Pippa’s friends and the Deverauxs. However, it ends up leading to more questions than answers causing tensions.

Wreck Series 2 – Episode 3 – Hold the Line deals with the big surprise return well and shows the bigger problem in the camp. It shows us how Jamie and his friends have gotten themselves in deeper than they imagined. However, this conflict with Pippa’s group causes more problems.

The glee the person running the facility has is disturbing and Harriet Webb returns to become the scene stealer. When it comes to the conflict between the two sides who want the same thing does seem to hold things back at times. However, the bigger story is more about who to trust or not now. It is setting up the sides for the bigger conflict we are going to see unfold. This episode also deals with a lot more sensitive subject affecting many more people in the world.

Wreck Series 2 is available on BBC iPlayer now.

Final ThoughtsWreck Series 2 – Episode 3 – Hold the Line builds the conflict between the groups.

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TV Series Review

Wreck Series 2 – Episode 2 – Did You Miss Me? – Review

Discover the captivating episode of Wreck Series 2 - Did You Miss Me? Join the crew as they investigate the disappearance of a sister on a mysterious cruise ship.

Director: Chris Baugh

Writer: Ryan J Brown (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A young man joins the crew of a cruise ship in order to investigate the disappearance of his sister.

Runtime: 45 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Wreck Series 2 – Episode 2 – Did You Miss Me? starts as Jamie, Vivian, Cormac, Rosie, Lauren, and Sophia head to Slovakia for a new undercover mission. They are investigating a camp Exodum, which they believe has a connection to the ship. As well as dealing with the shocking reunion between Jamie and his long-lost sister Pippa (Tyack).

The team gets welcomed by Tristan the leader of the camp, as they learn who they can trust. Meanwhile, Pippa explains why she has remained hidden from Jamie for all this time. However, Pippa doesn’t want Jamie around, as her team has created a plan to take down the organisation.

Wreck Series 2 – Episode 2 – Did You Miss Me? Picks up right where we left off, revealing the truth about why Pippa went into disappearance. It shows how Jamie’s team could be much deeper than they imagined, as they learn what Pippa has been working toward. We get a reveal of the latest villains and how twisted they are.

This continues to build the bigger conspiracy, which keeps things mysterious. The body count is piling up and doesn’t hold back on how graphic or disturbing they are. It is releasing the inner slasher which often got held back in the first series. However, now we know the bigger picture, everything can be unleashed. Sophia gets most of the laughs with the typical ‘bimbo’ figure we know from the slasher sub-genre. While everyone else tends to keep things a lot more serious. It continues to offer up surprises and builds nicely for the next chapter of the bigger battle.

Wreck Series 2 is available on BBC iPlayer now.

Final ThoughtsWreck Series 2 – Episode 2 – Did You Miss Me? Continues to build up for the bigger picture.

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TV Series Review

Wreck Series 2 – Episode 1 – Gay Miles Per Hour – Review

Get ready for the suspenseful journey in Wreck Series 2 - Episode 1 - Gay Miles Per Hour. Explore the dark secrets and shocking events on a cruise ship.

Director: Chris Baugh

Writer: Ryan J Brown (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A young man joins the crew of a cruise ship in order to investigate the disappearance of his sister.

Runtime: 45 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Wreck Series 2 – Episode 1 – Gay Miles Per Hour starts when a new camp councillor Ben (Norman) arrives to find the camp abandoned. He quickly discovers the horrors of what is happening before escaping. Elsewhere, Jamie Walsh (Kennedy) and Vivian Lim (Graham) are trying to convince the world of what happened on the cruise ship. However, the company has managed to cover up everything.

Jamie hasn’t given up hope and continues to work on uncovering the bigger conspiracy on a global scale. He is trying to get the people who accepted hush money to go public after they start getting picked off by a masked killer. It becomes a race to put the group back together before they get finished off.

Wreck Series 2 – Episode 1 – Gay Miles Per Hour picks up 7 months after the events of the first series. The survivors have moved on with their lives after taking hush money. However, a few are still trying to expose the conspiracy. Now, that the killers have returned, the survivors face a new battle to survive.

It is a welcome return which plays into the bigger series of events from the first encounter. We don’t hold back from the bloodshed with the masked killers returning in their Quaky masks. This feels deadlier than the first series, mostly because we know what we are up against. It offers a bigger conspiracy that needs to be tackled. The group prepares to take on the next threat which could be connected to the wider problem, in their attempt to live in freedom.

Wreck Series 2 is available on BBC iPlayer now.

Final ThoughtsWreck Series 2 – Episode 1 – Gay Miles Per Hour returns with a bloody beginning and a bigger mystery.

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TV Series Review

Whitstable Pearl Season 2 – Review

Get ready for Whitstable Pearl Season 2! Join Pearl Nolan as she sets up a detective agency in this thrilling crime series.

Director: Jon Jones, Matt Carter

Writer: Øystein Karlsen, Julie Wassmer, Mike Walden, Jess Williams, Kam Odedra (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Local restaurant owner Pearl Nolan sets up a local detective agency after undergoing police training in an earlier career. She is soon embroiled in her first case when she discovers the body of her close friend Vinnie.

Runtime: 49 Minutes per Episodes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Babylon takes us back to the Whitstable, where Pearl (Godliman) and Mike (Charles) have moved on with their lives. They have both started dating new people. Elsewhere, a local is involved in a car crash as well as being linked with the abduction of his child. Mike is leading the investigation, which ends up needing Pearl to support, using her connection to the neighbourhood.

This is a welcome return for the characters even if they have moved on in their personal lives. It brings a complex and sensitive case to life with a missing child. This offers plenty of mystery and doesn’t make anything as clear as most detective shows. (5/5)

Night Terrors starts as Mike finds himself trapped at home with a broken leg watching the neighbours. Pearl is hired to investigate a potential affair even if she is reluctant to get involved. Meanwhile, Mike witnesses an attack from his window and can’t get involved, relying on his team to witness the crime. However, it is only Pearl who can give the time to help him play Rear Window.

This is more of a fun episode which follows a detective in the Rear Window position watching over his neighbours. The idea he believes there is a crime about to happen shows us just how dangerous people can be behind closed doors. Even if things take unexpected twists along the way. Away from the crime, we get to see how the relationship the pair have started might be more dealing with their own problems. (4/5)

The Offer starts when a local pub owner is looking to sell up against the will of the local community. When the deal goes through, the buyer is found dead on the beach the next day. Mike reluctantly lets Pearl help with the investigation. She knows the tidal patterns which could give a better idea of the time of death. The mystery includes a host of suspects from around the neighbourhood or could it be someone who has lost even more?

This episode is an interesting mystery and shows the close everyone around the community is. It shows just how far people could go to protect it. Away from the crime, we see how Pearl and Mike have been reacting to the other’s new love interest. This is a good addition to the crimes and offers plenty of suspects throughout the whole case. (4/5)

The Gumshoe and the Femme Fatale starts when a 70s Scream Queen changes her will leaving everything to the animals and housekeeper. It sees the housekeeper turning to Pearl for advice after believing someone is after them. When Pearl turns to Mike for advice, he dismisses the threat, however, the actress is attacked. Now, Pearl and Mike are investigating the case and must figure out what is really going on.

This does present another interesting case, where Pearl takes the lead in the investigation. It shows a much bigger case going on, which offers a few twists and turns along the way. Elsewhere, Mike acts a lot colder than normal, showing his growing frustration with his life. It continues to build an uneasy tension between Mike and Pearl. (3/5)

Hidden Treasures sees Mike and Nikki working together on a robbery at a local pub. However, Mike refuses to accept any help from Pearl. Elsewhere, Pearl is hired by her own mother Dolly (Barber) who believes somebody is breaking into her home. However, Pearl believes it could be more mental health problems which need sorting. They set out to solve the mystery, keeping the pair separate for their investigations.

This is one of the odd episodes because it keeps Pearl and Mike apart. The cases feel slow and unimportant never reaching a serious level. However, it gives Pearl a personal problem to overcome with her son visiting Canada for a while. It turns more into a reflective episode that could have had more meat in the middle. However, it does strike a more serious note by the end. (3/5)

To Those We Love starts when Pearl is catering a wedding and a dead body is discovered. She must put her differences aside with Mike to help learn about the guest’s behaviour during the wedding. Once the investigation starts unfolding, the clues point at something more behind the wedding. While not everybody is happy to go through the wedding and might have had a motive.

This is a nice conclusion to the series. It brings Mike and Pearl’s relationship full circle as we see how they have bigger problems in their lives. The case itself has plenty of mystery even if it is more soap opera style. We are left with a lot more to be told in the future, which could bring plenty more to the table. (4/5)

Whitstable Pearl Season 2 brings back Mike and Pearl for another series if crimes to solve. The cases mix between bigger and more entertaining, to smaller and not as interesting. Away from the crimes, the will they won’t they feel between Mike and Pearl becomes more complicated now they are both dating other people. The show is an entertaining series of crimes and a place we could easily return to for many more cases in the future. Kerry Godliman’s positive character works wonderfully with the brooding Howard Charles, giving the show an extra reason to come back.

Whitstable Pearl Series 2 and Series 1 and 2 Box sets arrive on DVD and digital on 25 March 2024 from Acorn Media International.

Final ThoughtsWhitstable Pearl Season 2 is an enjoyable return to the mysteries on the coast.

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TV Series Review

Whitstable Pearl Season 1 – Review

Get ready for a thrilling ride with Whitstable Pearl Season 1. Join Pearl Nolan in her new detective agency as she investigates a murder that hits close to home.

Director: David Caffrey, Jon Jones, Chanya Button

Writer: Øystein Karlsen, Julie Wassmer, Alastair Galbraith, Mike Walden, MyAnna Buring, Rachel Flowerday (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Local restaurant owner Pearl Nolan sets up a local detective agency after undergoing police training in an earlier career. She is soon embroiled in her first case when she discovers the body of her close friend Vinnie.

Runtime: 49 Minutes per Episodes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

The Free Waters starts when Pearl (Godliman) discovers one of her friends dead on their fishing boat. She doesn’t believe it was an accident and DCI Mike McGuire (Charles) leads the investigation. Even if Pearl becomes a suspect, she uses her former knowledge of police training to conduct her own investigation. Meanwhile, Mike must conduct his investigation, leading to the pair putting their information and resources together to find the murderer.

This is a good introduction to the characters, we get to learn about Pearl and Mike, with their different police backgrounds. It also proves that knowing your local neighbourhood can create a bond an outsider could never understand. Everything has been presented for the next set of stories for the characters with future criminal cases. (4/5)

Random Acts starts when a local estate agent is found in a diabetic coma after being forced fed marmalade. Elsewhere, Pearl receives a new case after a large amount of money is found in a letterbox. The two investigate their cases alone, however, they find a way to support each other through the strange mysteries they face.

This episode continues to show a growing respect between the two. It continues to prove that Pearl’s connection within her neighbourhood helps with her side of the case. While Mike has the skills to break down the larger side of the case. It also steps away from needing to give us a grisly murder and offers up a different type of mystery. (3/5)

Civil War starts when a Civil War reenactment sees one of the members killed by a misfiring. Mike is called into investigation and the early suspects include his wife Heidi. However, she turns to Pearl for help, as she believes they have been targeted. As the case unfolds, it presents plenty of mystery about who could have been behind the crime.

This one returns to a more serious crime and gives us a much more complex case than the ones we have previously seen. It opens up the show to be ready for something much bigger than we have been expecting. It does continue to show the difference between Pearl and Mike and what they can both offer to cases. This is easily the best of the series so far and makes us want to get back for more. (5/5)

Disappearance at Oare starts when Pearl gets called to help a widow deal with an anonymous letter claiming her husband didn’t commit suicide. Pearl is asked to investigate the case. Nobody believes the widow and she is determined to prove her husband is still alive. Meanwhile, Mike is dealing with his own problems, which are making him feel isolated.

This episode takes things differently. It explores personal traumas in Pearl and Mike’s lives which have created isolated personalities. The case does take a back seat, but it is a lot harder to treat this in the same way as a modern crime. It feels refreshing and prepares us to get closer to the characters in the future. (4/5)

A Cup O’ Kindness starts when a mother takes her daughter out on the water. However, the boat needs help and is rescued. While Pearl and the vacationing Mike help understand what happened, which caused a scene between the troubled family. Pearl is asked to investigate the incident and finds herself learning about the family which has fallen apart. Is there something more sinister happening, or is it just an accident?

This does take the foot off the accelerator after the previous two brilliant episodes. It puts a lot more focus on Pearl tackling a case. Even if Mike finally reveals why he has been so distant in the more recent weeks. This episode wants to focus more on Pearl and Mike’s friendship and potential relationship than anything else. (3/5)

The Man on the Blue Plaque starts when a 30-year skeleton is discovered offshore. It turns out it is the remains the Pearl’s father who went missing 30 years ago. Mike finds himself needing to investigate the crime with the idea it could have been murder. Elsewhere, Pearl hears the rumours about her father and what he could or couldn’t have been up to something.

This is a strong season finale, which brings everything to another level. It brings a personal connection to a crime, which has given Pearl motivation for years. This explore more the difficult connection with people from outside of the normal world. While solidifying how close the community is. (5/5)

Whitstable Pearl Season 1 is a nice mystery drama series. It shows a small seaside area which has a few crimes happening. We get to meet an unlikely partnership between Pearl and Mike, who solve the crimes differently. Like many other detective shows, we have a connection to an unsolved crime. The show places focus on the community connection which proves vital in solving the mysteries. Kerry Godliman and Howard Charlies are great in the leading roles. It gives the show a reason for us to return and learn more about the community and the blossoming relationship between Mike and Pearl.

Whitstable Pearl Series 2 and Series 1 and 2 Box sets arrive on DVD and digital on 25 March 2024 from Acorn Media International.

Final ThoughtsWhitstable Pearl Season 1 is an enjoyable cosy series of mysteries.