The Brokenwood Mysteries Series 11 – Review
First Reaction – The Brokenwood Mysteries Series 11 returns with another excellent series of crimes for the team to solve.
Where to Watch
The Brokenwood Mysteries Series 11 is set to arrive on DVD and digital on 6 October 2025, courtesy of Acorn Media International.
Director: Mike Smith, Ian Hughes, Jacqueline Nairn, Katie Wolfe
Writer: Timothy Balme, Laura Hill, Roy Ward, Tania Klouwens (Screenplay)
Cast
- Neill Rea (The Warrior’s Way)
- Fern Sutherland (The Almighty Johnsons)
- Cristina Serban Ionda (Out of Season)
- Karl Willetts (The Power of the Dog)
- Jarod Rawiri (Boy)
Plot: Detective Inspector Mike Shepherd arrives on assignment in Brokenwood, a small town where memories – and animosities – run deep.
Runtime: 1 Hour 30 Minutes per episode
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Verdict on The Brokenwood Mysteries Series 11
The Ghost in You
The Ghost in You begins when a popular 80s band performs in the town. However, the after show a victim has fallen from Trudy’s (Gray) bar. Mike (Rea), Kristin (Sutherland), Daniel (Rawiri) and Gina (Ionda) begin their investigation. The investigation follows the team diving into the band and their history, which is filled with plenty fo secrets.
This is a welcome return for the show, the mystery keeps us guessing and the chemistry between the team is fantastic. We are back in the town and ready to see where the mysteries will take us next. It is always nice to see a return of a series being a great episode because it pulls us in for even more adventures. (4/5)
Sudden Death Round
Sudden Death Round follows the unexpected death of popular radio host returning to host a school event. The guests become the suspects, and the team must dive into the lives of the guests. However, the bigger secrets begin taking over and memories from the school haunt the victim and the guests.
This brings high school dramas to life in the later years as the suspect has a connection to many of the suspects. We are kept guessing well and meet plenty of dramas in everyday lives. It continues to show the team working together perfectly to solve the crime and leaves us waiting for the next incident. (4/5)
All Hallows Eve
All Hallows Eve follows the locals attending local seance with outsiders. However, the session leads to a man getting fatally stabbed. The team must question everyone in the home at the time to figure out who was behind the murder. However, the medium only makes things more complicated.
This episode dives into the mystery of a murder in a locked room, with a host of suspects. It offers plenty of mystery and includes a couple of the locals. This has the guests having connection to the victim, which gives plenty of them motive too. Another great mystery in the series, which keeps us wanting to solve more crimes with the crew. (4/5)
How the Other Half Dies
How the Other Half Dies begins when a wealthy resident of the town is found dead under a chandelier. Mike and the team must investigate the case and decide if it has foul play. However, the case takes them down an unusual path as the locals begin acting strangely. Elsewhere, someone steals Mike’s beloved car, leading him to track the person down.
This episode offers a strange mystery, which is much deeper than expected. The side story of Mike searching for his car adds plenty of humour to the episode too. This is the most light hearted episode of the series, which shows a more elite side of the area. (4/5)
The End of the Line
The End of the Line follows a previous suspect being discovered dead on a zip line. Mike and the team begin their investigation into the getaway with the teachers and students. However, the familiar faces begin to fill out the suspect list.
This is an interesting episode because it brings back some of the previous suspects and returns to some of the side stories. It creates a great mystery about who was behind it all and show certain series of consequences around the previous incidents. One of the more unique episodes and great at leaving thing prepared for more. (4/5)
An Oades to Christmas
An Oades to Christmas follows the team investigating the death of a Santa. The true identity connects him to a local family the team have investigated before, with one member recently getting released from jail. While the investigation leads down a family drama, it adds earlier feelings towards criminals in the area.
The final episode takes the team down memory lane dealing with a family involved in an earlier crime. On the negative side, if you haven’t seen the earlier series, you won’t get all the connections. Elsewhere, the case has plenty of suspects and a closer to home story hits harder. (4/5)
Overall
The Brokenwood Mysteries Series 11 has been a welcome return for the detective team. We have had fresh mysteries, which have kept us guessing, a blend of humour and more series moments. Elsewhere, the cast has been great and the supporting regulars too. The show is in series 11 and it feels fresh, entertaining and keeps everything with us wanting more.
Final Thoughts – The Brokenwood Mysteries Series 11 is a delightful series of crimes, with excellent chemistry.
