Reverend Richard Coles’ beloved novel, Murder Before Evensong, has successfully transitioned to the screen, captivating audiences on Acorn TV and Channel 5. Starring Matthew Lewis as the charming yet embattled Canon Daniel Clement, the series offers a compelling blend of cosy crime, village intrigue, and sharp humor, drawing comparisons to classics like Grantchester and Agatha Christie. As the mystery deepens in the fictional village of Champton, fans are reveling in the unexpected twists and exceptional cast performances.
The highly anticipated murder mystery series, Murder Before Evensong, based on the acclaimed novel by Reverend Richard Coles, has officially premiered, delighting viewers with its intricate plot and stellar cast. The adaptation, airing on Acorn TV and Channel 5, brings the picturesque yet peril-filled village of Champton to life, drawing viewers into a world where a proposed lavatory can spark parish divisions and ultimately, murder.
The Genesis of a Clerical Mystery: From Bestseller to Screen
Murder Before Evensong marks the debut fiction novel by Reverend Richard Coles, a multi-talented figure renowned for his pop music career with The Communards and his media appearances, including I’m a Celebrity. The book launched the popular Canon Clement series, which has since expanded with titles such as A Death in the Parish and Murder at the Monastery, alongside the Christmas novella, Murder Under the Mistletoe.
Coles’ writing style has been lauded by critics, with The Telegraph describing Murder Before Evensong as “cosy crime with a cutting edge,” while The Observer found it “charming and funny.” The Sunday Express praised its “quintessentially English” feel, a sentiment that has clearly resonated with television audiences. The adaptation is skillfully handled by writer Nick Hicks-Beach, known for his work on beloved British dramas like Lewis and Midsomer Murders, and directed by David Moore, whose credits include Fool Me Once and Outlander.
Meet the Parish of Champton: Cast & Characters
Leading the ensemble is Harry Potter alum Matthew Lewis as Canon Daniel Clement, a role that sees him as the rector of the fictional village of Champton. Lewis, known for his portrayal of Neville Longbottom, brings a compelling depth to Daniel, a priest who finds himself at the heart of a murder investigation. He shares the Champtom rectory with his formidable, yet endearing, widowed mother, Audrey, played by the distinguished Amanda Redman (New Tricks).
The cast is a veritable who’s who of British talent, bringing the quirky and secretive residents of Champton to life:
- Matthew Lewis as Canon Daniel Clement
- Amanda Redman as Audrey, Daniel’s mother
- Amit Shah (Happy Valley) as DS Neil Vanloo
- Adam James (Vigil) as Bernard de Floures
- Meghan Treadway (One Day) as Honor de Floures
- Alexander Delamain as Alex de Floures
- Marion Bailey (The Crown) as Kath
- Amanda Hadingue (Kaos) as Dora
- Tamzin Outhwaite (EastEnders) as Stella Harper
- Francis Magee (Kin) as Edgy, the gamekeeper
- Nina Toussaint-White (Showtrial) as Jane Thwaite
The Plot Thickens: A Tale of Toilets, Treachery, and Two Dachshunds
The series, set in the charming English village of Champton St Mary in 1988, kicks off with a seemingly innocuous proposal: Canon Daniel Clement’s plan to install a lavatory in the church. This seemingly minor domestic issue quickly ignites a firestorm, dividing the parish and unearthing long-buried secrets that threaten to shatter the village’s peaceful facade.
Of course, the drama escalates far beyond ecclesiastical plumbing. A gruesome murder occurs at the back of the church, the victim brutally stabbed in the neck with secateurs. As police move in and more bodies begin to pile up, Daniel finds himself in the unenviable position of trying to hold his fractured community together while simultaneously attempting to unmask a killer. Adding a delightful touch of autobiographical warmth, Daniel shares his home with two adorable dachshunds, mirroring Reverend Richard Coles’ own affection for the breed.
For those unfamiliar, “evensong” is a traditional church service of singing, readings, and prayers, typically held in the evening, offering a time for reflection and contemplation—a poignant backdrop for the unfolding mysteries.
A Critical and Fan Favorite: Why Viewers Are Hooked
The show’s debut has been met with widespread enthusiasm from viewers. Early social media reactions, as reported by The Mirror, show audiences “loving” the new crime drama. Many praised its “nice and cosy” feel, alongside its “good characters.”
Comments from viewers online highlighted its familiar yet fresh appeal. One fan noted, “bit of a midsomer feel about it but almost quintessentially english . . . . which is nice!” Another enthusiastically declared it “definitely a crossover between Grantchester and Agatha Christie.” These comparisons underscore the series’ ability to blend classic British crime tropes with a unique, charming sensibility.
Even lead actor Matthew Lewis expressed his admiration for the series, telling reporters he was “surprised by how much of the series I’m not in” when watching it back. He showered praise on the “calibre of actors” in the supporting and guest roles, emphasizing how watching their scenes was “a real treat.”
Episode Guide & Where to Watch
The first season of Murder Before Evensong consists of six hour-long episodes. New episodes are released weekly on Acorn TV, providing a consistent dose of mystery for subscribers. The series also airs on Channel 5, making it accessible to a broader audience. Viewers can subscribe to Acorn TV for on-demand access or watch free on Channel 5 and My5. The series began filming in the West Midlands and premiered in 2025.
As the season progresses, Canon Daniel Clement finds himself deeper in the tangled web of Champton’s secrets. In a recent episode, Clement suspected a chilling connection between two killings, believing Anthony’s and Ned’s murders were tied to wartime secrets. However, DS Vanloo disagreed, focusing his investigation elsewhere. This led to Clement’s behavior concerning Bernard and the bishop, raising worries for Audrey, as detailed by Parade on October 19, 2025.
The Future of Canon Clement?
While the first season is reaching its halfway mark, fans are already eager for news of a second season. Given the success of Reverend Richard Coles’ book series, there’s ample source material for further adaptations. The distinctive blend of clever plotting, memorable characters, and quintessentially English charm positions Murder Before Evensong as a potential long-running favorite in the cosy crime genre. Fans and critics alike are hopeful that Canon Clement will continue to unravel mysteries within and beyond the parish of Champton.
For more official information and to stream the series, visit the Acorn TV website.
