Murder, She Wrote reviewed

Murder, She Wrote is one of the most beloved and long-standing TV shows in history. The series aired on CBS from 1984 to 1996 and followed the adventures of Jessica Fletcher, a mystery writer played by Angela Lansbury. Jessica is a high school English teacher, writer, and amateur sleuth who solves murders in Cabot Cove, Maine, and beyond.

The show’s popularity spawned numerous adaptations, including novelizations, a board game, and a spin-off series. So, what is so special about Murder, She Wrote, and why is it seen as a cult classic?

TV show review

The TV show, Murder, She Wrote is a classic murder mystery series about Jessica’s crime-solving prowess. Each episode usually begins with a murder, and Jessica takes it upon herself to solve the crime. The show takes place in the picturesque town and murder capital of Cabot Cove, Maine, where Jessica lives.

Despite being a small town, Cabot Cove seems to be a magnet for murder, and Jessica is always there to solve the crime. In addition to Cabot Cove, Jessica also solves a number of mysteries in San Francisco and New York City.

One aspect that makes this television series special is the characterization of Jessica Fletcher. She is a witty, intelligent, charming protagonist and a successful mystery writer. Legendary female mystery writers such as Agatha Christie have undoubtedly played a part in inspiring Jessica’s character.

The show’s ensemble cast is notable, including Tom Bosley as Sheriff Amos Tupper, Ron Masak as Sheriff Mort Metzger, Keith Michell as Dennis Stanton, and William Windom as Dr. Seth Hazlitt.

The TV series’ popularity is partly due to its enduring appeal. Despite its age, it consistently attracts new fans and favorable reviews, currently holding a decent score of 7.1/10 on IMDb. Murder, She Wrote is a timeless classic that people of all ages can enjoy.

It also stands out for its unique approach to storytelling. Unlike many popular mystery shows, where the main character is a professional detective or police officer, Jessica Fletcher is an amateur sleuth. She just happens to be a mystery writer, and her perspective on crime-solving is unique and refreshing.

Along with playing Jessica Fletcher, Angela Lansbury also had a strong presence in the theater. She held leading roles in notable Broadway stage productions such as Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, The King and I, and in the Disney film Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Despite receiving several Emmy nominations, Lansbury did not win an Emmy for her role as Jessica Fletcher.

Fun fact: The show’s title is a reference to the Miss Marple mystery Murder She Said (1961), based on a novel by Agatha Christie. It’s also said Jessica Fletcher is inspired by Christie’s creation Jane Marple.

A selection of the best episodes

Let’s take a look at some noteworthy and outstanding episodes of the Murder, She Wrote TV series. Wondering where to watch Murder, She Wrote? The series is currently available on Freevee or Peacock TV.

Murder Takes the Bus

Jessica boards a bus to Boston for a convention, but a storm forces the passengers to seek shelter in a diner where a fellow passenger is found dead. The episode’s setting in a confined diner creates an exciting atmosphere, similar to classic murder mysteries like Rear Window.

Nan’s Ghost

One of Jessica Fletcher’s most unforgettable overseas adventures is the two-part episode ‘Nan’s Ghost’ from season 12. In this episode, Jessica is not only tasked with solving a murder in a foreign country but also finds herself trapped in a dungeon and must use her wit to escape.

This international mystery showcases Jessica in perilous situations, making it one of the series’ most exciting episodes.

Who Killed J.B. Fletcher?

Marge Allen gets arrested for breaking and entering while pretending to be Jessica. To clear her name, Jessica travels to Bremerton, Texas, where she discovers a fan club of women who impersonate her to solve crimes. When the initial imposter is murdered, Jessica solves the case with her fan club. The episode is full of great twists and turns, and having Jessica work with a team of fans makes it a unique and exciting adventure.

The Witch’s Curse

A new woman in Cabot Cove buys the town’s haunted house, causing rumors of her being a witch. When an actor in a local play is murdered, and the woman becomes a suspect, Jessica investigates while uncovering the woman’s mysterious past.

Tinker, Tailor, Liar, Thief

Daisy was probably aware Nigel wouldn’t return, as she left town, put his cat in a kennel, and killed him. However, no evidence indicates that she knew the parties involved who wanted Nigel to stay alive. Moreover, there is no story to suggest that she was present at the hotel when Nigel was killed. Since there were no witnesses who saw her at the crime scene, it would be challenging to prove that she murdered him.

Novelizations

Apart from the TV series, there are numerous novelizations based on Murder, She Wrote written by different authors.

Some of the most popular novelizations include:

• Murder, She Wrote: Gin and Daggers by Donald Bain
• Murder, She Wrote: The Murder of Sherlock Holmes; Hooray for Homicide; Lovers and Other Killers by James Anderson
• Murder, She Wrote: Debonair in Death by Terrie Farley Moran
• Murder in Two Acts by David Deutsch

Several of the books expand on the stories from the show’s episodes. The novels have a loyal following and are a great way to enjoy the show’s mysteries in a new format. Check out the following novels on Speechify Audiobooks for just a taste of the series:

• Murder, She Wrote: A Time
• Murder, She Wrote: A Date with Murder
• Murder, She Wrote: The Murder of Twelve
• Murder, She Wrote: Manuscript for Murder
• Murder, She Wrote: Murder in Red
• Murder, She Wrote: Murder In Season
• Murder, She Wrote: Killer on the Court
• Murder, She Wrote: Killing in a Koi Pond

Listen to Murder, She Wrote audiobooks on Speechify

Speechify is a fantastic audiobook service with an extensive library of titles, including the beloved Murder, She Wrote series. With Speechify, users can listen to their favorite books anytime and anywhere, from the comfort of their homes or while on the go. Speechify works with different devices, from smartphones to desktops.

The platform’s intuitive interface and user-friendly features make navigating, searching for titles, and customizing listening preferences easy. If you’re looking for a great way to immerse yourself in the world of mystery novels, Speechify Audiobooks is worth a try.

FAQ

Why did Murder, She Wrote get Cancelled?

Murder, She Wrote ended primarily because of declining ratings and high production costs. Additionally, CBS wanted to appeal to younger audiences and moved Murder, She Wrote to a less favorable time slot before canceling it.

Why was season 6 of Murder, She Wrote so different?

Season 6 of Murder, She Wrote was different because Lansbury requested a reduced workload, leading to fewer filmed episodes.

Is Murder, She Wrote streaming anywhere?

Murder, She Wrote is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Freevee, Frndly TV, Philo on Roku devices, and Peacock TV.

Why did Angela Lansbury not want to do a 13th season of Murder, She Wrote?

Angela Lansbury reportedly did not want to do a 13th season of Murder, She Wrote because of the grueling filming schedule and the toll it took on her personal life.

What is the name of the woman who played Angela Lansbury’s daughter in Murder, She Wrote?

The name of the actress who played Jessica Fletcher’s daughter in Murder, She Wrote was Deidre Angela Shaw.