Latest news with #whodunnit
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Inside the filming locations behind season 2 of ITV crime drama Karen Pirie
MURDER-MYSTERY favourite Karen Pirie is back for season two as another unsolved murder case is unearthed. The whodunnit is set and filmed in Scotland, with its incredible scenes of breathtaking coastal lines and historic villages lending the series an eerie quality. 2 What is Karen Pirie about? The gritty cop drama is produced by Line of Duty bosses and follows Detective Inspector Karen Pirie, freshly promoted after the events of series one. Based on crime writer Val McDermid 's novels, the new series is adapted from the Scottish novelist's 2008 page-turner, A Darker Domain. In the second season, Karen is put in charge of an infamous cold case from the 80s that has gained fresh scrutiny from senior police, the media, and the victim's relatives. In 1984, Catriona Grant, the daughter of a wealthy local oil tycoon, was abducted, along with her infant son. The ransom notes that followed stirred up a huge press storm, but the culprits were never traced and neither Catriona nor her son were seen again. But when, in the present day, a body is found with an undeniable link to the historic crime, Karen and her team must discover the truth under intense personal and professional pressure. Here's a list of where some scenes were filmed: The kidnapping scene – Kinghorn, Fife Karen Pirie opens with the dramatic kidnapping scene that the series revolves around. 2 Oil tycoon heiress Catriona and her infant son Adam meet up with close friend Bonnie. They grab fish and chips, before taking in the views of the coast from Kinghorn station. But when they all bid farewell, Catriona and Adam are bundled into a car and abducted. These scenes were filmed on the streets of Kinghorn, a coastal town in Fife, with additional footage captured in the nearby town of Inverkeithing. The hostages scene – the Luss Estate in Loch Lochmond This location is featured across both timelines, with viewers first seeing Karen investigate the remote cottage where Catriona and Adam were held, before later flashback scenes showing Catriona and her abductors in a fierce showdown. The Highland estate on the banks of Loch Lochmond has previously featured in Black Mirror and Netflix's The Outlaw King. How to survive TRNSMT 2025 The romantic scene – The Citizen in Glasgow In the present day, Karen has her own struggles to deal with outside of the murder case. She's grappling with her relationship with police colleague Phil, as the pair struggle to keep work and romance separate. In the opening episode, the pair head to Glasgow's The Citizen bar and restaurant for a date. The police station scenes – Glenrothes police station When she's not travelling across Scotland to investigate the crime, Karen can be found in the police station, regrouping with her colleagues on the case. The police station scenes were filmed at the real Glenrothes police Station in Fife. The fateful scene – Glasgow's Barrowland Ballroom Legendary music venue the Barrowland also features in season 2. In one of the flashback scenes, we see pals Catriona and Bonnie head out to a nightclub to blow off some steam, where the former meets a shady character who becomes pivotal to her abduction plot. Iconic music venue Barrowland set for major overhaul THE Barrowlands is set for a major upgrade of its iconic neon illuminated facade. The music venue in Glasgow's east end is one of the most iconic in the UK, featuring legendary performancs from Scottish acts such as Primal Scream, Teenage Fanclub, Big Country and Simple Minds. The firm that owns the premises as well as the Barras Marketplace, Margaret McIver Ltd, has lodged plans with the city council to upgrade the front of the building. The proposals include adding two LED displays above the Gallowgate entrance, as reported by the BBC. The renowned neon signage was originally installed in 1982. The Barrowland Ballroom was first opened as a dance hall by Maggie McIver on December 24, 1934. Other world-famous musicians who have played to audiences over the decades include Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Oasis, and U2. The showdown scene – Caiplie Caves, Anstruther The Caiplie Caves are used as a filming location for dramatic scenes as the series reaches its climax. In the present day, Karen and her colleagues inspect the caves, and find a vital clue to solving the mystery. In the past, there's a tense showdown between Catriona's abductors and her family members. The investigation scenes – Malta As the investigation comes to a head and secrets from 40 years ago are uncovered, Karen and her team head to Malta to pursue a suspect. Filming took place in Malta's capital, Valletta, with its historic 16th-century buildings and coastal views giving an idyllic contrast to the harrowing murder case. Who is in the Karen Pirie cast? Lauren Lyle returns as Detective Inspector Karen Pirie. It's been a busy year for the actress having also appeared in Toxic Town and The Bombing of Pan Am 103. Chris Jenks (Sex Education) stars as DC Jason 'Mint' Murray, with Zach Wyatt (The Witcher: Blood Origin) as Karen's boyfriend and colleague, DS Phil Parhatka. James Cosmo (Braveheart) plays oil tycoon Sir Broderick Grant, while Julia Brown (The Last Kingdom) is victim Catriona Grant, daughter of Sir Broderick. When is Karen Pirie season 2 released? The second series of Karen Pirie started at 8pm on ITV on Sunday, July 20. There are three episodes in the series, with the remaining two airing on Sunday, July 27 and Sunday, August 3. All episodes are available to stream on ITVX.
Khaleej Times
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Netflix's latest 'Knives Out' film to open London Film Festival
Netflix's latest Knives Out movie starring Daniel Craig and a host of other Hollywood talent will launch this year's London Film Festival (LFF), organisers said. The third instalment in the streaming giant's whodunnit series — Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery — will open the UK capital's 69th annual film and television showcase on October 8. Director Rian Johnson's film will then stream on Netflix from December 12, with the date of a separate world premiere yet to be announced. It features an all-star cast alongside former 007 Craig, who returns to the role of famed private detective Benoit Blanc. That includes Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington and Andrew Scott. "We're honoured to be opening the BFI London Film Festival," Johnson, whose credits include 2017's Star Wars: The Last Jedi, said in a statement. "London is the birthplace of the golden age of detective fiction and it's a thrill to be back!" His last Knives Out movie, Glass Onion, closed the 2022 film festival in the British capital. That followed the original 2019 film in the emerging franchise, which was loosely inspired by Agatha Christie's novels. The 2022 sequel was the first Netflix film to play in major US theatre chains for a one-week run, as the streamer began experimenting with new revenue sources. It has also made increasing inroads at festivals like the annual London showcase. "The film features incredible British and international talent on and off screen who bring a sense of play and verve to the screen," festival director Kristy Matheson said. She added it "twists, turns and will keep audiences guessing to the final frame". The LFF will be held October 8-19, with the full festival programme revealed September 3.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Murder mystery play which will have audiences gripped takes to the stage tonight
A murder mystery play will take to the stage tonight - leaving the audience guessing throughout. 'The Proof of the Poison' by Falkland L. Cary and Philip Weathers will be acted out by the talented members of St Vincent's Dramatics Society. And audiences can be sure of a well-plotted whodunnit. But what's it about? The play starts with the unexpected death of James, the head of the Sanderson family. His death may be very convenient for some, but is it suspicious? READ MORE: Debut for St Vincents director First time at St Vincent's for director Bolton Amateur Theatre Societies stages it annual dinner and award evening No-one in the house has suspected that anything is amiss until the doctor refuses to sign the death certificate. which comes as a shock - except for the murderer. (Image: Ian Charters) And the question is, have they been clever enough to get away with it? That's what Tricia Shorten thought when she was looking for the society's next play. Tricia, winner of the local district's National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) Shining Star award for her recent directorial endeavours, said: "It's not always easy to find the right one. However, Bolton Amateur Theatre Societies (BATS) have encouraged their member societies to share details of the scripts they have, full sets or just a single copy. "This was such a good starting point - we were considering performing a murder mystery this time, so even just looking at play titles gave me a few to consider. "Looking online at the licence holders' websites then gave me the basics – the roles and an overview of the play. I was then able to get copies of a few different scripts to read from the local societies, and this one just felt right for us.' 'We are not a large society, so choosing a play with a larger number of roles can be a bit daunting. However, it has allowed us bring in new actors to the society as well as giving acting opportunities to our own actors. There will be both familiar and new faces on-stage for our audience to enjoy. " (Image: Ian Charters) She added: "We all work so hard to ensure the play is a success, both back-stage and on-stage, but it has to be fun too. "We're all volunteers, looking to enjoy ourselves, right the way through from the initial design stages, all the rehearsals and during the week of the play.' "Our award nominations mean so much to us as well, such an encouragement. And it's not just the lead roles that are recognised either. So often it's the supporting roles that add that bit of sparkle to a production, like Keith Hindley's NODA award-winning role in our recent play 'The Late Mrs Early' - by Norman Robbins." (Image: Ian Charters) The play is set in the 1950's, in the lounge of a country house, with an array of characters all apparently suspected of the murder - the fussily self-important brother Hector Sanderson, the eldest step-daughter Kate Wilson, her boyfriend Robert Boyd - employee at the Sanderson's company - and the younger step-daughter Nina Cooper. Then there's Helen Traynor, the reserved personal secretary, Mary the somewhat brusque housekeeper, not to forget laconic and always observant Aunt Agatha. Family solicitor Mr Luce is soon on the scene, with surprise developments in the will and secrets being revealed. Detective Inspector Harvis continues with the investigation, exposing a number of lies, and finding the poison in dramatic and shocking circumstances. But is it proof enough… and has the culprit been found? The play is on for three nights and some tickets are still available - check Ticketsource, and the society's website Performances are from tonight to Friday, July 4 2025, starting at 7:30pm in the Parish Hall, Rutherford Drive, Over Hulton, Bolton BL5 1DJ. To find out about other productions in the local area, look online at or at and details are also on Facebook too.
Daily Mail
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
ROLAND WHITE reviews last night's TV: It's split opinion, but this delightful whodunnit deserves a second series
Death Valley (BBC1) The final episode of the first series of Death Valley opened at a school reunion. 'It's so hard juggling the aromatherapy with being a mumfluencer,' moaned Rhiannon Hopkins to her former classmate. I can't have been the only viewer hoping Rhiannon would come to a sticky end. Perhaps not ending up as the actual corpse, but definitely getting locked away for a very long time. Mumfluencer indeed. Just the word should carry a five-year term. In the end, it was a mechanic called Dean who was battered to death in the boiler room with a spanner, which at least was another Cluedo weapon ticked off for pathologist Helen Baxter. 'God,' she sighed. 'I'd love a lead pipe killing — that's the hard one.' Death Valley has divided opinion. To call it quirky would be an understatement. Interviewing Dean's wife, DS Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) complained: 'It's quite hard to get what you're saying — maybe you could try speaking between sobs.' If you take your whodunnits very seriously, this is not for you. It's basically a delightfully gentle comedy with a bit of violent death thrown in. But it's cleverly written, with plenty of well-judged sad bits as contrast. And the characters have depth and back stories. The star turn is Timothy Spall. He plays retired actor John Chapel, who is best known for playing TV detective Charles Caesar. In the first episode, he helped Janie solve the murder of a property developer, and she's been his sidekick ever since. They bicker like an old married couple. If Chapel were 30 years younger, this would end in a romance that would probably be revealed in a tear-jerking Christmas special. As it is, one of the mysteries about widower Chapel is his love life. There is obviously somebody, but who? This was revealed right at the end. I won't ruin the surprise for catch-up viewers, but the result was more bickering between Chapel and Janie (named Jane, by the way, after Miss Marple and Mallowan after Agatha Christie's second husband). A lot of loose ends were tied up in last night's episode. Janie finally made it up with her boss, DCI Clarke, a worryguts whose main fear is that he's not up to the job. Played by Steffan Rhodri, he is just one of an excellent supporting cast. He told her that she's been promoted to inspector, and Chapel had been recruited as an official consultant. Oh, and the mysterious suicide of Janie's best friend, Sian, a constant theme through the series, was finally cleared up. You know what this means, don't you? The decks are now clear for a second series. Perhaps we might even get that Christmas special. Pathologist Helen might even get her perfect corpse — coshed by somebody called Colonel Mustard with a candlestick in the conservatory.
Daily Mail
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Phyllis Logan's puzzling whodunnit is like a spoof of Midsomer Murders, says RONALD WHITE
Murder Most Puzzling - Channel 5 About halfway through Murder Most Puzzling, actor Adam Best delivered what is surely the most whodunnit line ever: 'This is DI Hooper. A body has been found in the library.' Found? You'd have to be Chief Inspector Clouseau to have missed it. The bloodied corpse dropped from the balcony during amateur detective Cora Felton's birthday party — straight on top of the giant cake. But never mind the death, a bigger mystery was the party itself. Inspector Hooper's main job in this series is to look cross while telling Cora to mind her own business. Why would he organise her birthday party? And how do you slit a hard-bitten private investigator's throat and heave him over a balcony into a room full of police officers without anybody noticing? Murder Most Puzzling has been compared with the BBC 's hit Ludwig, mainly because Cora — like David Mitchell 's character — is a famous crossword compiler. But that's where the resemblance ends. Crosswords and logic are how Ludwig solves crimes, posing as his identical twin brother. There is also something darker lurking in the background, not to mention the suggestion that Ludwig fancies his sister-in-law. We only knew Phyllis Logan's Cora was a famous puzzler in this episode because everybody kept mentioning it. She could just as well be a celebrity chef. Her red specs were straight out of the Prue Leith eyewear range. This six-parter has none of the subtlety of Ludwig. Sometimes it was like watching a spoof episode of Midsomer Murders. There were some clever twists, but far too much seemed far too unlikely. It's a waste of Phyllis Logan, and at two hours, it's much too long (by contrast, the BBC's Death Valley is only 45 minutes). In last night's episode, Cora was hired to clear the name of a man in prison for killing his girlfriend. I don't want to give too much away, but the mayor of Bakerbury (Richard Croxford) could not have been a more obvious villain if he had a duelling scar, sported a twirly moustache, and stroked a white cat. Cora confronted him alone in his office, and it's a miracle she survived long enough to do this. Her preferred method of solving crimes seems to be meeting suspects in circumstances of obvious danger and asking if they've killed anybody recently. At least she had a gun when confronting one killer, who was caught in the act. Who knew crossword compilers were routinely armed? She also managed to force her way into the office of Mr Peacock, the rather limp governor of Bakerbury Prison and an early suspect, by bribing the guards with biscuits. Presumably, these guards were sacked following this outrageous security breach — and immediately recruited by RAF Brize Norton.
