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'Beautifully brutal' BBC crime drama 'better than Happy Valley'

The crime drama sector feels oversaturated, which makes finding a series that genuinely stands out from the pack increasingly difficult

[Killian Scott in Dublin Murders]

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The British-Irish police drama has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike(Image: BBC/Euston Films/Starz/Jonathan Hession)

The crime drama genre appears saturated, making it progressively harder to discover a programme that truly distinguishes itself from the rest.

It's thrilling, therefore, when audiences discover hidden gems that exceed every expectation - and this undervalued British-Irish police procedural does precisely that.

Developed by Sarah Phelps, Dublin Murders is a detective drama based on two novels - In the Woods (2007) and The Likeness (2008) - by author Tana French, both part of her Dublin Murder Squad literary series.

Fans of British crime dramas such as Line of Duty and Broadchurch will particularly appreciate this programme, whose narrative twists and jaw-dropping revelations create thoroughly compelling viewing.

Led by Killian Scott and Sarah Greene as Detectives Rob Reilly and Cassie Maddox, the leads are supported by Michael D'Arcy, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, Eugene O'Hare, Moe Dunford, Ellie O'Halloran, Niall Jordan, and Ian Kenny in an impressive ensemble.

[Killian Scott and Sarah Greene in Dublin Murders]

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The gripping show stars Killian Scott and Sarah Greene in the lead(Image: BBC/Euston Films/Starz/Steffan Hill)

The eight-part crime drama was originally commissioned by the BBC for BBC One and Starz, with Irish national broadcaster RT subsequently joining as a production partner.

The programme's official synopsis reads: "Detectives Rob Reilly and Cassie Maddox find themselves dispatched to investigate the murder of a young girl on the outskirts of Dublin, Ireland.

Based on the books "In the Woods" and "The Likeness" by American-Irish writer Tana French, this psychological thriller features a cast of mostly Irish actors, including Killian Scott and Sarah Greene as the leads.

"The series follows the detectives, who put their friendship to the test, as they are pulled deeper into the intrigue and darkness that surrounds the case."

Available to stream free on BBC iPlayer and through a Netflix subscription, the series has garnered praise from both critics and viewers.

[Killian Scott and Sarah Greene in Dublin Murders]

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Viewers are blown away by how good the show is(Image: BBC/Euston Films/Starz/Steffan Hill)

One critic said: "Some crime series captivate because the mystery itself is so maddeningly mysterious, while the lure of others is largely the frisson between the leading detectives. This Irish drama of tragedy and intrigue has both in spades."

Another added: "Don't let the dull title fool you; this is an excellent, unique crime story; a treat whether you're a fan of the source material or not."

A third critic wrote: "Dublin Murders is gripping, wonderfully atmospheric stuff that throws up mysteries galore."

While one reviewer believed the police drama surpassed several comparable offerings: "Murders are bad everywhere. Dublin Murders, though, the new BBC crime drama by Sarah Phelps? Very good. In fact, better than many crime dramas."

Viewers were equally impressed, with one saying: "I really dug the absolute hell out of this, def a beautifully brutal mini series, and the actors we're perfect, the young actress who played Adalyn was completely convincing and scary af, you ever see a movie with little demon kids that weird you the F out well if you haven't watch this,i loved it."

One IMDB reviewer of the British-Irish police drama said: "A MIND TWISTING PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER. I just finished binge watching this. It starts off slow as the story unravels its characters. It seems like a pretty simple whodunnit, but its not.

"The characters are flawed and have dark pasts which interweave beautifully with the main plot and just when you think you have it all worked out.... another bread crumb appears and like Hansel and Gretel you cant help yourself... You follow. I wont give anything away, but i hope they do a season 2... Special appearance by one of my favourite Game of Thrones characters and the acting is superb".

Meanwhile, another IMDB reviewer noted: "Dublin Murders is very clever writing indeed, in fact, I haven't seen anything quite like it."

One audience member added: "Absolutely brilliant. This gets you hooked from the first episode. I just wish it was released as a whole as I hate waiting for each episode."

Another viewer said: "One of the best shows on tv in a long time. Brilliant cast. Killian Scott has been in a few shows I've seen and he is fantastic in this as well. Hope there's more than one season."

A Rotten Tomatoes audience review wrote: "I think this is an excellent show! I'm so tired of American shows! The casting is marvelous; this is not the same old thing. Very true to the novels, and very good! I am reading every Tana French novel I can get my hands on. Love it!".

Dublin Murders is on BBC iPlayer and Netflix now.

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