Murder Before Evensong DVD Review

4 star easy paced ecclesiastical murder mystery.

Murder Before Evensong is a 2025 British Crime/mystery drama series, based on the popular novel of the same name written by The Reverend Richard Coles, formerly of eighties pop bands Bronski Beat and The Communards and directed by David Moore (Indian Summers, Fool Me Once).

An Acorn TV original, it is available to own in the UK on DVD from 17th November 2025, courtesy of Acorn Media International.

“You can’t just use their name, it’s far too familiar. You have to be invited, that’s how it’s done. Rank and title darling, these things matter.”

It’s 1988 and Canon Daniel Clement (Matthew Lewis – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Me Before You) is pastor of the small village of Champton. His widowed and opinionated mother Audrey (Amanda Redman – New Tricks, Sexy Beast) has recently moved in and has somewhat ruined his peace. He faces a sudden and unexpected split in the parish when he suggests putting in a toilet, a move which angers Stella (Tamzin Outhwaite – Eastenders (TV Series)), who would lose her flower room in the process.

The sleepy little village is thrown into further turmoil with the murder of Anthony Bowness (Adam Smethurst – Robin Hood (TV Series)), cousin of Lord de Floures (Adam James – Wiched: For Good) the local landowner. The murder takes place in the church, placing Daniel in the middle of the investigation being conducted by DS Neil Vanloo (Amit Shah – Paddington in Peru).

Together they start to question what seems to be an entire village full of suspects, with lead contenders including Edgy (Francis Magee – Sahara, Layer Cake) and his grandson Nathan (Sam Baker-Jones – DI Ray (TV Series)), as well as local reporter Ned Thwaite (Ben Batt – The Village (TV Series)).  He also still has his day to day duties, helping Kath (Marion Bailey – Mr Turner, Vera Drake), whose sister Dora (Amanda Hadingue – The Queen) has just been diagnosed with cancer. He is also dealing with negative feedback from the Bishop for his interactions with HIV sufferers. Can he overcome his issues and get to the bottom of this heinous crime?

“Mixing with people like that, it’s upsetting the congregation”

Murder Before Evensong is a cracking watch, great storyline and with excellent acting from all concerned. Set in 1988, it has a belting soundtrack of eighties bangers which set the scene brilliantly, as well as adding to the nostalgia.

The Reverend Richard Coles has excelled himself with this story, telling us with passion about topics close to his heart, the HIV crisis of the eighties and the constant battle with the church, without ever seeming to be preachy.

With a plot so thick you could stand a spoon up in it, this constantly surprising and evolving series will keep you guessing right the very end. A excellent watch and well worth adding to your collection, it’s just a shame they didn’t bring it out on Blu-ray.

“Anthony Bowness was a pain, on and on about his bloody Champton at war stuff. He was always here, wanting to go through the archive.”

Murder Before Evensong is available now on DVD.