BBC’s ‘mind-twisting’ detective drama based on acclaimed novels is your next Netflix binge-watch

If you want to save some time scrolling through Netflix for your next crime drama binge this week, then we’ve got you covered. The gritty psychological thriller, Dublin Murders, which first aired on the BBC in 2019, has now arrived on the streaming service.

Based on crime novelist Tana French’s internationally bestselling Dublin Murder Squad books, the series follows Dublin detectives Rob Reilly and Cassie Maddox as they investigate a child’s murder. 

This moody, psychological thriller has been hailed for its dark, gripping plot and excellent cast performances from leading stars Killian Scott (Kaos) and Sarah Greene (Bad Sisters), who play Detective Rob Reilly and Detective Cassie Maddox, respectively.

The eight-parter is penned by prolific screenwriter Sarah Phelps, who’s known for her work on the BAFTA-winning drama The Sixth Commandment, as well as for adapting various Agatha Christie novels, including the BBC’s versions of The Witness for the Prosecution, And Then There Were None and Ordeal by Innocence.

What to expect from the plot 

When a 13-year-old girl is found dead in the woods, detectives Rob Reilly and Cassie Maddox are called upon to investigate the case. 

The series, set during the height of the Celtic Tiger financial boom of the millennium, blends the first two novels of French’s book series, In the Woods and The Likeness, and follows the two detectives as they delve into two murder cases. 

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The synopsis continues: “The victims – a young talented ballerina who is found dead on an ancient stone altar; and a vivacious free-spirited woman, who is found stabbed in a roofless famine cottage – are seemingly unrelated, but as we will discover, are actually knitted together by powerful shared themes – the macabre ‘red in tooth and claw’ elements of both stories, and their heart-thumping psychological thriller qualities.”

What’s the verdict from viewers and TV critics? 

The series, which holds a respectable Rotten Tomatoes rating of 79 per cent, has been hailed as “mind-twisting” and “gripping” by viewers, who said they were “hooked” from the first episode. 

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One viewer praised the show as “absolutely brilliant,” adding: “This gets you hooked from the first episode. One of the best shows on TV in a long time. Brilliant cast,” while another penned: “Finally had the time to finish watching #DublinMurders, had me right till the end & I didn’t guess #Whodunit, a very rare thing. Such an excellent cast.”

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Meanwhile, The Guardian handed out three stars, describing the show as a “a breathless whodunnit with more dread by the minute,” while The Independent said the drama “succeeds in keeping you guessing” in its four-star review. 

Dublin Murders is available to stream on Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

Other brilliant crime dramas to binge-watch on Netflix

• His & Hers – This gripping drama follows married couple, Anna Andrews (Tessa Thompson) and Jack Harper (Jon Bernthal), who are both connected to a shocking murder. One is a detective and the other a journalist – and both parties think their spouse is the prime suspect. 

© Courtesy of Netflix © 2025

• See No Evil: The Moors Murders – ITV’s chilling 2006 drama tells the story of the Moors Murders, which were committed by infamous serial killers Myra Hindley and Ian Brady between 1963 and 1965. Maxine Peake and Sean Harris star.

• How to Get to Heaven From Belfast – For something a little lighter, check out this crime caper from Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee. It follows three longtime friends who reunite after the mysterious death of an estranged classmate and embark on a chaotic quest to solve the mystery.

• Dept. Q – This gritty detective drama stars Downton Abbey‘s Matthew Goode as the talented but tortured detective DCI Carl Morck, as he heads up a new cold case unit for the Edinburgh police.

© Justin Downing/Netflix

New dramas and thrillers coming to Netflix soon

• Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole – This Norwegian crime drama is based on author Jo Nesbø’s global bestselling book series about iconic police detective Harry Hole. In this serial killer mystery, anti-hero Harry Hole goes up against his long-time adversary and corrupt cop, Tom Waaler. On Netflix from 26 March.

• Unchosen – This creepy cult thriller follows Rosie, a devoted wife and mother and member of a fictional Christian sect, who begins to question her position in the cult after a fateful encounter with escaped convict Sam. Netflix has yet to reveal a release date for this one, so stay tuned!