‘Mesmerising’ detective drama Inspector Ricciardi is a must-watch for Agatha Christie fans

Looking for your next gripping detective drama? Inspector Ricciardi needs to be on your radar.

Based on the bestselling novels by Maurizio de Giovanni, this stylish Italian series follows a talented yet tortured detective with a haunting secret: he can see the ghosts of violent crime victims.

If, like me, you’re a sucker for dark, atmospheric detective shows featuring Agatha Christie-style whodunnits, then look no further. Inspector Ricciardi shares the 1930s elegance and complex mysteries of Poirot, but with a dark, supernatural twist. 

The series is available to stream on Channel 4 via its offshoot streaming service Walter Presents. Ahead of season three’s arrival on 22 May, find out more below…

What is Inspector Ricciardi about?

Set in 1930s Naples, the series follows Inspector Ricciardi, a detective cursed with the ability to see the ghosts of murder victims. While this supernatural gift helps him solve complex crimes, it also brings a profound unhappiness that prevents him from opening his heart to love.

Season three, which comes to Channel 4 on 22 May, follows the titular detective as he investigates a series of murders linked to a single killer.

The synopsis continues: “As he becomes engaged to Enrica, he hides his curse from her while Maione is still haunted by his son’s death, Modo faces the child of a murdered prostitute, and Fascist pressure tightens around those closest to Ricciardi.”

Who stars in Inspector Ricciardi? 

Lino Guanciale leads the cast as Luigi Alfredo Ricciardi.

© Fabrizio Di Giulio

He’s joined by Antonio Milo as Raffaele Maione, Enrico Ianniello as Bruno Modo, Serena Iansiti as Livia Lucani, Maria Vera Ratti as Enrica Colombo, Mario Pirrello as Angelo Garzo, Peppe Servillo as Don Pierino Fava and Marco Palvetti as Falco, among others. 

What have viewers said about the show? 

Viewers have hailed the show as “brilliant” and “fascinating”. 

One viewer binge-watched both seasons, writing on social media: “I just finished this beautiful, brilliant Italian period drama Inspector Ricciardi, I love it,” while another said they were “hooked” on the show. 

© Fabrizio Di Giulio

A third viewer penned: “I was binge watching the 2nd season of Inspector Ricciardi last night and I was absolutely mesmerised and moved by the sheer beauty of this production. Exquisite locations, joy, tragedy and love.”

Seasons one and two of Inspector Ricciardi are available to stream on Channel 4 now. Season three arrives on 22 May.