Lesley Manville Returns as Susan Ryeland in Thrilling Third Instalment: Marble Hall Murders Commissioned by PBS and BBC
By TV Correspondent, January 7, 2026
PBS Masterpiece and the BBC have officially greenlit Marble Hall Murders, the highly anticipated third adaptation in Anthony Horowitz’s acclaimed Susan Ryeland mystery series. Following the critical and viewer success of Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders, this new chapter promises another intricate blend of literary intrigue, meta-fiction, and high-stakes danger, with Oscar nominee Lesley Manville reprising her role as the intrepid former editor-turned-sleuth Susan Ryeland.
The announcement, made late last week, has delighted fans of Horowitz’s clever story-within-a-story format, which seamlessly intertwines a classic Golden Age detective tale with a contemporary real-world murder investigation. Tim McMullan also returns as the suave fictional detective Atticus Pünd, whose cases continue to mirror—and influence—deadly events in Susan’s life.
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Lesley Manville, Tim McMullan Return For ‘Marble Hall Murders’
In Marble Hall Murders, Susan Ryeland, having sworn off the murderous entanglements that plagued her in previous adventures, returns to England and finds herself reluctantly pulled into yet another Atticus Pünd mystery. This time, the manuscript in question is Pünd’s Last Case, penned by a new, young author and set in an exotic villa on the sun-drenched island of Corfu in 1955.
The official BBC synopsis teases: “Returning to England, [Susan] is reluctantly drawn into a new Atticus Pünd mystery, this time written by a new, young writer. ‘Pünd’s Last Case’ is a story set in 1955, in an exotic villa in Corfu – but the identity of a real killer is hidden in the text, and once again Susan is going to find herself in grave danger.”
At the core of the nested narrative lies the murder of Miriam Crace, described as “the most famous children’s author in the world.” As Susan delves into the fictional clues scattered throughout Pünd’s investigation, she uncovers parallels to a modern-day killing, forcing her to navigate a treacherous path where fiction and reality dangerously collide. Horowitz’s signature puzzles—elegant, layered, and fiendishly clever—place Susan in increasing peril as she races to unmask a ruthless killer hiding in plain sight.
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Filming for the series will span stunning locations across Dublin, the idyllic Greek island of Corfu, and London, promising viewers breathtaking visuals alongside the suspense. The production retains its meta charm, with scenes alternating between the black-and-white elegance of Pünd’s 1950s world and the vibrant, perilous present.
So far, confirmed cast members are limited to the dynamic duo of Manville and McMullan, whose chemistry has been a highlight of the series. Manville, known for her nuanced performances in projects like The Crown and Phantom Thread, brings depth and determination to Susan, while McMullan’s portrayal of the cerebral, Poirot-esque Pünd has earned widespread praise. Additional casting announcements are expected soon, as the ensemble typically features a rich array of British talent.
Rebecca Gatward returns to direct, having helmed episodes in the previous instalments, with Suzanne McAuley back as producer. The adaptation is once again penned by Horowitz himself, ensuring fidelity to his bestselling novels while tailoring the story for the screen.
pbs.org
Get to Know the Cast of Magpie Murders | Masterpiece | Official …
Anthony Horowitz, the prolific creator behind hits like Alex Rider and Foyle’s War, continues to captivate with this series, which began as a loving homage to Agatha Christie and has evolved into a modern masterpiece of misdirection. “When fiction hides the truth, Susan Ryeland must read between the lines to survive,” teases the promotional tagline, encapsulating the high-wire tension that defines the franchise.
No premiere date has been set, but given the pattern of previous seasons airing on PBS Masterpiece and BBC One, fans can anticipate a 2026 or 2027 debut. With its richly layered suspense, literary puzzles, and elegant settings, Marble Hall Murders is poised to be another unmissable chapter in one of television’s smartest mystery series.
As production gears up, excitement is building among devotees who have followed Susan’s perilous journeys from the start. If the past is any indication, expect twists that will leave audiences guessing until the final page—or frame—is turned.
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