THE PUZZLE LADY UNRAVELS MURDER: PHYLLIS LOGAN’S BRILLIANT NEW SLEUTH Crosswords meet crime in PBS Masterpiece’s cleverest cozy mystery yet—where clues hide in plain sight and secrets threaten to spell disaster.

By Arts & Entertainment Desk London/New York, March 2026 – In the quaint market town of Bakerbury, a fresh corpse arrives with a cryptic crossword pinned to it, baffling local police and summoning an unlikely detective: Cora Felton, the nation’s beloved “Puzzle Lady.” Portrayed with razor-sharp wit and unapologetic flair by Phyllis Logan (Downton Abbey‘s steadfast Mrs. Hughes), Cora is a crossword setter whose puzzle-solving fame catapults her into murder investigations she never asked for—but can’t resist.

bostonherald.com

Phyllis Logan crafts a stellar new sleuth in ‘The Puzzle Lady’

Adapted from Parnell Hall’s best-selling Puzzle Lady novels, the six-part series—known as Murder Most Puzzling in the UK on Channel 5 and The Puzzle Lady on PBS Masterpiece in the US—premiered in early 2026 to enthusiastic reviews. Logan shines as Cora, an eccentric, no-nonsense woman who drinks, swears, and charges headfirst into danger with a “shoot first, ask questions never” attitude. Far from the prim and proper roles Logan is known for, Cora is brash, unpredictable, and hiding a dangerous secret that could unravel her carefully constructed life.

Living in a charming home with her niece Sherry Carter, played by Charlotte Hope (The Spanish Princess), Cora reluctantly teams up with DCI Derek Hooper (Adam Best) when Bakerbury’s first major murder leaves authorities stumped. A young woman’s body bears a crossword clue, forcing the police to turn to the newcomer whose cryptic expertise might crack the case. As Cora dives in, she clashes with suspects, uncovers town secrets, and pushes Sherry into the chaos—often to her niece’s exasperation.

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The Puzzle Lady – PBS KVIE

The series masterfully blends cozy mystery tropes with sharp humor and genuine tension. Episodes explore everything from a graveyard killer on the loose to Cora’s birthday turning deadly when she’s hired to revisit an old conviction. In one standout installment, a rock star’s visit sparks mayhem, while Cora encounters a mysterious suitor. The show subverts expectations: Cora isn’t a genteel Miss Marple type but a bold force who outwits murderers, con artists, and corrupt officials alike. Logan’s performance has been hailed as career-redefining, earning praise for bringing charisma, humor, and depth to the role.

kvie.org

The Puzzle Lady – PBS KVIE

Supporting cast adds richness: Simon Haines as Rod Reed, Alistair Brammer as Anton Grant, and others who flesh out Bakerbury’s deceptively sleepy community. Filmed with picturesque English countryside backdrops—rolling hills, historic churches, and cozy kitchens—the visuals contrast sharply with the dark undercurrents of murder and deception.

In the US, episodes stream on PBS platforms and PBS Passport, allowing viewers to binge early. The transatlantic title shift reflects regional branding, but the core remains: puzzle-solving as a weapon against crime. Cora’s niece Sherry often finds herself at the center of the storm, balancing concern for her aunt with reluctant involvement in the sleuthing.

Critics call it a fresh take on the genre—less charming than some contemporaries but packed with clever twists and Logan’s commanding presence. As one review noted, Cora is “Miss Marple on steroids,” unafraid to be politically incorrect yet utterly believable. With secrets mounting and stakes rising, the series builds to a finale where Cora faces her deadliest case yet—saving others might cost her everything.

radiotimes.com

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For fans of Midsomer Murders, Ludwig, or classic whodunits with a modern edge, The Puzzle Lady delivers brain-teasing entertainment. Tune in Sundays on PBS Masterpiece or stream now—the clues are waiting, and so is the next twist.