BBC Secures ‘Marble Hall Murders’: Lesley Manville and Tim McMullan Return for Final Susan Ryeland Mystery

By Victoria Langford, Arts & Television Reporter London, UK – February 23, 2026

The BBC has officially acquired Marble Hall Murders, the eagerly anticipated television adaptation of Anthony Horowitz’s third and concluding novel in his acclaimed Susan Ryeland series. Following the successes of Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders, this new installment will be produced by Eleventh Hour Films in association with Salt Films for PBS MASTERPIECE and the BBC. Anthony Horowitz himself adapts the screenplay, with Jill Green serving as executive producer.

Filming is scheduled to begin in March across stunning locations in Dublin, Corfu, and London. Lesley Manville reprises her role as Susan Ryeland, the sharp-witted former book editor perpetually entangled in real-life murders hidden within fictional tales. Tim McMullan returns as the dapper literary detective Atticus Pünd, who emerges from the pages to assist Susan in solving the latest puzzle.

deadline.com

Lesley Manville, Tim McMullan Return For ‘Marble Hall Murders’

In Marble Hall Murders, Susan returns to England and becomes reluctantly involved in a new Atticus Pünd mystery penned by a young author. Titled “Pünd’s Last Case,” the story unfolds in 1955 at an exotic villa in Corfu. Yet, as Susan delves deeper, she uncovers clues to a genuine murder concealed in the text—the killing of Miriam Crace, the world’s most celebrated children’s author. Once again, Susan finds herself in mortal peril as she races to identify the real killer.

ideastream.org

Tim McMullan on Magpie Murders | Ideastream Public Media

Manville, renowned for her roles in The Crown and Phantom Thread, brings depth and nuance to Susan Ryeland, blending intellectual curiosity with vulnerability. McMullan’s portrayal of Pünd—elegant, insightful, and quietly commanding—has become a fan favorite, drawing comparisons to classic literary detectives. Rebecca Gatward returns to direct, with Suzanne McAuley producing, ensuring continuity in the series’ signature style of intricate plotting and atmospheric suspense.

radiotimes.com

Moonflower Murders star Lesley Manville explains key change from book | Radio Times

Horowitz expressed enthusiasm for the project: “I’m so happy to bring the team back – stars, director, producers, and crew – for a third instalment of what has been a fantastically successful TV series. I have a feeling this could be the best yet.” Jill Green added, “Anthony has once again brought his unique and original perspective to the world of murder mystery. Marble Hall Murders completes the trilogy, and the scripts and lead actors are once again at the top of their game.”

Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, highlighted the series’ appeal: “We are so delighted that there is going to be another adaptation of the intricately plotted and brilliantly entertaining Susan Ryeland murder mystery series for BBC viewers to enjoy.” Moonflower Murders drew an average of 4.9 million viewers, cementing its status as one of the BBC’s top acquired scripted series in 2024.

ctpublic.org

Moonflower Murders | Connecticut Public

The Susan Ryeland books cleverly merge meta-fiction with traditional whodunits: Susan deciphers real crimes embedded in fictional narratives, creating layered mysteries that delight puzzle enthusiasts. Horowitz, a master of the genre with credits including Foyle’s War and new Sherlock Holmes novels, crafts stories rich in misdirection, character depth, and homage to golden-age detectives.

thenerddaily.com

Read An Excerpt From ‘Marble Hall Murders’ by Anthony Horowitz | The Nerd Daily

Production spans diverse settings: Dublin’s historic charm stands in for English locales, while Corfu’s sun-drenched villas and azure seas evoke the 1955 narrative’s exotic allure. London’s urban sophistication rounds out the visual palette, promising lush cinematography that enhances the suspense.

thethinkingtraveller.com

The Durrels in Corfu: Their film locations

Distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures Television, with PBS Distribution handling North America, Marble Hall Murders concludes the trilogy on a high note. Fans anticipate a fitting finale to Susan’s adventures, blending literary cleverness with high-stakes drama.

As production ramps up, excitement builds for what Horowitz calls potentially “the best yet.” With Manville and McMullan’s chemistry, Horowitz’s sharp scripting, and evocative locations, Marble Hall Murders is poised to captivate audiences once more.

thebookseller.com