In the wake of successfully transforming an intricate murder mystery novel into a gripping television series, Magpie Murders is set to captivate audiences once again with its second season. The upcoming season, which is more of a follow-up series than a direct sequel, will be renamed Moonflower Murders. The first season of Magpie Murders debuted in the United Kingdom in February 2022. It was a six-part drama series from PBS Masterpiece, inspired by Anthony Horowitz’s novel bearing the same title.
The original novel by Horowitz spans a hefty 650 pages and is characterized by a complex “story within a story” narrative, featuring two simultaneous murder mysteries. Despite the intricate plot, the creators of Magpie Murders managed to craft a compelling and cozy murder mystery series, underpinned by outstanding performances, a touch of humor, and unexpected plot twists.
Following the conclusion of the first season, the BBC announced that it had secured the rights to Magpie Murders from PBS and would proceed with the second season. PBS will continue to co-produce the series alongside Horowitz, who penned the first season and will return to write for the second season. The positive reception of the show and its intriguing new title have sparked anticipation for what’s to come.
As we look forward to Magpie Murders season 2, or Moonflower Murders as it will be known, here’s what we know so far. The second season is still in the early stages of production, with an official trailer and release date yet to be revealed. However, it has been hinted that the series is set for a 2024 release in the UK. The first season premiered in February, suggesting that season 2 might follow a similar timeline. However, given the busy schedule of its lead star, Lesley Manville, who is currently involved in projects like The Crown and Citadel, the release could be delayed.
The first season of Magpie Murders covered the narrative of Horowitz’s original novel, and the second season will draw from a different book. The new title, Moonflower Murders, confirms that it will be based on Horowitz’s sequel to Magpie Murders. The sequel continues the intricate “story within a story” format, following a woman’s journey to solve the mystery of a missing hotel worker using clues from a murder thriller book written by the late author Alan Conway.
Given that the first season of Magpie Murders effectively wrapped up its murder mystery, it is likely that the second season will transition viewers to the fresh setting and mystery introduced in Moonflower Murders. As of now, the BBC has confirmed that Lesley Manville will reprise her role as Ryeland and Timothy McMullan will return as Atticus Pünd. These characters are central to the plot, with Ryeland serving as the editor of Conway’s books, which are linked to real-life murder mysteries, and Pünd being the protagonist of Conway’s books.
While not officially confirmed, it is highly likely that Alexandros Logothetis will return as Andreas Patakis, Ryeland’s partner, given his significant role in the Moonflower Murders book. Conleth Hill could also make a comeback as Conway in flashbacks or cameo appearances. As this is a new narrative and setting, audiences should anticipate several new additions to the cast in season 2.
Magpie Murders has proven to be a delightful addition to the cozy murder mystery genre, providing an engaging blend of amateur sleuthing and murder thriller elements. Its unique approach to storytelling, featuring a story within a story and a female detective at its core, has appealed to fans of cozy mystery and murder thriller books alike. As we await further details about season 2, one thing is for sure – fans can expect another captivating season filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists.