Ian Weir (Showrunner), L.R. Wright (Novel)

CAST

Rossif Sutherland
Kristin Kreuk

Review

Murder in a Small Town is based on L.R. Wright’s Alberg and Cassandra Mysteries, set in a coastal town in British Columbia, Canada that hides a darker side beneath its quaint exterior. The show centers around Karl Alberg portrayed by Rossif Sutherland, a big-city cop seeking solace in a quieter life, only to find that the small town’s charm belies a series of mysterious murders that demand all his investigative skills.

Despite its crime-focused premise, Murder in a Small Town is far from a gritty or intense police procedural. Instead, the show has a cozy mystery vibe, offering a lighter, more relaxed take on the genre. With its calm pacing and picturesque setting, the series feels like a Hallmark Channel production—cutesy, murdery, and surprisingly chill. It’s the kind of show you can settle into with a cup of tea or a cold beer, and simply enjoy as a comforting escape, even with murder at its core. You got to suspend your disbelief watching this show because there is a murder every episode, meaning that such a tiny place has people getting killed on the regular.

The chemistry between leads Kristin Kreuk and Rossif Sutherland is good and strong but the way their romance is written is not quite there. However, their dynamic adds warmth to the story and hints at deeper character development to come. Their relationship seems very….seasoned in the sense that it’s not their first rodeo and they’re quite aware of what they want. Kreuk’s character brings a refreshing energy, while Sutherland, as Karl Alberg, strikes a balance between a seasoned detective and someone eager for a fresh start.

Overall, the pilot delivers a charming and easy-to-watch experience. It’s perfect for viewers looking for a low-stakes mystery show, where the tension doesn’t get too overwhelming, and the characters feel like ones you’d want to revisit each week. If you’re in the mood for a cozy crime drama that doesn’t take itself too seriously, or just want to procrastinate Murder in a Small Town is worth checking out.

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