Downton Abbey star to star in Channel 5 drama adaptation The Puzzle Lady

Now Logan will lead the cast of an adaptation of late author Parnell Hall’s popular crime novels The Puzzle Lady Mysteries, which spawned 20 entries between 1999 and 2019.

The season one synopsis has been released, confirming that the story will begin with “a strange murder” that rocks the “sleepy market town of Bakerbury.”

It continues: “Local police are puzzled by a crossword puzzle left on the body. With their case going nowhere, they reluctantly turn to Cora Felton.” [Logan]a newcomer to Bakerbury.

More like that

Felton enjoys a certain amount of “fame” as the so-called “Puzzle Lady” of the title, giving the case’s investigators hope that she may be able to solve the first murder in her quiet hometown.

The synopsis reads: “But the eccentric Cora is not who she seems, and when she becomes involved in a murder mystery that mystifies the townspeople, she begins to gather allies and enemies alike flock.”

Paul Testar, Editor-in-Chief of Drama at Channel 5 and Paramount Plus, commented: “We are delighted to bring The Puzzle Lady to Channel 5, a gripping, cozy crime drama that will puzzle and entertain viewers in equal measure.”

“Phyllis Logan will be outstanding as Cora Felton, our Puzzle Lady.”

Emily Dalton, managing director of production company Factual Fiction, added: “With Cora Felton [screenwriter] “Dominique Moloney has written a character that is out of the book and we are so happy that the wonderful Phyllis Logan will bring The Puzzle Lady to life.”

The Puzzle Lady is currently filming in Northern Ireland and is due to premiere on Channel 5 next year. We’ll bring you more updates as they arrive.

The Puzzle Lady is coming soon to Channel 5.

Check out more of our drama coverage or visit our TV and streaming guide to find out what’s on. For more on TV’s biggest stars, check out the Radio Times Podcast.