Acorn TV airs another worthy crime drama named for Whitstable Pearl, a restaurant that’s owned by protagonist Pearl Nolan.
What fuels this crime drama is the odd-couple relationship that grows between Pearl and London detective Mike McGuire. She’s nearing middle age and alone. Mike’s nearing middle age and alone. She is heart-felt, kind, and friendly. He’s taciturn and unfriendly. Pearl happens to be a clever small-town sleuth; Mike also happens to be an excellent sleuth—but one of those disliked big-city Londoner types.
Conflict sparks—maybe something else too. Their mutual respect becomes a comfortable and familiar chair.
British comedian Kerry Godliman is the warm-hearted, down-to-earth Pearl, while Howard Charles plays saturnine DCI Mike McGuire. Whitstable itself, an English coastal village near Canterbury, provides quaint backdrops to the serious moments.
The 6-episode series was released May, 2021, and is based on two novels by British mystery writer Julie Wassmer. Content is appropriate for PG-viewing. Violence is mild with limited profanity. (Acorn TV)
About the Author
Cynthia Beach authored the 2024 novel, The Surface of Water, and the writing book, Creative Juices for Writers. She co-directs Scriptoria Workshop with Newbery-winner Gary Schmidt. In 2025-6, she will serve as Artist in Residence in Dundee, Scotland.